International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism: Monday, 21 August 2023

“Terrorism” involves the intimidation or coercion of populations or governments through the threat or perpetration of violence.

Fighting terrorism and protecting its victims are top priorities for the international community. Terrorist threat is resurgent in many parts of our world.*

Terrorist attacks are attacks on our society, our values and our way of being. They must be prevented, and the financing, movement and activity of terrorist networks stopped, to avoid future violations of human rights. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own streets and their own home.

Victims of terrorism are individuals across the globe that have been attacked, injured, traumatized or lost their lives during terrorist attacks.

In December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution 72/165 (2017) proclaiming 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (“International Day”), in order to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, the International Day:

• ensures that we pause every year to reflect and recall the worldwide commitment to supporting victims of terrorism;
• serves to commemorate and uphold the dignity of victims and highlights the importance of global solidarity in ensuring that victims are not forgotten.

Remembrance of and paying tribute to victims of terrorism plays a central role in demonstrating that their status as victims is respected and recognized.

On this sixth commemoration of the International Day, UIA believes that terrorism is unacceptable in all its forms and manifestations, and stands in solidarity with all victims/survivors of terrorism (both people who have been targets of an attack and those who have lost a relative).

We will always remember.