The United Nations (UN) today called for the promotion, protection and respect of the rights of victims of terrorism on the International Day of Commemoration and Tribute to those who suffered from this scourge.

The date, proclaimed in 2017 by the UN General Assembly, invites to listen to the voices of survivors of these acts and their experiences to generate positive change.

On the occasion of the international day, the UN headquarters will host the virtual event Voices for Peace, with remarks by Secretary-General António Guterres, the head of the UN Office on Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, and two victims and survivors of terrorist acts.

According to the United Nations, acts that propagate a range of hateful ideologies hurt, harm and kill thousands of innocent people every year.

Their victims and survivors struggle to have their voices heard, their needs supported and their rights respected but often feel forgotten and abandoned.

Long-term multidimensional support, including physical, psychological, social and financial measures, is the primary responsibility of member states to achieve recovery.

In order to meet this challenge, the United Nations offers support to member states to implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

This initiative promotes through solidarity, capacity building, networking and support to civil society, in particular associations of victims of terrorism.

The UN considers terrorism to be the intimidation or coercion of populations or governments by threat or violence that may result in death, serious injury or hostage-taking.

To prevent this scourge, the forum insists on stopping the financing, movement and activities of terrorist networks that violate human rights.

Victims of terrorism must also have access to effective remedies and reparations and can play a key role in building stronger and more resilient societies.