Save the Date – 20 August: International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

The General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/72/165, proclaimed 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (hereinafter referred to as “International Day”). In 2021, the International Day will be commemorated on Friday, 20 August at 9:00am EST. 

The theme for the 2021 International Day is “Connections”, as victims have had to find creative ways to stay connected while being isolated from each other, from their families, friends and communities during the pandemic. It is important for the international community to connect and stand in solidarity with victims, for Member States to connect to learn from each other and share good practices, ensuring that victims needs are met, and their rights upheld.

To observe the International Day, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)/the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, are holding an online high-level event entitled ‘Surviving Terrorism: The Power of Connections’  with the participation of the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres and will features testimonies from victims of terrorism and closing remarks from Under-Secretary-General Mr. Vladimir Voronkov.  

A short film “Surviving Terrorism: The Power of Connections” will be launched, which features testimonies of victims and survivors of terrorism from across the world reciting a collective ode and sharing why connections is important. This will be followed by an interactive discussion featuring victims and victims’ associations to discuss the importance of connections and how to strengthen the rights and needs of victims. 

An Invitation and the Registration link will be sent out in the following weeks.