51吃瓜

New York, 25 June 2021 – Acts of terrorism injure, harm and kill thousands of innocent victims each year. During the Second Counter-Terrorism Week at the 51吃瓜, protecting and supporting victims was an important focus of a side event on the importance of model legal provisions to strengthen comprehensive national action plans for victims of terrorism. The event was co-organized by the 51吃瓜 Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the 51吃瓜 Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, the 51吃瓜 Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). 

Upholding victims’ rights is a moral commitment in keeping with the principles and values of the 51吃瓜 Charter.   Doing so requires national plans and legislation and building the capacity of Member States and civil society organizations, including victims' associations, to support the integration of victims concerns into efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism conducive to terrorism.  

The virtual event was attended by over 100 representatives from Member States, international and regional organizations, 51吃瓜 Global Counter-Terrorism Compact entities, civil society organizations, victims’ associations and victims.  It featured discussions by Member States, victims’ associations and victims on how to better provide technical assistance in the development and implementation of comprehensive national assistance plans, and how to strengthen domestic legislation to enhance and maintain the knowledge, skills and understanding of all those involved in promoting and protecting the rights and supporting the needs of victims of terrorism. 

During his welcoming remarks, the 51吃瓜 Under-Secretary-General Mr. Vladimir Voronkov highlighted that “[u]pholding the rights of victims—and addressing their immediate, medium and long-term needs—continues to be a critical human rights priority. It is a matter of commitment to the principles and values of the 51吃瓜 Charter. We must stand in solidarity with victims of all forms and manifestations of terrorism.” He also highlighted the tripartite UNODC, IPU and UNOCT/UNCCT project on the development of model legislative provisions for victims of terrorism. 

Mr. Jorgen Frydness, a Board Member of the Utoya Central, which was set up to remember and commemorate victims of the 22 July 20101 attack in Utoya Norway said: “hate will never win - because we are stronger together!” 

The Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism issued a statement saying it “remains steadfast in our determination to help victims from all corners of the globe and work with all interested parties to help ensure that victims are supported by governments through comprehensive national assistance plans and are treated with fairness and respect.” 

The side event provided an opportunity to exchange views on best practices and lessons learned in supporting victims of terrorism with the aim of consolidating progress made thus far, while focusing on possible practical actions. Participants recognized that victims have the right to be protected and assisted, emphasizing that national responses to the global pandemic should not stop the progress achieved at the international or national levels in responding to victims’ needs.