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International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism: 21 August 2025
The General Assembly, in its , proclaimed 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. The focus of the International Day is to honour, remember, and pay tribute to the victims of terrorism by standing in solidarity and promoting and protecting their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
UNOCT/UNCCT Victims of Terrorism Unit
The Unit aims to show solidarity with, raise awareness on, and contribute to protecting, promoting and respecting the rights and supporting the needs of victims of terrorism. The Unit also works towards building the capacity of Member States and civil society organizations to better support the rights and needs of victims of terrorism.
2025 Event: United by Hope: collective action for Victims of Terrorism
To mark the eighth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations will organize a pre-recorded high-level virtual event titled “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism.” The 2025 theme, inspired by members of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), emphasizes the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose. United across regions, cultures, and experiences, victims and survivors are offering mutual support, amplifying one another’s voices, and driving collective action to raise awareness, influence policy, and ensure their rights and needs are placed at the center of counter-terrorism efforts.
The Day is both a tribute and a call to action, honoring victims’ resilience and leadership, while reaffirming our shared responsibility to uphold their rights. Only through sustained collaboration can we build truly inclusive, victim-centered responses to terrorism. United by hope, we can make a lasting impact. Together, victims are transforming grief into purpose, building a global movement that demands inclusion, recognition, and lasting peace.
The High-Level Segment will feature the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres keynote message followed by opening remarks from the Under-Secretary-General for the Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov. The segment will also include a statement by the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, the screening of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) , and a Global Minute of Silence honouring victims worldwide.
Following the high-level segment, a virtual panel discussion will gather victims and survivors of terrorism from diverse regional and personal backgrounds to explore how survivor leadership, peer-to-peer collaboration, and joint advocacy can strengthen global efforts to uphold victims’ rights and build more inclusive, resilient societies.
The event will be broadcast live and on-demand on .
VIRTUAL HIGH LEVEL COMMEMORATION EVENT PROGRAMME
21 August 2025 10.00- 11.15 am EDT (New York time)
| 10:00 a.m. |
Welcome remarks and moderation of event Ms. Ana Jiménez de la Hoz, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations and co-chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism |
| 10:03 a.m. |
Keynote remarks H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations |
| 10:05 a.m. | Opening remarks Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) |
| 10:10 a.m. |
Screening Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) Film |
| 10:19 a.m. |
Global Minute of Silence Featuring photos and footage of memorials and commemorations of victims of terrorism from around the world |
| 10:20 a.m. |
Statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism |
| 10:25 a.m. | Closing Remarks / End of High-Level Segment |
| 10:30 a.m. | Panel Discussion: “United by hope: Collective action for victims of terrorism” |
| 11:10 a.m. |
Music performed by the UN Chamber Music Society Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622, II. Adagio, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (extract from the 2020 event to commemorate International Day) |
Background
Acts of terrorism continue to claim and alter lives, and while global condemnation is clear, victims and survivors still struggle to have their voices heard and their rights upheld. Many remain in need of long-term physical, psychological, and social support—resources that are often limited.
The United Nations and its Member States have a responsibility to ensure victims of terrorism are not forgotten. The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy emphasizes this responsibility, particularly through its pillars focused on supporting victims and promoting human rights.
About International Day
Since the adoption of , the UN has commemorated this Day annually to honour the victims of terrorism and reaffirm the importance of upholding their rights. The most recent General Assembly calls on Member States to develop national comprehensive assistance plans and reaffirms the need to support victims of terrorism, especially women, children, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
The launch of VoTAN in 2025 reflects growing momentum to ensure victims are not only supported but empowered—through peer-led initiatives, advocacy, and shared leadership in global efforts to prevent and respond to terrorism.