In his message on the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance and Tribute to those who suffered from this scourge, the head of the organization recognized their remarkable examples of resilience and the enduring power of common humanity.

“This day urges us to listen and learn and is a reminder that we must always look for the light of hope,” he wrote.

Guterres called to together raise the voices of all victims and survivors, help educate present and future generations and build more peaceful and resilient societies for all.

“We pay tribute to all victims and survivors, including those who have chosen to share their stories of perseverance and forgiveness,” he added.

The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, proclaimed in 2017 by the UN General Assembly, invites the voices of survivors of these acts and their experiences to generate positive change.

According to the United Nations, thousands of innocent people are hurt, harmed and killed every year by events that propagate a range of hateful ideologies.

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

To achieve their recovery requires long-term support including physical, psychological, social and financial measures, the primary responsibility of member states.

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.

At the same time, 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.

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