Terror Survivors' Voices Essential for Preventing Future Attacks

A view of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai during the targeted 2008 terror attacks on the Indian city.

Terror attack survivors came together to bear witness at the UN Headquarters on Thursday, emphasizing that their voices must not be sidelined in shaping policy and driving efforts to prevent future atrocities.

This year marks the eighth commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. It serves to honor victims and survivors, elevate their voices, raise awareness, and foster global solidarity.

“This International Day is not only one of remembrance; it’s a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to uphold the rights, dignity, and voices of victims everywhere,” said Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) during remarks at the high-level commemoration.

“We pay tribute to those whose lives were stolen by terrorism and stand in solidarity with those who continue to live with the pain, loss, and trauma,” he added.

The event featured testimonies from survivors and relatives of those killed. One of the speakers said, “Support should not be a privilege; it is a right. And international solidarity must be matched by action.”

“I could no longer keep hiding my pain; I chose to transform it into purpose,” said Khalifah Mwarangi, whose father was killed in a terrorist attack in Kenya in November 2014.

This past April, UNOCT launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), a global initiative that reflects a powerful truth: victims of terrorism should not be seen as passive subjects of compassion and support.

Survivors’ voices are "integral to shaping policy and driving change to prevent similar attacks," said Mr. Voronkov.

“While terror tries to break us apart, coming together as victims builds strength,” said Nanda Daniel, a survivor of the 2004 attack on Australia’s embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.