UN Action to Counter Terrorism

Section I, paragraph 8: “To consider putting in place, on a voluntary basis, national systems of assistance that would promote the needs of victims of terrorism and their families and facilitate the normalization of their lives. In this regard, we encourage States to request the relevant United Nations entities to help them to develop such national systems. We will also strive to promote international solidarity in support of victims and foster the involvement of civil society in a global campaign against terrorism and for its condemnation. This could include exploring at the General Assembly the possibility of developing practical mechanisms assistance to victims. “

Section IV: “We resolve to undertake the following measures, reaffirming that the promotion and protection of human rights for all and the rule of law is essential to all components of the Strategy... and stressing the need to promote and protect the rights of victims of terrorism.”

Status: As a first concrete step to assist Member States in their Strategy commitment on supporting victims, the Secretary-General convened a Symposium on Supporting Victims of Terrorism on 9 September 2008. The Symposium brought together victims, experts, and representatives of Member States, regional organizations, civil society and the media. The purpose of the Symposium was to give victims a human face and an identity, to provide a forum for discussing concrete steps to assist victims in coping with their experiences, to share best practices and to highlight measures already taken by Member States and non-governmental organizations to support and empower victims.

Following the Symposium, a report summarizing the key themes discussed at the Symposium and presenting a set of recommendations made by the participants was produced. In addition, a short video with clips from the Symposium was made.

Working Group on Supporting and Highlighting Victims of Terrorism

CTITF Entities: