Nigeel Namai was four months old when his father was killed in the 1998 attack on the Embassy of the United States in Nairobi.

Growing up without a father, Nigeel had to rely on memories and stories to learn about him. These days, whenever Nigeel wears a suit, he thinks about his father, who was always smartly dressed.

He hopes that by wearing a suit, his father would be proud of the young man he has become.

Like Nigeel, many victims and survivors of terrorism rely on memories and meaningful physical objects to remain connected to lost loved ones, or even to former versions of themselves that were lost or forever changed.

This desire to attach meaning to physical objects is part of our shared human experience. We do it from the moment we are born.

The “Memories” campaign was launched by the Global Victims of Terrorism Programme last year. It portrays the intimate stories of 22 victims of terrorism, as well as the personal meaning tied to physical objects they hold dear.

Through film and photography, “Memories” highlights these stories in a simple but powerful way for audiences to relate to the victims, feel their loss, and better understand the importance of remembering and memorializing them.

“Memories” aims to raise awareness about the long-lasting impact terrorist attacks have on their surviving victims. It highlights the commonalities that connect victims and survivors across the world and emphasizes the importance of preventing terrorist attacks and the emergence of new victims.

The “Memories” exhibition is currently on view in the Visitors Lobby of UN Headquarters in New York as part of the activities organized by the Global Victims of Terrorism Programme to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (21 August). It will remain on display until 1 September.

Everyone may see the “Memories” exhibition and videos of the victims of terrorism virtually throughout the year.

The Global Victims of Terrorism Programme is a flagship programme of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism and its Counter-Terrorism Centre.