International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is an observance to honour and pay tribute to the innocent victims of senseless acts of violence. The day acknowledges the pain and suffering experienced by victims and survivors worldwide and seeks to provide a platform of solidarity, support, and recognition. It advocates for the protection and promotion of the rights of those who have been affected by terrorism and encourages the international community to come together to prevent and combat this threat.

The establishment of International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 19, 2017, emphasising the need for supporting victims and their families. In the United Kingdom, the observance holds significant importance due to numerous terrorist attacks that have tragically taken place over the years. The 7/7 London bombings in 2005, the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, and the Westminster, London Bridge and Finsbury Park attacks of 2017 are reminders of the devastation caused by terrorism in the UK. The day provides an opportunity for people across the country to come together, remember the victims and acknowledge the resilience of the survivors and their families.

To observe the day, people may participate in memorial services, moments of silence, and release of commemorative publications. Schools, organizations, and communities also hold educational programs aimed at fostering tolerance, understanding, and the prevention of violent extremism. The date of this observance is August 21 of each year.

Facts about Victims of Terrorism

• According to ourworldindata.org, 95% of the deaths from terrorism in 2017 occurred in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia.
• Over the past decade, terrorists killed an average of 26,000 people worldwide each year.
• There are both direct victims (those who are physically hurt or killed) and indirect victims (those traumatized by the event such as witnesses or family members of the victims).
• The UK maintains a system for assessing the threat of terrorism known as the UK Threat Level. This level is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on intelligence and security assessments to inform counterterrorism efforts and public awareness.
• The 2005 London bombings resulted in the deaths of 52 people and injured more than 700.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Watch the UN's International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism video. It features survivors of terrorism speaking about remembrance on their own terms. They also share their individual journeys and experiences.
• Browse the UN's victim support portal. It is dedicated to the victims of terrorist attacks.
• Watch Manchester: 100 Days After the Attack (2017). The documentary follows the survivors and families affected by the Manchester Arena bombing after an Ariana Grande concert.
• Visit the 7 July Memorial located in Hyde Park. This memorial commemorates the victims of the 7 July 2005 London bombings.