PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution (A/RES/72/165 (2017), established 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism in order raise awareness on the importance of supporting victims of terrorism during their rehabilitation, to observe a minute of silence for the lost ones, to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorism, to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.The eighth review resolution, adopted on 22 June 2023 (A/RES/77/298) notes the importance of upholding the rights and supporting the needs of victims of terrorism, in particular of women, children and those affected by sexual and gender-based violence committed by terrorists. It encourages all Member States to develop national comprehensive assistance plans for victims of terrorism and their families to address the immediate-, short- and long-term needs of victims of terrorism. The resolution welcomed the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022 at United Nations Headquarters, encourages the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, through the Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme and the United Nations Victims of Terrorism Support Portal, to continue to raise awareness on victims of terrorism and the promotion and protection of their rights. This includes strengthening the capacity of Member States to assist victims of terrorism and strengthen their engagement with relevant civil society and private sector organisations, which can play a valuable role in assisting and supporting victims of terrorism. 

FORUM: "United by Hope - Collective action for victims of terrorism." International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025. This panel will bring together five victims and survivors of terrorism from diverse regional and personal backgrounds who are actively leading change within their communities, across borders, and through international advocacy. In line with this year’s theme, “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism”, the discussion will highlight the evolving role of victims in shaping policy, leading joint initiatives, and building cross-border alliances to advance the rights and needs of victims worldwide. Through personal experiences and collaborative examples, both within VoTAN and beyond, panelists will explore how collective leadership can drive meaningful change. The panel will be geographically diverse and gender-balanced, offering a forwardlooking perspective on how to strengthen the global impact of victim advocacy and engagement. The session will highlight the power of victim and survivors’ leadership, the need for meaningful participation in decision-making, and how working together can transform pain into purpose. This year, we pay tribute to victims and survivors of terrorism across the world and to their efforts to transform their personal tragedies into collective strengths, emphasizing the importance of heeding their voices when they advocate for peacebuilding initiatives while also fostering dialogue and promoting understanding among diverse communities. These efforts are critical components of peaceful and open societies, to which victims and survivors of terrorism play a pivotal role. On this day, we will held discussions on evaluating the potential threats and What are terrorism threat levels?. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #UNiteforVictimsofTerrorism, #UNCCT, #VictimsofTerrorism,  #21August, #FindingHope, #BuildingaPeacefulFuture.

EVENTS: 8th commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Amid the multiplicity of violent conflicts and terrorist attacks worldwide, this day continues to honour victims and survivors of terrorism, ensure their voices are elevated, raise awareness and highlight global solidarity. By amplifying the voices and experiences of victims, the International Day seeks to inspire collective action and empower individuals and communities to work towards a future defined by peace, solidarity, and resilience.

At UNHQ New York, on August 21st; starting at 10:00 a.m EDT, The United Nations marks the Eighth commemoration. To observe the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025, the UNCCT will highlight the powerful voices of victims of terrorism throughout their experiences and journeys to create meaningful and positive change by raising awareness about the long-lasting impact of terrorism and by honouring those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were forever altered. The United Nations will organize a pre-recorded high-level virtual event titled “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism.” The 2025 theme, inspired by members of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), emphasizes the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose. United across regions, cultures, and experiences, victims and survivors are offering mutual support, amplifying one another’s voices, and driving collective action to raise awareness, influence policy, and ensure their rights and needs are placed at the center of counter-terrorism efforts. The Day is both a tribute and a call to action, honoring victims’ resilience and leadership, while reaffirming our shared responsibility to uphold their rights. Only through sustained collaboration can we build truly inclusive, victim-centered responses to terrorism. United by hope, we can make a lasting impact. Together, victims are transforming grief into purpose, building a global movement that demands inclusion, recognition, and lasting peace. The High-Level Segment will feature the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres keynote message followed by opening remarks from the Under-Secretary-General for the Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov. The segment will also include a statement by the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, the screening of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) film, and a Global Minute of Silence honouring victims worldwide. Following the high-level segment, a virtual panel discussion will gather victims and survivors of terrorism from diverse regional and personal backgrounds to explore how survivor leadership, peer-to-peer collaboration, and joint advocacy can strengthen global efforts to uphold victims’ rights and build more inclusive, resilient societies. In the lead up to International Day, an exhibition will be displayed in the Visitors’ Lobby of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Read the concept note, Register to participate and Watch the livestream!

On August 21st, 2025; Starting 14:00–16:00 CEST (Geneva time) a Webinar entitled ‘‘Educational policies for preventing terrorism and empowering victims.” will be held by the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU).The event will gather parliamentarians, education experts, civil society, and victims’ representatives to discuss how inclusive, victim-centered education can prevent violent extremism and support recovery, especially among young victims. Parliaments play a crucial role in promoting laws and policies that foster peace, human rights, and social cohesion while recognizing the unique needs of those affected by terrorism. Read the concept note, get the agenda programme and register to participate!

PUBLICATIONS: Read the Global Terrorism Index 2025 report provided by the Vision for Hymanity and the Study of terrorism and Responses to terrorism from a consortium of researchers dedicated to improve the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism.

STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025; August 21st; the Statement by the UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism on the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025 and the Statement of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025.

Other statements

20 August 2025, Briefing Note: UN80 Reforms to United Nations Counter-terrorism Activities - Strengthening Human Rights, Gender Equality, the Rule of Law and Prevention.

25June 2025, UNHQ New York - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Embedding Human Rights in Cooperation between the United Nations Global Compact and Regional Organizations”, United Nations Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Retreat.

25June 2025, UN Geneva - Summary of Recommendations of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, "Summary of Recommendations for Regional Organizations to Protect Human Rights while Countering Terrorism".

June 2025, UN Geneva - Briefing Note: Israel’s International Legal Obligations to Protect UNRWA from ‘Terrorist’ Activities and Armed Interference.

4-5 June 2025, UN Vienna - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Reconciling Human Rights and Security Responses to Terrorism”, Networked Multilateralism – Strengthening Partnerships: A Rule of Law and Human Rights-Based Approach to Counter-Terrorism in Support of Peacebuilding.

21 May 2025, Somalia - End of Mission Statement: Country visit to Somalia, Ben Saul.

5-6 May 2025 - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Strengthening the Oversight and Accountability of National Security Agencies in South and South-East Asian Countries", Hosted by the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law, in Collaboration with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate Jakarta.

8 April 2025, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “The Impact of New Technologies on Countering the Financing of Terrorism", Second Roundtable of Counter-Terrorism Centres of Excellence Riyadh.

8 April 2025, UN Geneva - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Gaza Amendments to Israel’s “Unlawful Combatants Law” are Inconsistent with International Law”, first published in Opinio Juris.

14 march 2025, UN Geneva - Statement by the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, Ben Saul, "Australian Compensation for War Crimes in Afghanistan: A Rights-Based Approach, Not Military Charity, is Needed".

14 march 2025, UN Geneva - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “More Rights, Less Terror: Marking the 20th Anniversary of the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism”, Side event on the margins of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

13 march 2025, UN Geneva - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Dialogue on Independent Civil Society Engagement in Counter Terrorism: The Role of Regional Organizations”, Side event on the margins of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

12 -13 march 2025, UN Geneva - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Conference on National and Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategies Malta”, Side event on the margins of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

14 march 2025, UN Geneva - Side-event on the margins of the HRC 58, "More Rights, Less Terror: Marking the 20th Anniversary of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism".

12 march 2025, UN Geneva - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Press Conference on Gaza”, Side event on the margins of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

12 march 2025, UN Geneva - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Preventing and Suppressing Nuclear Terrorism while Respecting Human Rights”, Side event on the margins of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

11 march 2025, UN Geneva - Statement of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

10 march 2025, UN Geneva - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, "The Abuse of Counter-Terrorism: Trends in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)", Side event on the margins of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

4 march 2025, UNHQ New York - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Securing the Legacy: Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events”

4 march 2025, UNHQ New York - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “Key United Nations Counter-terrorism Activities and Achievements in 2024”, UNOCT Ambassadorial-level Briefing to Member States

 26 February 2025 -G7 2025, Ottawa - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, "G7 Dialogue on Transnational Repression: Turning Collective Experiences into Actionable Solution"
18 February 2025 - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur on the Council of Europe's Proposed Definition of Terrorism.

5 February 2025, UNHQ New York - Remarks of the Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, “The Pact for the Future and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact: Strengthening Policy Interventions and Building Member State Capacities to Prevent and Counter Terrorism”, Eleventh Meeting of the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Committee.