Published on: 2026-08-21
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 21, 2026 Peace and Security
This year, the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on August 21, is held under the theme “Healing through memory.” The UN emphasizes that by preserving the stories of the victims, society can strengthen social cohesion and promote the prevention of violence.
“Today we pay tribute to the victims of terrorism and those affected by it. We honor their courage… and reaffirm our commitment to protecting their rights and dignity,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a message on the occasion of the International Day.
“Healing through memory”
The topic was chosen in collaboration with the Network of Associations of Terrorism Victims. It is intended to remind that preserving memory can contribute to long-term recovery after terrorist attacks and help prevent violence in the future. At the same time, the UN emphasizes that commemorative events must be conducted with respect for the victims, taking into account the trauma they have experienced and not causing them harm.
“Victims’ stories should never be exploited or used to incite hatred, including on digital platforms,” the Secretary-General said.
According to the UN chief, a responsible approach to preserving memory helps protect victims from further pain and counteract propaganda, the spread of which is one of the goals of terrorism.
“Instead of allowing fear to cause division among us, we can and must maintain unity,” he added.
Voices of Terrorism Survivors
On the occasion of the International Day of the United Nations, a high-level virtual event is being held on August 21. Its participants honored the memory of the victims of terrorism worldwide with a global minute of silence.
A central place in the program was given to those who themselves survived terrorist acts. Among the speakers at the event were Joseph Pfeifer, former chief of the New York Fire Department unit, who was one of the first to arrive at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and lost his brother during the terrorist attack; Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and subsequently killed in captivity; as well as Sainab Warsame from Somalia and Yasmin Bouzidi from Morocco, who were victims of terrorist group actions.
As part of the event, a new initiative of the Network of Associations of Terrorism Victims was presented. The project is dedicated to the negative experiences that victims face on the internet. Its participants have prepared recommendations for technological platforms on how to make the digital space more focused on the needs of victims and considerate of the consequences of psychological trauma, as well as to prevent retraumatization.
The UN urges states, international organizations, civil society, education sector workers, media, and technology companies to promote a responsible approach to preserving memory, protect the rights of victims, and support their recovery after trauma. “Today, as every day, let us show solidarity with victims and those affected. And build a future where there is no place for violence and fear,” said the Secretary-General.
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