UN chief pays tribute to victims of terrorism

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorism, saying that acts of terrorism create “a wave of unimaginable grief.”
“Today we remember and honor the victims and survivors of terrorism,” Guterres said in a video message at a virtual high-level event, to mark the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed annually on Aug. 21.
Noting that acts of terrorism create “a wave of unimaginable grief,” the UN chief said that families and communities torn apart by terrorist acts “are forever changed.”
“The scars, both visible and invisible, never fully heal,” the UN chief stressed, adding that through the torment and tragedy, there have been examples of “resilience and the enduring power of our common humanity.”
Guterres highlighted this year’s theme “Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators,” saying that reflecting on personal trauma to educate others is “an act of immense courage.”
He paid tribute to all victims and survivors of terrorism, including those who have chosen to share their stories about perseverance and forgiveness.
The International Day urges people to listen and to learn, and is a reminder that “we must always seek out the light of hope,” Guterres said.
At the high-level event, Under-Secretary-General for the Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov said the commitment to prevent emergence of more victims remains as steadfast as ever, adding that listening to victims’ experiences is “a powerful reminder that terrorism has no place in this world.”
The event also featured testimonies from two victims/survivors of terrorism, and was followed by a virtual panel discussion on the theme “Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators.”
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2017 designating Aug. 21 as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism to honor and support the victims and survivors of terrorism. ■