28 April 2025
The UN Office of
Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the Victims of Terrorism
Associations Network (VoTAN) on Monday.
The network is
a key outcome from the first UN
Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in
September 2022. It brings together victims and survivors of
terrorism, victims’ associations and civil society
organizations from across the globe.
The goal is to
provide a safe space for victims and survivors to support
each other, build resilience and engage as advocates,
educators, and peacebuilders.
Solidarity,
advocacy and assistance
Vladimir Voronkov, UN
Under Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, expressed
solidarity with all victims regardless of nationality,
ethnicity, or religion, and paid tribute to their courage
and resilience.
“In the face of unimaginable
personal tragedy, many have chosen to raise their voices,
becoming powerful advocates for solidarity and
tolerance,” he said, while also calling for
greater support.
“In many cases, the needs of
victims and survivors are urgent and underfunded.
International and national assistance remains critical,”
he stressed.
Understanding victims’
needs
The development of VoTAN received
financial support from Spain and its launch marks an
important step which will allow victims to connect and
support each other, said the country’s Foreign Minister
José Manuel Albares Bueno.
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“Synergies
between civil society and governments are essential to
understanding the needs of victims, so we trust
that other Member States, especially those belonging to the
Group of Friends, will also support the Global Network,”
he added.
The Group of Friends of Victims of
Terrorism, chaired by Spain and Iraq, was established nearly
six years ago to uphold the need to protect victims’
rights.
Co-chair Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi,
Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of the
Republic of Iraq, reaffirmed the Group’s solidarity with
all those affected.
“They all have our
utmost respect and commitment to continue doing everything
necessary to make them feel recognised, cared for and
protected,” he said.
Transforming
pain into purpose
The event concluded with
statements from five victims of terrorism and victims’
associations.
Grace Acan from Uganda highlighted
“the critical importance of collaboration, resilience and
partnership” in her remarks.
“Through
partnerships, we can amplify our voices, advocate for
justice and ensure that the needs of victims are met with
compassion and urgency,” she
said.
“Together, we can transform our pain
into purpose, creating a safer, more inclusive world for
all.”
