When we respect human rights and provide them with support, we reduce the lasting damage to individuals…

Mumbai, August 23: When we respect human rights and provide them with support and information, we reduce the lasting damage to individuals says UN Secretary-General, António Guterres while urging people everywhere to support victims of terrorism and their families, saying it is "a moral imperative" to promote, protect, and respect their human rights.

 

The UN chief said in a statement on the first International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism yesterday that "caring for victims and survivors and amplifying their voices helps to challenge the narrative of hatred and division that terrorism aims to spread". "When we lift up the victims and survivors of terrorism, listen to their voices, respect their rights and provide them with support and justice," Guterres said, "we are honouring our common bonds, and reducing the lasting damage done by terrorists to individuals, families and communities".

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution last December "deeply deploring the suffering caused by terrorism to the victims and their families" and proclaiming August 21 as the annual day to honour and support victims and survivors. At the opening of a UN exhibition last Friday entitled "Surviving Terrorism: Victims' Voices" to commemorate the first annual international day, the secretary-general said victims have a powerful role to play in combatting the "global menace." "We can all learn from those who have experienced terrorism," Guterres said.