The Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) was established by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). One important result of the first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, which took place in September 2022, is the network. It brings together civil society groups from throughout the world, victims’ associations, and terrorist survivors.
The United Nations (UN) occupies a central and multi-dimensional place in international counter-terrorism, offering a broad framework, guiding international activity, and assisting member states in preventing and fighting terrorism. The objective is to give victims and survivors a secure environment in which they may help one another, develop resilience, and work as advocates, educators, and peacemakers.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov praised the bravery and tenacity of the victims and expressed sympathy with all of them, irrespective of their nationality, race, or religion. He called for more assistance and stated, “Many have chosen to raise their voices, becoming powerful advocates for solidarity and tolerance in the face of unimaginable personal tragedy.” The demands of survivors and victims are frequently pressing and underfunded. Assistance from both domestic and foreign sources is still vital,” he said.
Spain provided financial backing for the creation of VoTAN, and the country’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno said the platform’s inauguration is a significant step that would enable victims to communicate and help one another.
“We trust that other Member States, especially those belonging to the Group of Friends, will also support the Global Network, as civil society and governments can work together to understand victims’ needs,” he continued. To support the need to defend victims’ rights, the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism was founded over six years ago, with Spain and Iraq serving as its chairs.
Co-chair Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Republic of Iraq’s Permanent Mission, reiterated the Group’s support for everyone impacted. He declared, “They all have our highest respect, and we will keep doing everything we can to make them feel valued, cared for, and protected.”
Five terrorist victims and victims’ organizations gave comments as the event came to a close.
In her remarks, Grace Acan from Uganda emphasized “the critical importance of collaboration, resilience, and partnership.”
“By forming partnerships, we can raise our voices, fight for justice, and make sure that victims’ needs are addressed quickly and compassionately,” she added. “By working together, we can turn our suffering into meaning and make the world a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.”
