With our focus mainly on the response to the pandemic, it is still critical to commemorate this year’s International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism to remember and honour the victims of terrorism. An online high-level event entitled “Not Forgotten: Stories of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism”, will be held on 21 August, 10 am EDT, with the participation of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres. Victims will speak reminding the audience that it is not only about bereavement, but also about acknowledging the experience of survivors.
Countering Terrorism
Over 43,000 individuals from approximately 100 countries are believed to have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIL and other groups. Following ISIL’s loss of territory, approximately 11,000 individuals, mostly women and children, are stranded in camps in Syria and Iraq.
“Strategic and Practical Challenges of Countering Terrorism in a Global Pandemic Environment” is the theme for this year’s Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week, held from 6-10 July. The event will provide an opportunity to bring Member States, United Nations entities, thought leaders, civil society representatives and other stakeholders together to exchange views, through strategic and expert-level online events, on the new counter-terrorism landscape created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The opening two-hour high-level session will be live via on Monday, 6 July at 10:00 am EST.