New York: Europe and the Arab World
In the presence of victims and survivors of terrorism, the "Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations" was launched at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This global platform aims to bring together victims of terrorism and their associations from around the world under one umbrella, with the aim of promoting the exchange of best practices, research, and resources, and building a community concerned with victims' rights. According to the UN Daily News, speaking at the launch event, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, said that the Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations will be a symbol of unity in supporting the rights and needs of victims around the world.
He emphasized that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and security, and that women, children, and youth are among the most affected groups. He emphasized that no country or citizen is immune to this global threat, warning that terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism constitute an assault on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all peoples.
Voronkov also noted that the needs of victims remain urgent and suffer from a lack of funding, calling for greater support for them in both developed and developing countries. He expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom of Spain for funding the development and launch of the network, and to the Republic of Iraq for its financial pledge for 2025 and its commitment to making the next International Conference on Victims of Terrorism a reality.
The Under-Secretary-General called on Member States to provide financial support to ensure the sustainability of the Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations and the Global Programme for Victims of Terrorism, considering the upcoming review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy next year an opportunity to strengthen collective action with and for victims.
He said that world leaders committed in the Charter for the Future to strive for a future free of terrorism, "and now is the time for Member States to act and make this commitment a reality."
Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
Mr. José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, and Mr. Abbas Kadhim Obaid, Chargé d'Affaires at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations, participated in the event as co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism.
Abbas Kadhim Obaid welcomed the launch of the Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations, saying it is "a global initiative that seeks to empower victims of terrorism by uniting their voices to strengthen their networks and rights at all levels." Kazem expressed his hope that this network would enable the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism to build on international efforts to combat and prevent the scourge of terrorism and promote a comprehensive approach to protecting human rights by bringing the voices of victims to the world and defending their rights and dignity.