International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism- 21st August 2023
By Lené Sophia Strydom / GICJ
Terrorism has been condemned as one of the most serious threats to peace globally. Terrorism violates all forms of security within a nation and its community, but more importantly, the whole world feels the impact of a terrorist attack and joins together in grievance for the victims of terrorism. This is what makes the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism so incredibly important; to ensure people remember year after year the effects of terrorism, and to continue commemorating and recognising the brave victims of terrorism.
United Nations Definition of Terrorism
The United Nations’ definition of terrorism entails criminal acts aimed at causing death, serious bodily harm, or hostage taking, with the intent to instil terror or coerce a government or international organisation into actions contrary to anti-terrorism conventions and protocols. Such acts are deemed unjustifiable irrespective of political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, or religious motivations [1] . This definition serves as a foundational framework for understanding the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
Victims of Terrorism
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism centres around the ideology that terrorism and its acts transcend religion or nationality; anyone can fall victim to terrorism. The terrorist attack of 9/11 still weighs heavy on the international heart as one of the most significant terrorist attacks on international soil. A comprehensive report disclosed the diverse nationalities of the victims affected by the attack, emphasising the crucial understanding that anyone, regardless of background or beliefs, can be a victim of terrorism. The report revealed that the 9/11 attacks directly or indirectly impacted over 120 different nationalities [2].
Combatting Terrorism
Combating terrorism stands as a paramount objective for international peace and security, with a critical emphasis on the well-being of terrorism’s victims. Ms. Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the Special Rapporteur on the protection and promotion of human rights while countering terrorism, delivered a mandate during the opening statement to the CT PHARE (Platform for Human Rights Engagement Expert) group meeting at the International Institute for Justice in March 2023. Key components were accentuated as crucial areas that were necessary for revision to effectively combat terrorism for both the betterment of victims and the enhancement of international security. Ms. Aolain spoke candidly, elucidating that the absence of semantic clarity regarding terrorism on the global stage profoundly impacts its implementation at the national level. She further emphasised that imprecise definitions, insufficient safeguards against terrorism, and the adoption of extreme legal measures have led to the misuse of counter-terrorism efforts, ultimately failing the victims of terrorism [3].
Consequently, continuous efforts are underway to counter terrorism. For example, the United Nations has introduced and implemented a seven-step programme focusing on supporting victims of terrorism [4];
- Victims of Terrorism Support Portal
- Support to Member States, including the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
- The United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism 2022
- International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, 21 August
- Capacity building and technical assistance to Member States, civil society and victims
- UN System coordination
- Advocacy, outreach and policy work
Victims of Terrorism in Syria
Numerous instances across the globe underscore the significance of combating terrorism in the interest of its victims. Nonetheless, the Special Rapporteur at the CT PHARE deemed it imperative to address the issues and violations concerning the treatment of victims of terrorism in Syria.
The lack of precise delineation in human rights and humanitarian law has resulted in the detention of approximately 65,000 men, women, and children over the past four years for alleged association with a designated terrorist group. These victims have been forcibly placed in detention centres, prisons, and closed camps, enduring inhumane treatment. Furthermore, within the main camps, over 60% of the population consists of children, with 80% of them under the age of twelve, and 30% under the age of five [3]. The situation facing children in Syria stands in violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, challenging the principle that children should not face punishment based on the “status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs” of their parents. When children are found with armed groups, the initial assumption should be that they are victims subjected to human rights and humanitarian law abuses, which may also entail potential victims of human trafficking. The plight of victims of terrorism in Syria exemplifies severe human rights violations imposed upon these victims, accentuating the diverse array of individuals who can fall victim to terrorism and terrorist attacks.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)
The Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) calls upon states to review the International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law concerning counterterrorism, aiming to ensure the safety and support of victims of terrorism. Terrorism systematically erodes various dimensions of security within a nation and its communities, accentuating the diverse spectrum of individuals susceptible to becoming victims of terrorist acts. GICJ pays homage to the resilient victims of terrorism while commending organisations like the United Nations for their continued endeavours in advocating for the rights and well-being of the victims affected by acts of terrorism.
GICJ, VictimsofTerrorism, Counter-Terrorism, Justice, Syria, GenevaInternationalCentreforJustice
References:
[1] Security Council Press Release. 2004. “SECURITY COUNCIL ACTS UNANIMOUSLY to ADOPT RESOLUTION STRONGLY CONDEMNING TERRORISM as ONE of MOST SERIOUS THREATS to PEACE | UN Press.” Press.un.org. October 8, 2004. https://press.un.org/en/2004/sc8214.doc.htm#:~:text=By%20the%20unanimous%20adoption%20of..
[2] Mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur. 2023. “Check against Delivery Mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights While Countering Terrorism Opening Statement to the CT PHARE -Platform for Human Rights Engagement Expert Group Meeting Human Rights Issues While Countering Terrorism.” https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/terrorism/sr/statements/SR-HRCT-Statement-CT-Phare.pdf.
[3] United Nations. 2023. “Victims of Terrorism | Office of Counter-Terrorism.” Www.un.org. 2023. https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/cct/victims-of-terrorism.
