International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2023: Significance, History, Theme

August 21, 2023 will be observed as International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism in tribute to those who lost their lives in terrorist activities. The day also honors the survivors of terrorism and focuses on strengthening the activities to make their voices heard. As per the United Nations, the day is all about allowing the victims of terrorism to have their needs supported and their rights upheld.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2023

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2023 Upcoming Events

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism for the next 5 years.

Significance

There is not a single part of the world that is untouched by terrorism activities, although the impact may vary at different places. These activities have increased in recent past and the need for the world to come together and find solution to this problem is more than ever. The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism highlights the need to take actions so that lives of millions of people who have suffered the burden of such acts can be spared. This day also aims at raising awareness and empathy for victims of terrorism and upholding their rights.

History

The General Assembly, in its resolution (A/RES/72/165 (2017), established 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Further, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in April 2020 published a report on the ‘Progress of the UN system to support Member States in assisting victims of terrorism’. In its seventh review resolution, the United Nation adopted on 30 June 2021, the importance of upholding the rights and supporting the needs of victims of terrorism.

Theme

2023 Theme: Legacy: Finding Hope and Building a Better Future

The theme of International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2022 was “memories,”. The theme was chosen to lay emphasis on finding creative ways for the terrorism victims to stay connected while being isolated from each other, during the pandemic. The theme for year 2023 has not been announced yet but will be announced soon by the United Nations.

How is International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism Observed?

On this day, the United Nations conducts different events focused on the victims and survivors of terrorist activities to draw worldwide attention towards the same. People all over the world are welcomed to participate in these events. As an individual, people can be part of events that support anti-terrorism and learn to be kind to everyone, regardless of their race or religion. You can visit terrorism relief organizations in your locality and become a volunteer to support the victims. Be their voices and raise awareness among your friends and families about the heinous crimes of terrorism and how they can do their part to help them.

FAQs

Question 1: What will be the theme for International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2023?

Answer: Legacy: Finding Hope and Building a Better Future

Question 2: What countries are most affected by the terrorist activities?

Answer: According to Global Terrorism Index Ranking 2022, the following are the top ten countries affected by terrorism- Pakistan, Iraq, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Syria, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Myanmar and Afghanistan.

Question 3: How serious is the effect of terrorist activities on the world?

Answer: Over the past decade, an average of over 20000 people are killed every year due to terrorist activities and there are many more survivors left behind who suffers from mental and physical trauma their whole lives.