UN Conference on Human Rights of Victims of Terrorism

João Lázaro represented Victim Support Europe (VSE) at The UN Conference on Human Rights of Victims of Terrorism that took place on Thursday 11 February at the United Nations Headquarters.

The Conference, organised by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) gathered experts from civil society, academia as well as regional and international organisations. The conference aimed to examine how States can strengthen their national legislation, procedures and practices, based on the report on the “Framework Principles for Securing the Human rights of Victim of Terrorism” (A/HRC/20/14) by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

VSE’s President João Lazaro cautioned against the instrumentalisation of victims within the counter radicalisation narrative. As Sue O’Sullivan, Canadian Federal Ombudsman for victim of crime mentioned, some victims might want to tell their story to make sure the same doesn’t happen to others. These victims want to be part of solution but should always be given the choice whether or not to engage in this counter-narrative. Above all the well-being and safety of the victim should remain the key priority when developing the counter-narrative. ‘We should always put the Support for victims of terrorism and their families first.’