Victim Support Europe at the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism in New York

Published 13 September 2022.

Victim Support Europe’s Executive Director Levent Altan participated in the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, organised by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in New York. Held under the theme of “Advancing the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism”, the Congress provided a platform for dialogue and engagement on a victim-centric approach to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism. More than 600 participants, including close to 100 victims of terrorism from 25 countries across the globe attended in person.

Aimed at advancing dialogue and engagement on a victim-centric approach to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism, the Global Congress High Level opening session held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall began with a poignant call to action by ten victims and survivors of terrorism from around the world.

This call to action was followed by a High-Level Parliamentary Session during which representatives of national assemblies emphasised the need to develop, strengthen and tailor domestic legislation to respond to the complex needs of victims. They also highlighted the importance of having the rights of victims of terrorism clearly recognised in national legislation, in line with international human rights frameworks.

Following the High-Level opening session, the Congress continued its work through six interactive thematic sessions spread throughout the two days that were expected to yield clear and concrete recommendations for action at all levels. The themes of the sessions include the importance of remembrance; access to justice for victims of terrorism; rehabilitation, assistance and support as well as protecting and addressing the rights and needs of victims of terrorism with specific needs.

Additional information can be found on the dedicated webpage for the 2022 Global Congress.