STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE ORGANISATION OF THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OFREMEMBERANCE OF AND TRIBUTE TO THE VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

Brussels, 21 August 2020/OACPS: The International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed each year on 21 August. On behalf of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, expresses profound solidarity with the victims and survivors of terrorism and their families. The Secretary-General is of the view that the continued threat of terrorism is a reality, and that it is one of the global challenges we face today. The fight against terrorism and violent extremism remains a key priority for the the international community, including the OACPS.

H.E. Mr. Chikoti recalls that this day of remembrance and tribute is a reminder of the suffering endured by victims of terrorism. It is therefore an opportunity to reaffirm our determination to recognise, honor and lift the voices of those left behind, and ensure we do all we can to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The Secretary-General acknowledges that victims of terrorism face multifaceted challenges with respect to supporting their needs and upholding their rights – issues which are sometimes overlooked. He stresses the need to recognise the impact terrorism has on the lives of victims and their communities, and calls for the support of their needs – which remains a moral imperative – based on promoting, protecting and respecting their human rights. In so doing, we honour our common humanity, and reduce the lasting damage inflicted by terrorists on individuals, families and communities.

H.E. Mr. Chikoti underscores the urgency of international solidarity, backed by mechanisms that provide access to justice, long term medical, financial, and psychological support to the victims. He calls for alliances that support recovery and rebuilding of the lives of the victims of terrorism, as well as their rehabilitation and integration back into society.

The Secretary-General underlines the OACPS’s commitment to fight against all acts of terrorism, and calls on all its Members to ensure that the rights of victims are at the center of strategies for preventing terrorism and ending cycles that breed violence and radicalisation.