Remember Victims of Terrorism Responsibly, Never Exploit Their Stories to Sow More Hate, Secretary-General Urges in Observance Message

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message on the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on 21 August:

Today, we pay tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorism.  We honour their courage; amplify their voices; and reaffirm our commitment to their dignity and rights.  This year’s theme, “Healing through Memory”, reminds us that remembrance is a pathway to recovery and renewal.

But how we remember matters.  Victims’ stories must never be exploited or used to sow more hate, including on digital platforms.  When we commemorate responsibly, we protect victims from further trauma and counter the harmful narratives terrorism seeks to spread.

Instead of letting terror divide us, we can and must stay united.  Today and every day, let us stand in solidarity with victims and survivors.  And build a future free from violence and fear.