International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States
About
The **International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism**, observed on **August 21**, honors the people whose lives have been affected or taken by acts of terrorism around the world. It offers an opportunity to remember victims with dignity and compassion, while recognizing the lasting impact these acts can have on families, communities, and survivors.
The observance also highlights the strength and resilience of those who have endured terrorism and affirms the importance of supporting their physical, emotional, and social recovery. On August 21, people are encouraged to stand against violence, uphold human rights, listen to survivors’ experiences, and work toward a more peaceful and secure future for all.
History
The **International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism** is observed annually on **August 21**. The United Nations General Assembly established the observance through Resolution 72/165, adopted on December 19, 2017. The resolution recognized the need to honor and support people who have been killed, injured, traumatized, or otherwise affected by terrorist attacks, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting their rights and dignity.
The observance emerged from growing international recognition that victims and survivors should have a central place in discussions about terrorism. For many years, international efforts focused primarily on preventing attacks and strengthening security cooperation. The United Nations increasingly highlighted another essential responsibility: ensuring that victims receive appropriate assistance, access to justice, recognition, and long-term support. August 21 therefore serves as a dedicated occasion for governments, international organizations, and communities to remember those affected and to reaffirm their commitment to helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Since its establishment, the day has developed into a platform for remembrance, public education, and advocacy. United Nations bodies and member states have used it to share victims’ experiences, draw attention to the psychological, physical, social, and economic consequences of terrorism, and discuss ways to improve support services. Its message also stresses that victims should not be reduced to statistics and that their voices can help shape more effective policies concerning prevention, accountability, rehabilitation, and human rights.
Culturally, the observance provides a solemn opportunity for families and communities to mourn and preserve the memory of those lost. It also encourages solidarity with survivors and rejects the idea that violence should define the identity of any community. By marking **August 21** each year, the international community links remembrance with a broader appeal for compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity, while reaffirming opposition to terrorism in all its forms.