{"id":9093,"date":"2026-08-22T20:02:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T18:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/?p=9093"},"modified":"2026-08-22T20:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T18:02:32","slug":"international-day-of-remembrance-and-tribute-to-the-victims-of-terrorism-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/en\/international-day-of-remembrance-and-tribute-to-the-victims-of-terrorism-3\/","title":{"rendered":"International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Ref: PRS 2026\/08\/1064<\/td>August 21, 2026<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healing Through Memory, Supporting Victims Is a Human and Moral Duty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTerrorism is fundamentally the denial and destruction of human rights, and the war against terrorism will never succeed by perpetuating that same denial and destruction.\u201d \u2014 Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, United Nations Secretary\u2011General<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United Nations General Assembly designated 21 August<\/strong> as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism<\/em>, to honour victims, support survivors, and promote the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Although terrorism affects many countries, its victims remain heavily concentrated in a small number of states and regions. UN data shows that victims often feel forgotten once the immediate shock of attacks fades, leaving long\u2011lasting and intergenerational consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2026, the UN\u2019s theme \u2014 \u201cHealing Through Memory\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 highlights the importance of preserving victims\u2019 stories and experiences as part of their healing, dignity, and recognition. It underscores the need for remembrance efforts that are victim\u2011centered<\/strong>, trauma\u2011informed<\/strong>, and respectful, including in digital spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Global Terrorism Trends<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026<\/strong>, the world recorded a significant decline in terrorism during 2025. Deaths fell by 28%<\/strong> to 5,582<\/strong>, and attacks decreased by 22%<\/strong>. Despite this improvement, terrorism remains highly concentrated<\/strong>, with 70% of deaths<\/strong> occurring in just five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sahel region<\/strong> continues to be the global epicentre of terrorism, accounting for more than half of all terrorism\u2011related deaths. Burkina Faso recorded a 45%<\/strong> drop in fatalities, yet attacks became more lethal, driven by groups such as ISIS<\/strong>, JNIM<\/strong>, and al\u2011Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan<\/strong> experienced its worst year since 2013, with 1,139 deaths<\/strong>, driven by escalating activity from Tehrik\u2011e\u2011Taliban Pakistan (TTP)<\/strong> and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)<\/strong>. Rising tensions with Afghanistan culminated in open conflict in February 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Nigeria<\/strong>, terrorism deaths rose by 46%<\/strong> to 750<\/strong>, with ISWAP<\/strong> and Boko Haram<\/strong> responsible for 80% of fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DRC<\/strong> reached its worst\u2011ever position on the Index, with deaths rising by 28%<\/strong> due to attacks by the ISIS\u2011affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)<\/strong> targeting civilians, churches, and hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, terrorism in Western countries<\/strong> surged by 280%<\/strong>, driven by politically motivated and extremist attacks, alongside a sharp rise in youth radicalization<\/strong>, with minors accounting for 42%<\/strong> of terrorism\u2011related investigations in Europe and North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Libya<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite global declines, Libya continues to face a fragile security landscape marked by armed groups, militias, and human\u2011trafficking networks operating amid institutional weakness and political fragmentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kidnapping as a Primary Source of Militia Financing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kidnapping remains widespread in Libya for both political and financial purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n