We must give a platform to the victims of terrorism: High Commissioner

Warm greetings from Geneva.

Today is an opportunity to focus on the needs and experiences of victims and survivors of terrorism. 

A chance to listen, as they courageously share their powerful stories. 

And an occasion to highlight how human rights education acts as a vaccine against violence. 

I thank Spain and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism for co-hosting today’s conference – and for giving a platform to victims. 

My Office is determined to advance the rights of victims – and we are ready to support States’ efforts in this regard. 

Let me share some of the key principles of our approach.

First – all counter-terrorism strategies must be grounded in human rights standards. 

This is the starting point for any discussion on prevention and security.

We must avoid the dehumanization of victims at all costs – something that happens all too often.

When victims are stripped of their humanity, their suffering is minimized, and their needs and rights are overlooked. This can foster a cycle of violence where grievances are exacerbated. 

But we should be very clear – instrumentalizing the suffering of victims to implement arbitrary counter terrorism measures also dehumanizes them.

Second – victims and survivors of terrorism often play transformative roles in their communities. 

They educate on the consequences of terrorism and foster dialogue that promotes healing and understanding. 

We must amplify these essential voices.

Special attention needs be given to empowering young victims, who can become powerful advocates for peace and social cohesion. By cultivating critical thinking and awareness of their rights, we can inspire young people to become active, informed citizens. 

Human rights education is the key to achieving this goal. It contributes to the long-term prevention of human rights abuses and is an important investment in a just future. 

Third – Access to justice is vital.

This includes ensuring access to information and truth; the State obligation to bring perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice, in line with fair trial standards; and ensuring that victims are able effectively and safely to participate in court hearings. 

And fourth – States must implement institutional frameworks to guarantee that victims receive adequate support. And they need to consider the gendered and inter-generational impact of attacks.

This depends on collaboration between governments, civil society, victims’ associations and victims themselves.

Colleagues, 

Human rights education is a vital tool in the context of countering terrorism and a priority of my Office.

It promotes values and attitudes that encourage individuals to uphold their own rights – but also those of others. It highlights our shared responsibility to make human rights a reality for all people. And it amplifies a human rights-based approach to countering terrorism.

So I look forward to working with you to prioritize victims and promote education as a tool for prevention, peacebuilding, and empowerment.