New Initiative Launched to Shield Terrorism Victims From Online Harm

The United Nations has introduced a new initiative aimed at shielding victims of terrorist attacks from the damaging effects of online harm and re-traumatization. This effort draws upon the harrowing testimonies of survivors, including those from the Nova Music Festival attack in Israel and a bombing during a FIFA World Cup final viewing party in Uganda.

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It's not just another date on the calendar. It's a day that reminds me of who I lost, who I am and who I am still becoming.

The initiative was unveiled during an event commemorating the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Saynab Warsame, a survivor of a terrorist attack in Somalia, emphasized the day's significance, stating, "It's a day that reminds me of who I lost, who I am and who I am still becoming." She highlighted the fragility of digital memories and the ease with which truth can be distorted by fake videos and misinformation in today's world.

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In today's digital world, memories are fragile. With fake videos and information, the truth can easily be lost or changed.

Spearheaded by the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network, established by the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, the victim-led initiative seeks to bolster collective action in supporting the rights and needs of those affected by terrorism. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was taken hostage during the Nova Music Festival attack and later killed, spoke poignantly about the universal pain of losing a child. She reflected on the fundamental human instincts of love and destruction, referencing a historical dialogue between Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud.

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Tragically, I am not unique. There are millions of parents around the world who have had to bury their children.

The event also featured the story of Hassan Ndugwa, who survived a 2010 World Cup viewing party bombing in Uganda that killed over 70 people. Angered by the misrepresentation of Islam following the attacks, he co-founded the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum. This organization now provides job skills and support to thousands of young people, aiming to prevent the spread of violent extremism and foster positive development.

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Civilisation has to decide whether to rise to the challenge to continually contain our natural tendencies towards war or to give into that slavery of selfish interest even though...it only serves the powerful few.