Terror victims deserve care, UN says on remembrance day

The 2026 International Day for the Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on August 21, carries the theme "Healing through Memory." This annual commemoration underscores the critical need to honor the memories of those lost to terrorism while actively supporting survivors and their communities in their healing and rebuilding processes. The UN highlights this day as a reminder that keeping victims' stories alive is a potent weapon against terrorism.

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Healing through Memory

Nigeria has grappled with the severe impact of Islamic terrorism since 2009, when Boko Haram initiated its insurgency in the North-East. This conflict has tragically claimed over 100,000 lives and resulted in the abduction of thousands of schoolchildren, including the well-known Chibok and Dapchi incidents. The preservation and responsible narration of victims' stories are vital, not to incite anger or revenge, but to foster collective memory and promote healing. The goal is to prevent the exploitation of these narratives for spreading hate, especially online, and to ensure digital and public spaces remain respectful and safe.

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one of the strongest weapons against terrorism is the continued preservation and responsible telling of the stories of its victims.

Globally, terrorism has devastated societies, leaving indelible scars. While understandable anger and a desire for retribution may arise among survivors, the focus must shift towards proper memorialization that aids recovery. The international community's commitment to supporting survivors and centering their voices in counter-terrorism efforts is reaffirmed. Data from Vision of Humanity indicates that sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are current global epicenters of terrorism. In 2025, nearly 70 percent of the world's 5,582 terrorism deaths occurred in Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Mali. The Sahel region, in particular, is identified by the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute as the most acute hotspot, hosting dangerous groups like ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen.

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remembrance must promote proper memorialisation and collective memory as instruments for helping survivors and communities heal and rebuild.