To mark the ninth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (21 August), the United Nations hosted a high-level virtual event under the theme “Healing through Memory.” This year’s theme recognizes that acts of remembrance are not merely about looking back, but are essential for the dignity, recognition and long-term healing of survivors. By preserving stories and fostering empathy, collective memory can strengthen social cohesion and contribute to the prevention of future violence. To achieve this, commemorations must be respectful, victim-centred, and trauma-informed.
Commemorations must ensure that they honour survivors without causing further harm.