The 7th International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism - Resident Coordinator, Gita Sabharwal's Speech

Your Excellency Police Commissioner General Prof. Dr. H. Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahniel,

Head of BNPT, National Counter-Terrorism Agency,

Your Excellency Police Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr. Achmadi, Chairperson of LPSK, Witness and Victim Protection Agency,

Victims and Survivors of terrorism and violent extremism

Erik van der Veen, Head of Office, UNODC,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

I am honoured to address you as we mark the seventh International Day in tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorism. This commemoration holds great significance not only for those affected by terrorism but for all of us as we continue building a world free from violent extremism.

I am delighted to see representatives of civil society and victims of terrorism here today. Your voices and experiences are at the heart of this commemoration. Your presence underlines our shared commitment to fostering peace and resilience in our communities.

I would like to thank BNPT and LPSK for organizing this important event. Your dedication to this cause serves as an example of how nations can take the lead in honouring victims and supporting their recovery.

I also wish to acknowledge the partnership of UNOCT and UNODC with the Government on this critical issue, allowing us to tackle the challenges of extremism.

The global impacts of terrorism remain staggering.

Most terror attacks occur in conflict zones, but no region is immune, underscoring the need for global solidarity in addressing this threat.

Over the past decade nearly 100,000 lives have been lost to violent extremism while millions were injured or displaced or both.

Last year alone nearly 4,000 terrorist attacks were recorded globally with more than 15,000 fatalities.

These grim statistics highlight terrorism’s devastating and far-reaching consequences on victims, survivors, loved ones and communities.

Indonesia has shown robust leadership by investing in the National Action Plan for Preventing and Combating Violent Extremism. Investing in prevention, which we all know, is the most effective strategy combined with protecting the rights of victims and survivors. As the UN we reiterate our readiness to continue to bring global best practices to bear.

Survivors of terrorism each have their unique stories of loss and resilience, and we have much to learn from them.

That is why this year’s theme is “Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators.”

We at the UN are committed to elevating the voices of all victims and empowering them as key contributors to global peacebuilding.

This is rooted in global UN frameworks and General Assembly Resolutions, which call on all member states to honour victims, protect survivors’ rights and ensure their voices are heard.

In that spirit, today’s high-level events globally are headlined by a statement from the Secretary-General and testimonies from survivors.

A part of these efforts is an exhibition called “Memories” at the UN in New York, showcasing individual experiences behind the grim statistics.

I hope we can bring this impactful exhibition to Jakarta next year to boost awareness in partnership with government, civil society and survivors.

Terrorism affects us all in one way or another and we are beholden to join forces to fight against it.

Eliminating terrorism and violent extremism is key to creating a peaceful world with dignity and respect for all in alignment with the SDGs.

The UN stands ready to continue working towards this with BNPT, LPSK and all stakeholders in solidarity and support of the survivors and victims of terrorism across Indonesia.

By standing together, we can promote peace and security within this country and across the region.

Thank you.