MANILA – The Philippines on Monday joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism by recognizing that is an essential foundation of sustainable development to ensure peace and security.
In a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Foreign Affairs Sec. Enrique Manalo said that through the Philippine Development Plan, the country aims to pursue an inclusive, transparent, people-centered, and human rights-based peace and security policy.
“The Philippines has adopted measures not only to counter and prevent terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism, but also to ensure that their root causes are sufficiently addressed and that their victims, as well as the families of their victims, are able to find justice in an integrated process that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” Manalo said.
Manalo added that on the international front, the Philippines welcome the increasing attention on the issue and the strengthening of international cooperation including the provision of technical assistance to all member States.
“On the international front, we welcome the increasing attention to, and sharpening of the agenda on, the rights and needs of victims and survivors of terrorism. We also welcome the strengthening of international cooperation including the provision of technical assistance to States,” he said.
Manalo stressed that much work still remains to be done in advancing the rights of victims of terrorism but the Philippines remains fully committed to efforts toward empowering victims, including their families and communities, and enabling them to participate actively in and contribute meaningfully to relevant policy discussions in national, regional and international arenas.
In its Resolution 72/165 (2017), the United Nations Generally Assembly established the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. According to the official website of the UN, this is to be commemorated annually on 21 August, in order to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“Member States have the primary responsibility to support victims of terrorism and uphold their rights. The United Nations has an important role in supporting Member States to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by standing in solidarity and providing support to victims of terrorism; offering capacity building assistance; establishing networks; and offering support to civil society organizations, particularly victims' associations; and encouraging Member States to promote, protect and respect the rights of victims of terrorism. The United Nations provides technical assistance and capacity-building to Member States and victims' associations in better addressing the needs of victims of terrorism,” it added.
