The United Nations has launched a new global platform to unite and support terrorism survivors worldwide. The initiative comes under the banner of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). Called the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), the platform fosters a sense of shared resilience and solidarity among victims.
VoTAN aims to connect victims, associations, and civil society groups from different regions. The goal is to create safe, supportive spaces where survivors can share experiences, heal, and lead advocacy efforts.
This network stems from the 2022 UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism. That congress underscored the urgent need to prioritize the voices and needs of victims globally.
SPEAKING THROUGH PAIN, ADVOCATING FOR PEACE
UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, expressed unwavering solidarity with victims of all backgrounds. He praised their bravery in turning trauma into a call for peace.
“Many survivors, despite personal tragedy, have become powerful voices for tolerance and unity,” Voronkov noted. He emphasized that their needs remain critical yet often unmet.
Victims require sustained psychological, legal, and financial assistance. Yet funding is scarce, and support often fades after media attention wanes. VoTAN aims to change that permanently.
SPAIN AND IRAQ LEAD GLOBAL ADVOCACY
Spain played a pivotal role in supporting the development of VoTAN. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno said collaboration between civil society and governments was vital. He called on other nations to join in backing the network.
Spain and Iraq co-chair the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism. This body advocates for international recognition and support for survivors. Iraqi representative Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi echoed the need for continuous care and commitment.
“Victims deserve more than condolences,” Al-Fatlawi stated. “They deserve rights, recognition, and sustained assistance.”
SURVIVORS AS EDUCATORS AND LEADERS
Survivors participating in the VoTAN launch spoke of resilience and unity. Ugandan survivor Grace Acan stressed the power of partnerships. “Through collaboration, we amplify our voices, seek justice, and help others heal,” she said.
VoTAN transforms survivors into leaders and peacebuilders. They will now speak in schools, parliaments, and forums to educate others. Their stories will humanize the cost of terrorism and shape counter-extremism policy.
TURNING TRAUMA INTO ACTION
VoTAN goes beyond healing. It trains victims in advocacy, leadership, and communication. Survivors will influence lawmaking, support fellow victims, and build cross-border networks.
It also addresses the often-ignored long-term consequences of terrorism. Victims face legal struggles, stigma, and isolation. VoTAN fills that void with consistent support and a global voice.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND FUTURE PREVENTION
The platform also seeks to prevent future extremism through education. Survivors will engage with youth to promote empathy and peace. By sharing stories, they can challenge radical ideologies and promote unity.
VoTAN connects individuals from different nations, religions, and cultures. Their shared experience becomes a bridge toward understanding and global cooperation.
GOVERNMENTS MUST DO MORE
VoTAN calls for stronger national frameworks to protect and support victims. Survivors must be involved in shaping policies that directly affect their lives. Their firsthand knowledge can guide more humane and effective counter-terrorism strategies.
The network encourages governments to establish compensation schemes, legal protections, and psychological support services. Member States are urged to fund and expand the network.
BEYOND BORDERS, BEYOND TRAUMA
VoTAN marks a new chapter in global counter-terrorism. It highlights a shift from security-focused responses to survivor-centered recovery. The platform champions the belief that healing communities is vital to global peace.
As VoTAN grows, more countries, civil groups, and survivors are expected to join. The network will collect and archive stories, influence global laws, and foster peace initiatives.
In uniting victims, VoTAN builds more than a community. It builds a movement. It ensures survivors are never forgotten, and their pain fuels lasting peace and global awareness.
The UN’s VoTAN network redefines how the world responds to terrorism. It centers survivors, not just as recipients of help, but as agents of change. With global cooperation, the pain of terrorism can be transformed into powerful action for peace.
