Dedication Ceremony for United Nations Victims of Terrorism Solidarity Tree
“The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism has never lost sight of the situation of the victims; of their needs, and of their rights... we will continue to place victims at the heart of our counter-terrorism efforts.”
Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, at the tree planting and ceremony dedicated to victims and survivors of terrorism across the globe.
The Victims of Terrorism Solidarity Tree symbolizes victims’ resilience and aims to strengthen the resolve of the international community to support victims through a permanent symbol of remembrance erected on the grounds of the United Nations Headquarters. It offers a space for quiet and dedicated contemplation on the impact of terrorism on victims and survivors of terrorism, their families, and their communities.
The dedication ceremony of the United Nations Victims of Terrorism Solidarity Tree was held on the margins of the Third High-Level Counter-Terrorism (CT Week). The event was organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, a forum of 37 UN Member States and two regional organizations that seeks to promote and protect victims’ rights and advocates for their diverse needs. Over 70 Member States representatives, partners, victims and survivors of terrorism joined Under-Secretary-General Voronkov for the tree planting ceremony in the gardens at UN Headquarters.
H.E Mr. Qassim al-Araji, National Security Advisor of Iraq unveiled the dedication plaque for the Solidarity Tree. The Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar H.E. Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz M. Al-Wasil, also delivered remarks at the ceremony.
The solemn and intimate ceremony concluded with the heads of each delegation laying white roses at the foot of the tree, as a symbol of peace, unity, and remembrance.
Remembrance, commemoration, and memorialization have long been essential to standing in solidarity with and recognizing victims of terrorism. The United Nations recognized the importance of these principles by establishing the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism through General Assembly resolution , commemorated every year on 21 August.
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Ms. Sara Tumulty, a young woman who lost her father at the age of three in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center stated “the dedication of this Solidarity Tree unifies all of our voices and acknowledges our diverse experiences and our shared pain”.&苍产蝉辫;
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