Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Launches Symposium Supporting Victims of Terrorism

Today Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, held a press conference to mark the opening of the Symposium on Supporting Victims of Terrorism. He called the Symposium “a historic moment”, as it is the first time the UN has called together member states, civil society and victims of terror to discuss “practical and concrete solutions” for victims and their families. He remarked that it is “long overdue” that the UN is focusing on the needs of victims.

Also speaking were four representatives of victims of terrorism: former president of CNN International Mr. Chris Cramer, Mr. Ashraf Al-Khaled, NGO Liaison Officer Ms. Laura Dolci-Kanaan, and former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt.

Mr. Cramer was held hostage for just over a day at the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980; he emphasised the need for “sensitivity” in the media toward the suffering of terror victims, and the need for “guidelines” on what behaviour is appropriate in pursuing a story.

Mr. Al-Khaled, who lost twenty seven friends to terrorism when his wedding ceremony was bombed in November 2005, described terrorism as a “disease”, but one that could be defeated if the world provided a “united front”.

Ms. Dolci-Kanaan’s husband was among the UN staff members who were killed in the 2003 terrorist attack on UN headquarters in Baghdad. She spoke of the need for terror victims to have “solidarity with fellow human beings.” She went on to remark that victims of terror have had their rights to life, freedom, health, truth and justice violated, ans asked for the international community to give these rights back to those who have suffered.

Ms. Betancourt, a noted Colombian politician, was held hostage in the Colombian jungle for six years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) terrorist group. She stated that “we need to show the world that we are better than terrorism.”

 

 Ban Ki-moon On Terrorism Symposium: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Ashraf Al-Khaled On UN Response To Terrorism: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Chris Cramer On What Journalsim Needs To Learn From Terrorism: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Ingrid Betancourt On Victim Solidarity: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Laura Dolci on Victim's Rights: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download