International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism – Aug. 21, 2026

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
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International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism takes place every August 21. This solemn day is dedicated to remembering and supporting those whose lives have been irrevocably impacted by acts of terrorism, from losing loved ones to requiring financial and medical assistance. Join global efforts to ensure victims’ voices are heard, their rights respected, and their needs met.

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Expected International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism Deals

As a day of solemn remembrance and advocacy, International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism focuses on support and awareness rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and various national victim support groups lead fundraising drives and awareness campaigns. Many corporations engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, offering donation matching programs or sponsoring events that provide mental health and rehabilitation services. Look for opportunities to donate to groups like the Global Survivors Network or local victim assistance funds. We encourage direct support to these vital organizations.

Platform Guide for International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #VictimsOfTerrorismDay to share stories of resilience, advocate for support, and highlight global efforts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #VictimsOfTerrorism. Share resources, participate in discussions, and honor those affected.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and discuss corporate social responsibility, employee support, and humanitarian aid for victims of terrorism.

Social Media Tips for International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

Individuals

Take time to learn about the experiences of victims and survivors. Share their stories with respect, donate to support organizations, or participate in local remembrance events.

Creators

Produce respectful content that amplifies the voices of survivors, educates audiences on the impact of terrorism, and highlights avenues for support and advocacy.

Brands

Partner with victim support organizations, launch awareness campaigns, or commit to long-term support programs for communities affected by terrorism.

Organizations & Brands for International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

  1. United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)

    Established in 2017, UNOCT leads global counter-terrorism efforts, working with member states to prevent and combat terrorism, and crucially, to support victims and uphold their rights. It plays a central role in organizing this international day.

  2. Global Survivors Network

    An independent network of survivors of terrorist attacks from around the world, the Global Survivors Network advocates for the rights and needs of victims, sharing their experiences to foster empathy and drive policy change.

  3. Red Cross / Red Crescent Societies

    The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement provides humanitarian aid, emergency response, and psychosocial support to victims of conflict and violence, including those affected by terrorist attacks, worldwide since 1863.

  4. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)

    Founded in 1971, this international humanitarian organization provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare, often responding to the immediate aftermath of terrorist incidents.

  5. Boeing

    As a major aerospace company, Boeing has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including supporting emergency response and victim assistance programs, demonstrating corporate social responsibility in the face of global crises.

  6. Google.org

    Google's philanthropic arm, established in 2007, often provides grants and resources to organizations focused on crisis response, mental health, and human rights, indirectly supporting efforts that benefit victims of terrorism.

  7. Human Rights Watch

    Founded in 1978, Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses around the world, advocating for human rights, including the rights of victims of terrorism, and pushing for accountability and justice.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism Hero

António Guterres

As the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres has consistently championed human rights and the rights of victims of terrorism. He has emphasized the importance of supporting survivors, ensuring their dignity, and helping them rebuild their lives, making their voices central to global counter-terrorism efforts since taking office in 2017.

History of International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

In 2017, the U.N. General Assembly declared August 21 as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Terrorist Victims, with the goal of honoring and supporting terrorism victims, as well as promoting and protecting their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, released his report on the ”Progress of the UN System to Support Member States in Aiding Victims of Terrorism” in April 2020, as requested by the General Assembly.

Dehumanization of victims is one of the conditions that spread terrorism, according to the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which unanimously adopted a resolution on September 8, 2006, stating that the most effective way to combat this is to take measures that respect human dignity and uphold the rule of law. Since the sixth review in 2018, events at the international, regional, and national levels have progressively indicated that victims’ assistance has progressed beyond symbolic solidarity to a more active engagement to promote their rights and demands. This is evident in the formation of a Group of Friends of Terrorism Victims in 2019, co-chaired by the Permanent Representatives of Afghanistan and Spain to the U.N., as well as a General Assembly resolution on enhancing international collaboration to aid terrorism victims.

The seventh review resolution, enacted on June 30, 2021, emphasizes the importance of defending the rights and meeting the needs of terrorist victims, particularly women, children, and those harmed by terrorists’ sexual and gender-based abuse.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism timeline

2006
The Global Counter-Terrorism Resolution

The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy unanimously adopts a resolution to take measures that respect human dignity and uphold the rule of law.

2017
The Day’s Establishment

The U.N. General Assembly declared August 21 as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Terrorist Victims.

2019
The Group of Friends of Terrorism Victims

The Group of Friends of Terrorism Victims by the Permanent Representatives of Afghanistan and Spain to the United Nations is formed.

2022
The Fifth Observance

The fifth observance of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Terrorist Victims takes place.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

Local businesses can honor International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism by holding moments of silence or dedicating a portion of their sales to victim support organizations. Companies can also host educational workshops for employees on the impact of terrorism and ways to foster resilience and community support. Partnering with local non-profits to raise awareness or offering pro-bono services to victim families are meaningful ways to contribute.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism FAQs

When is International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism?

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism in 2026 falls on Friday, August 21. This day serves as a crucial reminder of the global commitment to support survivors and honor those lost.

How many people are affected by terrorism globally?

According to the Global Terrorism Index, tens of thousands of people are killed or injured by acts of terrorism each year, with many more suffering long-term psychological and economic impacts. Millions more live in areas affected by the threat of terrorism.

Who established the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism?

The United Nations General Assembly established this day through resolution A/RES/72/165 in 2017. It was created to honor and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote their human rights.

What is the purpose of this International Day?

The primary purpose is to honor and support victims and survivors of terrorism, helping them to heal and rebuild their lives. It also aims to raise awareness about their needs and to promote respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

How to Observe International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

  1. Make an effort to educate oneself

    While the average person lacks the necessary tools to prevent terrorist acts, you can help by attempting to be understanding and tolerant of people who are different from you. Understanding one another goes a long way toward reducing enmity across different races or religions.

  2. Pause and remember the victims of terrorism

    On this day, take a moment to commemorate those who have died as a result of terrorist attacks around the world. Donate to humanitarian organizations that assist terror attack victims. Tell anyone you know who has been a victim of a terrorist attack about the U.N.'s Support Portal.

  3. Raise awareness

    Make use of your platform to bring attention to this day and raise awareness about it. Don't forget to use the hashtag #InternationalDayOfRemembranceAndTribute to commemorate this significant day on social media.

5 Facts About Terrorism

  1. 21,000 deaths per year

    Terrorists have killed an average of 21,000 people a year for the past decade.

  2. Terrorism is a geographical focus

    Most acts of terrorism are perpetuated in specific regions of the world.

  3. Honors the lives of babies

    Terrorism was responsible for 0.05 percent of all deaths worldwide in 2017.

  4. Airline hijackings

    Airline hijackings were once widespread, but they are now extremely rare.

  5. 0.01% of deaths

    Terrorism is responsible for less than 0.01% of deaths in most countries.

Why International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is Important

  1. It honors the victims of terrorism

    Senseless acts of terrorism claim the lives of many innocent people. This day was founded to recognize and pay tribute to victims and survivors of terrorism.

  2. It offers assistance to survivors

    Surviving a terrorist attack has a mental, emotional, and economic impact on the victims. This day was set aside to show sympathy and help to terrorism victims and to strengthen solidarity with them.

  3. It enlightens the general public

    Terrorism is an obvious violation of humanity's basic human rights. This day is intended to raise awareness of fundamental freedoms and human rights, as well as to promote and safeguard them.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism dates

Year Date Day
2026 August 21 Friday
2027 August 21 Saturday
2028 August 21 Monday
2029 August 21 Tuesday
2030 August 21 Wednesday