8-9 September 2022, New York – The UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, hosted by UNOCT, took place at the UN Headquarters in New York. 

PAM was represented by the President, Hon. Gennaro Migliore, and PAM Special Rapporteur on Children and Women in Armed Conflict, Hon. Dherar Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi (UAE).

In his opening remarks, PAM President recalled the commitment of the Assembly to provide concrete support to the victims of terrorism and criminal organizations. He stated that “victims of terrorism can be affected in more ways than many of us could ever contemplate. It is crucial to renew our commitment to victim-centered approaches, which are human rights-based approaches”, adding that three are the key words to honor the suffering of victims: Memory, Dignity and Respect.

Hon. Al Falasi presented his report on “Childhood in the Windblown of Terrorism”, in which he addressed the most dangerous phenomenon that children could face, which is the recruitment by terrorist groups, aiming at organ trafficking, slavery, sexual exploitation, and other terrorist practices. “The fear for our future is linked to the fear for these children, and it is our human duty and a moral imperative to save them from those who violate their rights to freedom and life. The international community must develop laws, strategies and programs that protect, rehabilitate, and integrate children victims of terrorism into their families and communities, in order to be active members in the present and the future”.

The Congress was attended by 600 participants. The event marked the first time a UN conference focused on the crucial role of victims to fight against terrorism, invalidating terrorist narratives and helping to understand the kind of support that other victims need.

PAM remains strongly committed to support any further action to facilitate assistance to the victims of terrorism by its national parliaments and the international community.//