On 10 March 2023, the European Commission and the RAN Victims/survivors of Terrorism Working Group hosted the annual ceremony in Brussels, Belgium, marking the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism in its 19th year.
The European Day of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism was established after the Madrid Bombings of 11 March 2004, to remember all those who lost their lives or loved ones to terror, irrespective of whether those terrorist attacks took place inside the EU or beyond its borders.
Each year since 2005, the European Union remembers on 11 March the victims of terrorist atrocities worldwide.
EU Commission issued a statement on the occasion of the 19th European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, saying: “Today, Europe pays tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorist attacks. We will never forget them. We will not surrender to the fear terrorists try to instil when they commit their atrocities. The goal of terrorists is to divide our society. We will not allow them to succeed.
“Fighting terrorism is a priority for the EU. Just as we honour the memory of those lost to terrorism, we also strive to prevent any future attacks. To help prevent terrorist offences, the EU is active in fighting terrorist propaganda, offline and online: by denying terrorists the means and limiting their space to plan, to finance and carry out attacks, by countering radicalisation and by enhancing information exchange and police cooperation.
“The European Commission has put forward a Counter-Terrorism Agenda in December 2020 to better anticipate, prevent, protect and respond to terrorist threats. Work is ongoing on the implementation of the Counter-Terrorism Agenda, which is a core component of the Security Union Strategy. The EU Home Affairs agencies are providing crucial support to the national authorities and law enforcement. As of 7 March, an upgraded Schengen Information System contains new alerts to support national authorities in preventing and combating terrorism.
“Terrorist attacks are an attack on our society and our way of being. The Commission will therefore continue to support survivors to help them rebuild their lives. Through the Radicalisation Awareness Network, we also ensure that the voices of victims and survivors are centred in our response.
“On this day of remembrance, we renew our resolve in supporting victims and building inclusive and resilient societies.”
Victim Support (UK) also marked the day to remember those who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks, such as Manchester Arena Attack, on the 19th European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism.
As an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales, Victim Support announced that they are ready to support everybody by providing 24/7 specialist services to help people cope and recover.
They can be reach at https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/.
(Source: European Commission)
