UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called on international community to help victims and survivors of terrorism rebuild their lives.
"We must do more to support victims and survivors of terrorism so they can rebuild their lives and heal," the UN chief said at the opening of photographic exhibition "surviving terrorism: the power of resilience" held at the UN headquarters in New York.
"The threat of terrorism and violent extremism is among our most complex challenges," the secretary-general said at the event marking the second International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, which is observed annually on Aug. 21.
Recalling recent terrorist attacks in Kabul, Cairo and other places, Guterres said that "the threat of terrorism and violent extremism is among our most complex challenges."
"Many innocent lives have been tragically cut short," he added.
"People and communities need to become closer to grow stronger," said the secretary-general, urging the international community to "turn these harrowing experiences into powerful and positive forces for change."
"Traumatic memories cannot be erased, but we can help victims and survivors by seeking truth and justice, lifting their voices and upholding their dignity," he said.
Guterres told the gathering that the UN will host a Congress of Victims of Terrorism next year, noting that "it will be a unique opportunity to listen to people from around the world and strengthen our collective resolve to be impactful."
"Let us do everything we can to ensure that the plight of victims of terrorism is no longer a forgotten one," said the secretary-general.
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was established by the UN General Assembly in 2017. It designated Aug. 21 as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism in order to honor the victims and survivors of terrorism.
