The League of Arab States commemorates the Arab Day for Awareness of the Tragedies and Pain of Victims of Terrorist Acts on 22 April each year, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Arab Convention on Combating Terrorism by the Councils of Arab Ministers of Interior and Justice during their joint meeting in 1998. Through the adoption of this and other regional instruments, the League has sought to address the scourge of terrorism, recognising the grave threat it poses to the present and future of Arab nations.
His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Al-Amine Ould Akik, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Legal Affairs Sector, affirmed that this year's observance of the Arab Day takes place against the backdrop of growing international attention to the plight of victims of terrorism. In this regard, he recalled the United Nations Conference on Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, held in Spain from 8 to 10 October 2024, under the co-chairmanship of Spain and Iraq. The conference stressed the imperative of supporting the international community, Member States, and civil society in addressing the needs and rights of victims, fostering tolerance and societal resilience, and acknowledging the pivotal role of victims and survivors as educators, advocates, and peacebuilders.
His Excellency added that this year's commemoration reflects the General Secretariat's sustained efforts to uphold the rights of victims of terrorism. In this context, the Joint Arab Meeting on Evaluating Legal Frameworks and Strategies for Protecting and Promoting the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism is scheduled to take place at the League's headquarters from 26 to 28 May 2025. The meeting will convene senior officials from the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, representatives of Member States, specialised Arab organisations and counter-terrorism bodies, as well as international and regional partners of the League of Arab States.
Ambassador Ould Akik noted that this annual occasion serves as a vital opportunity to shed light on the suffering endured by victims of terrorist acts and to call for the recognition of their rights, including the need for just compensation for the psychological, social, health, and material harm inflicted upon them. It also seeks to enhance the support extended to victims and their families and to contribute to alleviating their hardships.
In conclusion, His Excellency reiterated the League of Arab States' unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and to safeguarding the security and stability of Member States. He affirmed the League's full solidarity with victims and their families and called for this commemorative day to serve as a moment for both reflection and action—towards the building of more just, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
