Statement of the Diplomatic and Consular Missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan On the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
Statement of the Diplomatic and Consular Missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan On the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
21 August 2023
Today marks the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. It is an occasion to remember and pay tribute to the memory of all those who perished from this menace, and to support those who have survived and are left impacted.
Afghanistan had the great privilege and honor of leading the process for the adoption of General Assembly resolution 72/165 at the United Nations in New York in November 2017, which established this day.
We took on that role with pride and commitment to help ensure that all victims of terrorism around the world have the solidarity and support which they need and deserve.
In 2019, together with Spain, we formed the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism to ensure international support for victims went beyond the expression of solidarity alone.
This day has special value and relevance to Afghanistan. Our people stood in the front line of an international effort to defeat this menace in Afghanistan and around the world and to establish a democratic system in our country.
That effort was part of a long span of our people’s sacrifice to defend and advance values deemed essential for peace and stability around the world.
So today, we remember the lives of all of our compatriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism, including extremism, and for real peace in their nation. We also remember and pay tribute to the memory of all sons and daughters from the international community who also sacrificed their precious lives in defense of our shared values and an Afghanistan that is peaceful, stable, and in which the aspirations of our citizens are met.
We also reaffirm the importance of ensuring justice for all victims of terrorism in Afghanistan and around the world by holding perpetrators to account and bringing them to justice.
Unfortunately, the Taliban’s forced takeover in August 2021 has resulted in a more complicated situation that is far from what was set to be achieved. Our people still face a political, security, and economic crisis that continues to worsen, impacting the lives of millions of our fellow citizens. If left unresolved, the crisis in Afghanistan will continue to have dangerous implications in Afghanistan and abroad, including the growing threat of terrorism and extremism.
Thus, we believe the best way to honor and pay tribute to all Afghans and friends of Afghanistan in the international community who lost their lives in barbaric attacks and were otherwise affected by terrorism in our country, is by realizing the objective they set out to achieve - ensuring real peace in a united, stable and democratic Afghanistan.
We once again remember and express our full solidarity and support to all victims of terrorism around the world.
Published in: News
