Minister Albares highlighted the international nature of the protection of victims of terrorism and their rights, and Spain's commitment to this endeavour. He Albares also pointed out that terrorism is a transnational phenomenon and that threats from terrorist groups have global repercussions.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs also referred to Spain's commitment to multilateral organisations working towards the protection and defence of victims and the fight against terrorism. Spain is a member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum and an active member of the Global Coalition against Daesh. In 2019, Spain also advanced the creation of the United Nations Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, which it currently co-chairs together with Iraq, a body that held its last meeting on 25 September, in the margins of the UN General Assembly, to analyse the necessary actions to further support victims, their recognition, access to justice and protection of their rights. Spain is also promoting, and contributes financially to, the creation of a Worldwide Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations, which will start operating soon.
The International Conference on Victims of Terrorism is a follow-up to the first Congress, held at the United Nations two years ago. The Vitoria-Gasteiz meeting is therefore the first to be held outside the UN Headquarters and enhances Spain's image as a reliable, committed partner of both the United Nations and victims' rights internationally.
The theme of the meeting is “Education as a tool for prevention, peace-building and empowerment of victims of terrorism”. Through the different panels and working sessions, the aim is to educate and raise awareness among younger generations about the impact of terrorism, helping to foster empathy and solidarity with the victims and to nurture a culture of peace and resilience.
Panel of experts
Nearly 400 experts, political leaders and victims and their families from all over the world are taking part in this International Conference, which has also seen His Majesty the King; the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska; the Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov; and the Lehendakari (President) of the Basque Government, Imanol Pradales, take the floor.
Addressing them all, Albares recalled that the human tragedy caused by terrorism “also inspires our policies”, in reference to the central role that victims play in our international cooperation.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs mentioned the Sahel as “the epicentre of the activity of terrorist groups and organised crime”, citing the importance that Spain has always attached to what is happening in this region neighbouring Spain, and therefore Europe, which has become a focus of attention for both the European Union and the transatlantic partners, who included the Southern Neighbourhood in their Strategic Concept at Spain's request.
Office in Spain
Since last year, Spain has hosted the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), which is responsible for preventing and countering violent extremism, supporting victims of terrorism and bilateral and multilateral cooperation, among other matters.
Specifically, the UNOCT office in Madrid is responsible for the management and implementation of programmes and projects related to preventing and countering violent extremism, the protection of vulnerable targets, the promotion and protection of human rights in the fight against terrorism, support for victims of terrorism and bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
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