International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism2026 · Date · History · Messages · Quotes
A/RES/72/165
About International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed on 21 August. The United Nations created the day to honour and support victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The observance centres victims as people with rights, voices and long-term needs rather than treating them only as symbols in security debates.
Why International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism matters
Victims of terrorism may need long-term medical, psychological, legal, social and financial support well after immediate emergency assistance ends.
The UN framework also stresses remembrance, solidarity, access to justice, dignity and opportunities for victims and survivors to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect them.
History of International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
The Government of Afghanistan played a leading role in establishing an annual international day for victims of terrorism.
On 19 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/72/165 and designated 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
The United Nations marked the Day for the first time on 21 August 2018.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
Government of Afghanistan
United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism material states that the Government of Afghanistan played a leading role in establishing the annual International Day.
United Nations General Assembly
UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/72/165
First documented observance
United Nations sources explicitly identify the August 2018 commemoration as the first observance of the International Day.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
Use survivor-centred language and avoid graphic or sensational presentation of attacks.
Learn about long-term victim-support needs, including trauma care, legal assistance, compensation and participation in justice processes.
When commemorating an attack, rely on verified information and distinguish remembrance of victims from speculation about perpetrators or motives.
Explore United Nations victim-support resources and initiatives that elevate survivor testimony while protecting dignity and safety.
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism Facts
The documented calendar date for International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is 21 August.
The General Assembly established it through A/RES/72/165 on 19 December 2017.
United Nations material identifies Afghanistan as playing a leading role in establishing the annual Day.
The first observance took place on 21 August 2018.
The Day focuses specifically on remembrance, tribute, support and the rights of victims and survivors of terrorism.
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism Messages
May this International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism honour those at its heart through sincere remembrance rather than empty words.
On International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, we remember with dignity and make space for the people, families and communities whose experiences must not be forgotten.
May International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism be marked with reflection, respect and a renewed commitment to protect human dignity.
Remembering on International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism means listening carefully, resisting distortion and carrying the lessons of history forward.
On International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, may memory lead to responsibility, empathy and thoughtful action.
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism Quotes
“Instead of letting terror divide us, we can and must stay united.”
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
- Remembrance Civic Context Care.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
United Nations Digital Library — A/RES/72/165 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism — Afghanistan establishment role (opens in a new tab)
UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee — first observance (opens in a new tab)
United Nations Iraq — first International Day, 21 August 2018 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — List of International Days and Weeks (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — Observances: who chooses them and how (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism?
21 August The documented recurrence rule is: 21 August.
Does International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United Nations / international observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism?
The reviewed sources identify United Nations General Assembly as the proclaiming or establishing body. The proposer or originator is recorded separately as Government of Afghanistan.
Is International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: United Nations / international observance. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-05.
When was the International Day established?
The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/72/165 on 19 December 2017.
When was it first observed?
United Nations sources identify 21 August 2018 as the first observance.
What is the Day intended to do?
It honours and supports victims and survivors of terrorism and promotes protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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