The United Nations has launched a new initiative aimed at protecting victims and survivors of terrorist attacks from online harm, misinformation and re-traumatisation.
The initiative was unveiled on August 21, 2026, during an event marking the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. It is being led through the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network, a survivor-focused platform established by the UN Counter-Terrorism Office to strengthen support for victims and promote their rights and needs.
Survivors have increasingly raised concerns about the impact of digital platforms, including the circulation of fake videos, distorted information and other content that can revive traumatic experiences or obscure the truth about terrorist attacks.
The new initiative seeks to put victims’ experiences at the centre of efforts to address these challenges. Survivor accounts from terrorist attacks in countries including Israel, Somalia and Uganda highlighted the lasting effects of violence and the importance of protecting victims’ stories.
At the UN commemoration, survivors and family members spoke about loss, recovery and the importance of remembrance. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was killed after being held hostage following the 2023 attack at the Nova Music Festival in Israel, called attention to the millions of families affected by terrorism worldwide.
Other survivors highlighted how communities can turn trauma into efforts to prevent violent extremism. Hassan Ndugwa, who survived the 2010 terrorist attack at a FIFA World Cup viewing event in Uganda, has worked through community programmes to provide young people with skills and alternatives to extremist recruitment.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said remembrance should contribute to recovery rather than fuel hatred and division. He stressed that victims’ stories should not be exploited to spread further violence, including through digital platforms.
The initiative reflects growing international attention to the online experiences of terrorism victims. By strengthening survivor networks and promoting safer digital environments, the UN aims to help victims preserve their stories, recover with dignity and prevent misinformation from deepening the impact of terrorism.
