Terror attack survivors came together to bear witness at UN Headquarters on Thursday, emphasising that their voices must not be sidelined in shaping policy and driving efforts to prevent future atrocities.

The threat posed by the terrorist group ISIL known more widely in the Middle East as Daesh remains dynamic and diverse, with Africa currently experiencing the highest level of activity worldwide.

The United Nations has condemned a suicide bombing on Sunday at a Damascus church that killed at least 25 worshippers, including women and children during mass, as a heinous crime.

This year marks the eighth commemoration of theInternational Dayof Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. It serves to honour victims and survivors, elevate their voices, raise awareness, and highlight global solidarity.

This International Day is not only one of remembrance; its a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to uphold the rights, dignity and voices of victims everywhere, said Vladimir Voronkov,head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism(UNOCT) during remarks to the high level commemoration.

Remember and pay tribute

We pay tribute to those whose lives were stolen by terrorism, and we stand in solidarity with those who continue to live with the pain, loss, and trauma, he added.

The event featured testimonies from survivors and relatives of those killed: Support should not be a privilege; its a right. And international solidarity must be matched by action, he said.

United by hope

I could no longer keep hiding my pain, I chose to transform it into purpose, said Khalifah Mwarangi, whose father was killed in a terrorist attack in Kenya in November 2014.

This past April, UNOCTlaunchedthe Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), a global initiative that reflects a powerful truth: victims of terrorism should not be seen as passive subjects of compassion and support.

Survivors voices are integral to shaping policy and driving change to prevent similar attacks, said Mr. Voronkov.

While terror tries to break us apart, coming together as victims build strength, said Nanda Daniel, a survivor of the 2004 attack on Australias embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.