Today, 11th March, 2022, marks the 18th European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism. This Special Edition of the RAN Practitioners Update therefore takes a look at the significance of the day, shines a spotlight on victims and their role in P/CVE and showcases some of the work being done to support them. It includes information on the Remembrance Day, links to relevant RAN papers, and an example of an inspiring practice.
Remembrance
European Remembrance Day
On 11th March 2022, the EU pays tribute to Victims/Survivors of Terrorism (VoT). The Remembrance Day is organised by the European Commission, in close cooperation with the RAN Victims/Survivors of Terrorism Working Group. The event takes place every year on the day of the 2004 Madrid attacks. Like last year, this is a hybrid event, which takes place mainly online with some Belgian victims/survivors on site in Brussels. During the event we will hear from a number of victims who will share their experiences and give their testimonies. The event will also hear from practitioners who will present their efforts to support victims and survivors to overcome their trauma and play a role in P/CVE.
A paper, published by RAN Practitioners in June 2021, discusses the ways in which memorials for victims and survivors of terrorism (VoT) have been used in the context of preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). The paper outlines the most common approaches in different Member States and provides recommendations for practitioners working in areas that could encompass memorials in their work, such as educators, local authorities, community workers and exit workers.
For the past ten years, the RAN Victims/Survivors of Terrorism (VoT) Working Group has been working hard to support victims/survivors of terrorism and help them to make their voices heard. The Working Group also supports practitioners working with victims/survivors of terrorism and assesses how victims/survivors of terrorism can play a role in P/CVE. Read more about the work of the VoT Working Group here and find out more about its activities and its working group leads here.
Victims
It is important to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorism and remind ourselves of the impact of acts of terrorism on individuals, families and communities. But we must also consider the constructive and positive role that victims and survivors can have in preventing radicalisation and future acts of terrorism. Read more from the Victims/Survivors of Terrorism Working Group who discusses the potential role of victims and survivors in preventing radicalisation here.
Inspiring practice
The Memorial Centre for Victims of Terrorism (Centro Memorial de las Víctimas del Terrorismo) in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) consists of a museum to commemorate Spain’s victims/survivors of terrorism and an archive with an educational purpose. The Centre is built on four pillars: truth, memory, dignity and justice, aiming to pay tribute to those who have been affected by terror attacks and to educate the public on the consequences of extremism. You can find more information on the Memorial Centre here and you can find more inspiring practices in the RAN Collection here.
Ahead of the 17th European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism in March 2021, RAN Practitioners produced a short film which explored the topic of victims/survivors of terrorism. The film hears from a number of victims/survivors and practitioners involved in RAN Practitioners, who tell stories of their experiences and their work The film was part of a series which commemorated and celebrated the 10 year anniversary of RAN.
Paper
A paper, published by RAN Practitioners in June 2021, provides insights for practitioners, including youth workers, educational professionals, social workers and psychologists, on how to support young victims/survivors of terrorism in making their voices heard. The paper provides an overview of how best to support young victims/survivors wanting to play a role in P/CVE and how to provide tailored support in their healing process that addresses the diversity of challenges young people face.
Contact us
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