Director General/Executive Director
23 April 3013
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for being here today for the opening of this exhibition in remembrance and support of the victims of terrorism.
As recent terrorist attacks have shown, including at the Boston Marathon, such acts of violence cause appalling suffering.
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the many victims of these attacks, as well as the family members, friends and colleagues who have suffered such terrible losses.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The UN Office of Drugs and Crime is a key actor in the global efforts against terrorism. In particular, we provide legal technical assistance to Member States to enhance their capacity to prevent and to combat terrorism.
A significant landmark in these efforts was the General Assembly's adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006.
In this document, and for the very first time, Member States acknowledged that an important component in the fight against terrorism is the role of those who suffer most: the victims and their families.
In December 2009, a General Assembly resolution emphasized the importance of integrating the victims' perspective within the framework of the counter-terrorism work of UNODC.
Two years later, in December 2011, a further resolution requested UNODC to continue offering specialized legal knowledge, and assistance in forming criminal justice responses to terrorism, including the support of victims.
It is in response to these calls that UNODC developed a training tool, "The Handbook on The Criminal Justice Response to Support Victims of Acts of Terrorism".
The Handbook fully integrates UNODC's capacity-building activities and facilitates the provision of tailor‑made assistance to Member States.
Please feel free to take a copy of this handbook.
[Please point at the stand with the material]
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With these introductory remarks, I am pleased to open this Literary-Photographic Exhibition titled "100 Reflections Out of Sorrow."
An exhibition dedicated to the remembrance and support of victims of terrorism from all over the world.
These pictures provide a humble tribute to the victims of terrorism and they also serve to remind us of the appalling consequences of terrorism.
I believe the photographs speak far more eloquently than any words on this subject.
Please note that this Exhibition will be immediately followed by a panel discussion on Victims of Terrorism in the M-Building, organized in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations in Vienna.
Mr Luis Aguilera, Vice-Minister of Interior of Spain, is kindly accompanying us today and will address you after my statement.
I hope that that today's exhibition and panel will lead to a productive dialogue about further steps that the international community and national governments can take to highlight the role that victims can play in countering terrorism.
Our work in this area is founded on their bravery and courageousness. They fully deserve our support, assistance and respect.
Thank you.