03 – 05 February 2025, Islamabad - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), organized a three-day workshop in Islamabad to develop a Comprehensive Assistance Plan for Victims of Terrorism (CAPVoT) in Punjab. The 3-day event brought together more than 24 policymakers, representatives from the Home Department, Social Welfare Department, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Prosecution Department, Health Department, civil society organizations, and international consultant to foster dialogue on rights-based support mechanisms for victims.
The second day delved into the critical topics of financial compensation mechanism for victims and legal frameworks. Discussions covered best practices for compensation, restitution, and rehabilitation, by international consultant Joanne Dover whereas, the Home Department Punjab, Presented the current compensation mechanism for victims and shared the insights on Punjab Civilian Victims of Terrorism (Relief AND Rehabilitation) Act 2016. The Prosecution Department provided an overview of legal protections, emphasizing victims’ rights to physical and psychological integrity, privacy, and access to justice. Participants engaged in interactive group discussions to align local practices with international standards, ensuring a comprehensive context-sensitive approach.
The final day of the workshop focused on revised strategy, plan and actionable outcomes. Sessions included a focus on data gathering and management, with presentations by the Counter Terrorism Department Punjab on their prevailing practices. The workshop concluded with participants collaboratively defining roles and responsibilities for CAPVoT implementation and developing action plans. The closing ceremony marked the culmination of the event, with certificates distributed to participants, with stakeholders committed to improving support for victims.
This workshop marks a pivotal activity under the broader Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan (CPTP) project. Funded by the EU, led by NACTA and executed by UNODC with its partner civil society organization, the project aims at empowering community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence via a three-pronged strategy. The key strategies/components include: a. strengthen the capacity of criminal justice institutions; b. strengthen victim support through an effective legal system; c. foster community engagement via developing sustainable networks. The outcomes from this event will guide the development of inclusive policies and practical initiatives to support victims of terrorism, fostering resilience and hope for affected communities across Punjab.
