International Day of Remembrance Of and Tribute To the Victims of Terrorism, 2020

UNDOF Force Commander leads the parade in a minute's silence in Camp Faouar

UNDOF Force Commander leads the parade in a minute's silence in Camp Faouar.

UNDOF Force Commander receives a salute from his Chief of Staff

UNDOF Force Commander receives a salute from his Chief of Staff.

UNDOF Force Commander and contingent troops

UNDOF Force Commander and contingent troops.

UNDOF observing a minute's silence in Camp Faouar

UNDOF observing a minute's silence in Camp Faouar.

Nepalese Mechanised Company in UNP 27 observing the minute's silence

Nepalese Mechanized Company (NMC) in UNP 27 observing the minute's silence.

Nepalese Mechanised Company in UNP 32 observing the minute's silence

Nepalese Mechanized Company (NMC) in UNP 32 observing the minute's silence.

Nepalese Mechanised Company in UNP 37 observing the minute's silence

Nepalese Mechanized Company (NMC) in UNP 37 observing the minute's silence.

Uruguayan Mechanised Infantry Company in UNP 80 observing the minute's silence

Uruguayan Mechanized Infantry Company (UMIC) in UNP 80 observing the minute's silence.

Uruguayan Mechanised Infantry Company in UNP 85 observing the minute's silence

Uruguayan Mechanized Infantry Company (UMIC) in UNP 85 observing the minute's silence.

UNP 68 Commanding Officer, Uruguayan Mechanised Infantry Company, reading the speech prior to the minute's silence

UNP 68 Commanding Officer, Uruguayan Mechanized Infantry Company, reading the speech prior to the minute's silence.

Nepalese Contingent (NEPCON) in UNP Hermon Base observing the minute's silence

Nepalese Contingent (NEPCON) in UNP Hermon Base observing the minute's silence.

Nepalese Contingent in UNPs 12 and 12A observing the minute's silence

Nepalese Contingent (NEPCON)in UNPs 12 and 12A observing the minute's silence.

Nepalese Contingent in UNP Hermon South observing the minute's silence

Nepalese Contingent (NEPCON) in UNP Hermon South observing the minute's silence.

Nepalese Contingent in UNP Hermon Hotel observing the minute's silence

Nepalese Contingent (NEPCON) in UNP Hermon Hotel observing the minute's silence.

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25 Aug 2020

International Day of Remembrance Of and Tribute To the Victims of Terrorism, 2020

On 21 August 2020, UNDOF joined the global United Nations community in pausing and remembering all of those affected by terrorism. Adhering to Covid-19 limitations, troops in all of UNDOF’s Camps and UN Positions turned out on parade to reflect and pay respect to those victims and survivors left bearing the scars of such atrocities. The following speech preceded a one minute’s silence, which was followed then by a Bugle Call.

 

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Today, UNDOF joins the global United Nations community in remembering and honouring all victims and survivors of terrorism. We stand by those who grieve and those who continue to endure the physical and psychological wounds of terrorist atrocities.

 

The impact of terrorism on victims can last a lifetime and reverberate across generations.  Traumatic memories cannot be erased, but we can help victims and survivors by seeking truth, justice and reparation, amplifying their voices and upholding their human rights.

 

A Resolution was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 19 December 2017, in which it was decided to proclaim the 21st August the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Three years on, we stand here in South-West Syria, and together with our United Nations colleagues across the globe to give pause and support the victims and survivors of terrorism.

 

At 1705 hours, we will join an international community of peacekeepers in a minute’s silence to show our solidarity and pay respect to those affected by terrorism.”

 

The parade was a poignant reminder of the reasons why United Nations troops commit to peacekeeping around the world, and served to once again underline the importance of the mandates that we strive to achieve every day.