U.S., Partners Work to Combat Terrorism, Support Victims
By MacKenzie C. Babb
Staff Writer
Washington - The United States and its international partners are working
together to counter violent extremism and help the victims of terrorism around
the globe, says Under Secretary of State Maria Otero.
"Around the world, terrorists make their mark on the world through acts of
hatred. They proclaim their values with a deep and disturbing indifference to
human life," Otero said July 9 to the Global Counterterrorism Forum's High-Level
Conference on Victims of Terrorism in Madrid, Spain.
"Those of you here today stand in stark contrast to terrorists, not only by
condemning their acts but by countering their indifference with honor, dignity
and compassion for victims of terrorism," she said.
Otero, the under secretary for civilian security, democracy and human
rights, delivered opening remarks to the conference. The July 9-10 meeting
brings together government officials, civil society leaders and other
stakeholders to discuss how countries can increase their support of victims of
terror while cooperating to counter extremist ideologies.
The under secretary thanked the victims of terrorism who traveled from
around the world to participate in the conference for their courage and
perseverance.
"Each of you is a testament to the fact that the human spirit cannot be
easily broken," she said. "You are an inspiration to all of us, and we are
honored to work not just on your behalf but alongside you in this important
work."
Otero said the group is working toward adopting an action plan by the end
of the conference to reaffirm the group's shared hope that no victim suffers
alone and to mobilize additional resources and expertise to provide victims with
training to counter violent extremism by sharing their own stories.
"By magnifying the voices of survivors, especially through international
media, we have a unique chance to educate the world about the pain inflicted by
terrorists," she said. "Though such awareness is tainted with pain and
suffering, it is all the more powerful in discouraging radicalized individuals
and empowering other victims to speak up against violent extremism."
The under secretary said in addressing the needs of victims while
integrating their voices into counterterrorism efforts, the United States aims
to incorporate four pillars into a comprehensive strategy.
First, governments must be sure that victims of terror have the tools they
need to heal.
"The road to recovery is long, but it is made all the easier by accessible
information and resources - from medical care to legal representation to
psychological services," Otero said.
She said also that victims should have the opportunity to participate in
the accountability process following an attack.
"They should have access to the perpetrators' court proceedings and be
afforded protection if necessary so that they may work toward recovery," Otero
said.
She said victims often play an important role in bringing terrorists to
justice, both as witnesses and as advocates for accountability.
"We must strive to protect and foster victim participation in
accountability efforts, while remaining respectful of the psychological
challenges such a process can present," the under secretary said.
Third, Otero said, the international community must provide an environment
for the support and recovery of victims of terrorism.
"They should have the chance to meet other survivors and share experiences
as each person advances his or her own healing," she said. She called on
conference participants to work to "foster an understanding of the unique and
diverse needs of survivors."
Finally, the under secretary called on governments around the world to
listen to victims.
"Survivors can inform the global fight against terrorism," she said. "We
need to elevate their voices and stories while also incorporating their wisdom
into our counterterrorism efforts."
Otero said the United States hopes that these and similar efforts "will
reach every victim of terrorism on the road to recovery and on our shared path
of countering violent extremism in all forms the world over."
The Global Counterterrorism Fund, launched in September by Secretary of
State Hillary Rodham Clinton, is a multilateral body with 30 founding members
that seeks to build the international community's ability to counter
21st-century terrorism.
Otero is leading the U.S. delegation to the conference, and is scheduled to
engage in bilateral discussions with senior government officials on topics
including counterterrorism cooperation, assistance for victims of terror and the
fight against trafficking in persons.
(This is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs,
U.S. Department of State.)
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