On the occasion of the 19th European Remembrance day of the Victims of Terrorism, the Council of Europe stands in solidarity with the survivors and victims of terrorism.
Terrorism remains a threat to the safety and human rights of citizens across Europe. For over forty years, the Council of Europe has resolved to combat this phenomenon by helping to develop and strengthen key legal standards to support its member States in countering terrorism.
Through the Council of Europe Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT), the Council supports the victims and survivors of terrorism and help ensure that their rights are respected and upheld, especially in cross-border situations. One of its key initiatives in this area is the Network of Single Contact Points for the Exchange of Procedural Information regarding the Legal Standing of Victims of Terrorism, which is a network composed of representatives from over 35 countries and international organisations to foster relations, share good practices and reinforce initiatives to support the victims of terrorism.
Adopted in February 2023, the Council of Europe Counter-Terrorism Strategy (2023-2027) continues on this effort by envisaging the development of Guidelines on support services for victims of terrorism, which is intended to advance minimum protection standards and enhance national efforts to coordinate short- and long-term assistance to victims of terrorist attacks.
