Ombudsman’s statement on International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism
August 21, 2019 marks the second International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. "Traumatic memories cannot be erased, but we can help victims & survivors by seeking truth and justice, lifting their voices and upholding their dignity," said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
As Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, I have seen the resilience of many survivors impacted by terrorism. I pay tribute to all those who raise their voices to ensure others do not suffer as they have. I stand in solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, with the injured and with those whose lives are forever changed.
Here in Canada and elsewhere in the world, the long-term impacts of extremist violence on victims and survivors are serious and support to help victims heal and recover is lacking. We must continue to build resilience and facilitate healing by empowering survivors with access to justice and guaranteed rights to support and assistance that facilitate healing.
Heidi Illingworth
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
As Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, I have seen the resilience of many survivors impacted by terrorism. I pay tribute to all those who raise their voices to ensure others do not suffer as they have. I stand in solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, with the injured and with those whose lives are forever changed.
Here in Canada and elsewhere in the world, the long-term impacts of extremist violence on victims and survivors are serious and support to help victims heal and recover is lacking. We must continue to build resilience and facilitate healing by empowering survivors with access to justice and guaranteed rights to support and assistance that facilitate healing.
Heidi Illingworth
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime