Conference on African Victims of Terrorism: Adoption of the Rabat Declaration, an African Commitment to Strengthening Victim Support and Assistance Mechanisms
The ministerial segment of the Conference on African Victims of Terrorism, held on Tuesday in Rabat, endorsed the Rabat Declaration, which reaffirms the central place of victims in national and regional responses to terrorism and calls for strengthening the legal, institutional, and operational frameworks dedicated to their protection.
The Declaration calls for a comprehensive and solidarity based approach founded on the rights, dignity, and participation of victims in the development and implementation of counter-terrorism policies. It encourages African States to consolidate their national provisions, harmonize their legal frameworks in accordance with the best international practices, and guarantee victims access to justice and remembrance.
It also highlights the necessity of developing multidimensional support mechanisms, particularly in terms of psychosocial support, economic assistance, medical aid, and legal protection, paying special attention to women, children, vulnerable persons, and the most affected communities.
The Declaration further insists on the importance of cooperation between African States and United Nations entities through the exchange of expertise, training, and the mobilization of international partners.
The text also recognizes the central role of victims and survivors in preventing radicalization and in fighting extremist ideologies. It promotes their meaningful participation in public policies, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between African States and United Nations entities.
The ministerial segment concluded with a unanimous call to pursue the momentum initiated in Rabat, to strengthen national capacities for victim support, and to consolidate initiatives allowing survivors to be integrated into strategies for preventing and combating violent extremism.
Editorial team/le7tv
