The Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Abbas Kadhim Obaid, chaired the seventh annual high-level celebration of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, which was held virtually on the occasion of the International Day of Victims of Terrorism. This year's theme was "A Voice for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Defenders of Peace and Teachers". The celebration was attended by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, along with representatives of member states and non-governmental organizations, in addition to some victims of terrorism and survivors of terrorist acts in various regions of the world. In his speech, the Chargé d'Affaires indicated that we meet today not only to remember the lives lost and the countless stories of pain and suffering, but also to convey the voices of those who turned their suffering into a powerful call for peace, justice, education and educat ing others. Highlighting how education can be an effective tool to prevent extremism and hatred and build a culture of peace. Obaid stressed the importance of solidarity and global responsibility in combating terrorism and supporting its victims, noting that Iraq was a battlefield for confronting terrorism, where the Iraqi people made great sacrifices with the support of the international community in fighting terrorism and addressing its consequences. He pointed out that the Iraqi government has taken multiple national measures, including rehabilitating and reintegrating victims of terrorism, and enacting laws to hold perpetrators accountable, provide justice to victims, and help them achieve justice. At the end of the celebration, the Chargé d'Affaires participated with the attendees in the ceremony of laying flowers on the tree, which represents a memorial symbol for the victims of terrorism. It is worth noting that the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism is headed by Iraq in partnership with Spain. Source: National Iraqi News Agency