Terrorism continues to cause severe and extensive damage to life and property across the world. As countries and communities respond to its immediate scenes of horror, Kenya continues to strengthen and modernise its criminal justice system to effectively and decisively respond to the cowardly acts of terrorism.
Unfortunately, such acts transcend their immediate effects and carry with them reverberations that end up being felt long after the appalling act has been carried out.
The victims and survivors of terrorism continue to negatively experience the effects of terrorism. These include those individuals who have directly been targets of an attack, those who have lost a loved one and innocent relatives or friends of perpetrators who inadvertently become ostracised by their communities.
Besides the significant number of deaths and thousands of injuries, many people who witness the event end up suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety and or major depression. Others become more susceptible to psychosomatic symptoms while others may end up using drugs and substances as a coping mechanism.
Sunday marked the fifth commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. August 21 was purposely set aside globally by the UN in 2017 to mark, educate the public, raise awareness and conduct advocacy on issues affecting victims and survivors of terrorism.
It is a day through which we seek to honour, promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms and advance their needs in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
Kenya has committed to staying in solidarity with and providing support to victims and survivors of terrorism through dialogue, building their capacity and skills, linking them up with support networks and working with community based organisations that advocate their interests.
This is well spelt out in the National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism under the psychosocial pillar. It not only addresses the psychosocial needs of individuals who have been radicalised and even joined violent extremist groups but also provides support to their families and social networks; including offering free counselling services to protect and promote their mental health and psychological wellbeing.
Further, through the County Action Plans, which seek to localise the NSCVE and advocate local and context-specific solutions, the centre is certain that progressively, a robust and deliberate engagement that advances the rights and needs of victims will be achieved, anchored in law.
Kenya acknowledges the important role that victims and survivors of terrorism play in strengthening our national fortitude, indefatigable spirit and in our national healing. The government is committed to providing space where their voices can be heard, their needs supported and rights upheld in accordance with the law.
The National Counterterrorism Centre will continue to work closely with other government agencies, civil society organisations, CBOs and international partners to craft an integrated and well-coordinated all of government, whole-of-society approach to address the plight of victims and survivors of terrorism. This is besides addressing the drivers of violent extremism, which leads to terrorism.
Acting director, National Counter Terrorism Centre
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