United Nations Radio

Terrorism affects people everywhere - irrespective of their religion, nationality, sex, age, or their region of origin in the world.

That's what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in remarks Tuesday at a press conference with victims of terrorism.

He says the victims illustrate that terrorism has many faces and cannot be distilled into one image or person.

The Secretary-General describes the UN symposium supporting victims of terrorism as a "historic moment" to discuss practical and concrete solutions needed to strengthen support for victims and their families.

And he expresses the hope that Tuesday's symposium will help achieve several outcomes:

"First, we want to put a human face to the tragic consequences of the scourge of terrorism, thus addressing one of the major conditions conducive to terrorism: the de-humanization effects of victims."

Secretary-General Ban says the UN also wants to provide an opportunity for member States, victims and civil society to share their experiences in supporting victims.

And thirdly, the Organization wants to start a dialogue among victims and experts on victims needs and optimal ways of addressing them.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'08")