VoTAN is a global community that unites victims of terrorism and victims’ associations from all backgrounds, recognizes the diversity of victims and the issues that are important to them, drives collective action in favor of victims’ rights, and demonstrates the significant expertise and resilience of its members as advocates, educators, and peacebuilders.
The network aims to strengthen victim-centric policy and programming on counter terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, unite a strong, diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to enhancing support to victims and survivors of terrorism, and allow for peer-to-peer support and mentorship between individuals, organizations and communities impacted by terrorism
VoTAN provides a forum for victims and victims’ associations to have more consistent access to high-level decision-makers for advocacy purposes and deepen victims’ engagement in UN policy and programming on issues relating to victims of terrorism.
The network was developed by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)’s Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme in consultation with victims of terrorism worldwide. The development of the network was supported by a financial contribution from the Kingdom of Spain and is sustained through 2026 with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office.
A global, victim-led network
VoTAN brings together more than 120 victims and associations from 40 countries.
The network is governed by a victim-led Steering Committee representing Europe, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, helping to ensure diverse regional perspectives in its work.
Reflecting its global reach, VoTAN's membership spans all regions of the world. As of 2026, approximately 43% of VoTAN members come from Europe, 20% from the Middle East and Africa, 20% from Asia, and 16% from the Americas.
Showcasing victims’ expertise
- VoTAN was consulted as part of the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and prepared a written submission on victims’ priorities and needs.
- The first victim-led product was launched in August 2026, providing VoTAN’s recommendations for tech platforms on “Building a Safer Internet for Victims of Terrorism”.
- Quarterly peer-to-peer forums since VoTAN’s launch in April 2025 give members space to share expertise, initiatives, and support.
- VoTAN also contributed to and peer reviewed UNOCT’s Gap Analysis of Digital Tools to Support Victims of Terrorism and is involved across the 2026 Working Groups on Tech for Victims of Terrorism.
- VoTAN members are integral to the production of new guidance on Comprehensive Assistance Plans to support victims of terrorism.
- Trauma-informed and globally representative, VoTAN is built for scalability and sustainability. In its second phase, VoTAN intends to expand its membership to include a larger number of underrepresented groups and will seek stronger collaboration through regional and international gatherings of the network.
UNOCT’s role
Through its Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme, UNOCT works to promote victim-centered approaches and strengthen the participation of victims of terrorism in policy and programming across the United Nations and beyond. Since 2018, the Programme has:
- Engaged with victims of terrorism and victims’ associations across regions and contexts.
- Developed policy guidance, training, and awareness-raising initiatives informed by victims' experiences and perspectives;
- Supported the meaningful participation of victims in United Nations and intergovernmental processes.
Through the establishment of VoTAN, UNOCT seeks to strengthen opportunities for victims and victims' associations to connect, collaborate and advocate for policies and initiatives that reflect their experiences and priorities, while advancing the recognition of victims' rights and needs.
Key Resources
- VoTAN Brochure
- Victim-led product
- VoTAN Submission to the ninth GCTS review
- Victims of Terrorism Support Programme