Brussels, April 28, 2025 – V-Europe, a leading European association supporting victims of terrorism, is proud to announce its partnership with the newly launched Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), an initiative of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). This collaboration represents a significant step forward in uniting global efforts to support victims of terrorism and amplify their voices on the international stage.
VoTAN was established as a key outcome of the United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022 in New York, where V-Europe's Director Philippe Vansteenkiste was a speaker. The network, developed under the Global Victims of Terrorism Support Program, aims to provide a global platform for victims, victims’ associations, and civil society organizations. Its mission is to strengthen victim-centered programming, policy advocacy, and engagement with high-level decision-makers, while fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.
The creation of VoTAN was made possible through funding from the Kingdom of Spain and extensive consultations with victims and victims’ associations. These consultations ensured that the network is victim-centric, trauma-informed, inclusive, and participatory, reflecting the needs and priorities of those it serves.
“VoTAN is a transformative initiative that unites victims and their advocates worldwide,” said Philippe Vansteenkiste, President of V-Europe. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of victims of terrorism. Together, we can create a global community of support and advocacy, ensuring that no victim is left behind.”
The hybrid launch event, held on Monday 28 April at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and online, brought together victims of terrorism, victims’ associations, civil society organizations, Member States, and UN representatives. The event featured powerful testimonies from victims, messages of solidarity, and an overview of VoTAN’s vision for its first phase.
As a founding partner of VoTAN, V-Europe will contribute its expertise and experience to foster international collaboration, promote trauma-informed practices, and advocate for policies that uphold victims’ rights.
For more information about V-Europe and its partnership with VoTAN, please contact: contact@v-europe.org
About V-Europe
V-Europe is an International association dedicated to supporting victims of terrorism and their families. Through advocacy, support services, and collaboration with international organizations, V-Europe ensures victims’ voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
About VoTAN
The Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) is a global initiative launched by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). VoTAN unites victims of terrorism, victims’ associations, and civil society organizations to promote victim-centric programming, collaboration, and advocacy on a global scale.
