The Memories campaign shares the intimate memories of the victims of terrorism featured in it, as well as the personal meaning tied to physical objects they hold dear. Through film and photography, it highlights these stories belonging to the twenty-two (22) victims of terrorism. Through these objects, the owners have shared their memories and emotions, in a simple but powerful way for audiences to relate to them, to feel their loss and to better understand the importance of remembering and paying tribute to victims of terrorism.
Ultimately, the stories aim to raise a collective consciousness and to create awareness about the importance of preventing terrorist attacks and the ensuing emergence of new victims. The campaign’s “humanization” of victims of terrorism strives to change society’s mindset, behavior, and attitude towards victims.
The launch of the Memories Photographic Exhibition and film showcasing 8 victims of terrorism took place at the UN High-Level International Conference on Human Rights, Civil Society and Counter-Terrorism in Malaga, Spain, on 10 May 2022. The Exhibition was expanded to portray 22 victims of terrorism and was showcased during the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism from 8-9 September, 2022, in UNHQ, New York.
The "MEMORIES" film
Part of our shared human experience is an innate desire to attach personal meaning to physical objects: it is something we do from the moment we are born.
Physical objects hold memories, emotions, aspirations: they form links to people who are no longer with us, and they keep us connected to versions of ourselves that were lost or forever changed – sometimes through growth or the passage of time, sometimes by a traumatic event, such as a terrorist attack.
Ahmed Hadji
Uganda, 2010
Kampala Bombings
Ahmed Hadji was watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup final match at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala, Uganda, when an attack carried out by Al-Shabaab took place.
The attack left 74 people dead and 75 injured. After the attack, Ahmed found comfort in the passages of the Quran. He keeps the Holy Book at hand and it reminds him of his responsibility towards other victims and his community.
Ashraf Al-Khaled
Jordan, 2005
Amman Bombings
Ashraf Al-Khaled and his wife survived a series of bomb attacks at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Amman, Jordan on their wedding day in November 2005.
Twenty-seven people died as a result of the bombings, including Ashraf's father, who passed away whilst holding his rosary. Ashraf has kept the rosary in memory of his father and it reminds him to speak out and tell his story. It is his way of healing and helping others.
Falmata Bunu
Nigeria, 2015
Boko Haram Attack
Falmata Bunu was held in brutal captivity for months by Boko Haram after they raided her village in northern Nigeria in 2015.
Now that Falmata is free, chatting with people, particularly through her phone, makes her happy. Falmata uses her phone to feel part of a community. It helps her forget what happened to her, breaks her feelings of isolation and enables her to be closer to people.