Mr. Chairman, Italy fully endorses the statement pronounced by the European Union Presidency. The Symposium convened by the Secretary-General last September brought to the world’s attention the unique experience and suffering of the many victims of terrorism. By giving them a voice, the Symposium found a universal language with which we can all identify, and overcame the tensions and barriers of diversity. This non-divisive outcome is one of the most important achievements of the Symposium. It should encourage the entire membership to map out, with the same positive approach and shared political will, concrete actions in favor of the victims. Mr. Chairman, The valuable Report published today contains concrete proposals that fall perfectly within the range of the Global Strategy. One is to grant victims an international legal status through the use of new instruments of international law (Comprehensive UN Convention on Terrorism, specific UN Declaration on the Rights of Victims, extending the jurisdiction of the ICC to terrorism). Terrorist acts are a flagrant violation of the most fundamental human rights: the right to life and to physical integrity of innocent people and their families. In-depth analysis should be dedicated to integrating this dimension into existing mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights. Mr. Chairman, In the face of the enormous suffering of victims and their families, regulations establishing forms of economic compensation and financial support are necessary, but not enough. Also important are free medical and psychological assistance, government services focusing on human contact, the right to legal aid, and laws that give representatives of victims’ associations the right to participate in criminal trials supporting the victim. To ensure the progressive implementation of these measures in single States, we believe that effective instruments are the victims’ associations and their networking ability.  
Mr. Chairman, Honoring the memory of the victims and fighting terrorism implies that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Counter terrorism requires  cooperation between governments, police forces and national judicial bodies. There should not be safe havens or impunity. In the ‘70s and ’80s, Italy defeated terrorism through the Rule of law. This is a reason of pride for my Country. All States, especially those aspiring to leadership roles on the international community, should guarantee adequate standards for judicial cooperation in fighting  terrorism. For the victims, refusals to hand over criminals who have to serve out their full sentences are simply unacceptable. Mr. Chairman, Supporting media campaigns to raise awareness on victims represents a useful tool. In this regard my Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini, said recently :“I observe with some consternation when, in the media and before public opinion, yesterday’s assassins elevate themselves into today’s teachers,” while, “the victims are the true creditors of the State and they deserve our eternal consideration.” Mr. Chairman,
In our societies truth and memory are extraordinary preventive measures against terrorism. In order to demonstrate the senselessness of terrorism – especially to the younger generations – we should give back to the victims their full and true identity. It is in this spirit that in 2007, with the support of the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, the Italian Parliament proclaimed the 9th of May – the anniversary of the assassination of Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades – the “Day of Commemoration for the Victims of Terrorism.” Since 2005, March 11th has marked the anniversary of the terrorist attack in Madrid, and was established as the first European day for the victims of terrorism. The international community as a whole should  raise further the awareness for the needs of victims through adopting an International Day Commemorating Victims of Terrorism.