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The Â鶹APP Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), through its UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) and in partnership with the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, convened a virtual expert roundtable on 30 April 2026 to launch the report, "Gap Analysis of Digital Tools to Support Victims of Terrorism."

The report, which marks the first major deliverable of the new "Tech for Victims of Terrorism" initiative, outlines how responsible innovation can help to strengthen support to victims of terrorism, from the immediate aftermath of an attack to long?term recovery, through:

• Delivering essential services, including app-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support;
• Strengthening justice and accountability through tools such as digital victim registries;
• Preventing revictimization by equipping first responders with virtual trauma-informed training; and
• Empowering victims through peer support and by building resilience to online harms.

During the opening session, Mr. Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General of UNOCT, underscored the strategic importance of the launch, noting that "in an era of rapid digital change, one priority remains constant: to stand in solidarity with victims of terrorism, to protect their rights and to work together to ensure their needs are met - harnessing technology where it can make a real difference."

Ms. Gabriele Scheel, Head of the Division on International Cooperation against Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime and Corruption within the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, reaffirmed Germany¡¯s commitment to the project, stating that "new and emerging technologies play an ever-increasing role in almost every aspect of our societies and of our lives. They could also help us provide assistance to victims and survivors of terrorism, and this UNOCT Gap Analysis is very timely."

The roundtable included perspectives from members of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), who discussed the importance of ensuring that technology empowers rather than marginalizes survivors, reflecting that co-design of digital tools with victims of terrorism is essential, because "from preparedness and prevention to recovery and remembrance, digital tools need to be flexible and adaptable to each situation and to the victim's needs. Victims and survivors can provide the lived experiences that give that context."

The event brought together 75 representatives from Member States, the technology industry, and civil society. Discussions focused on how the safe and responsible use of digital tools can strengthen the accessibility and timeliness of support while ensuring that digital innovation serves to bridge, not exacerbate, existing digital divides.

The event was made possible through the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.