Network for the Support of Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, Pakistan.

Islamic Shia Charity for the Victims and Survivors of Terrorism in Pakistan

2010-01-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

Shaheed Foundation in Karachi: Leading the Way

Shaheed Foundation Pakistan Is A Non Political,Welfare Organization.

Shaheed Foundation is the first dedicated Shaheed Organization for the Society, offering the fastest way to bring every body on the same platform.

Learning worldwide: Israel system of support for victims of terror

2010-01-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

Israel's welfare system for victims of terror

by T. Katz

The 26th of Nisan 5754 (1994) was a bright, clear day in Afula. Anna Karkovich was certain her future was no less promising. She had good reason to be happy. Although she was a recent immigrant, after only two years in the country she had found a job she liked, working as an English teacher at Nir Ha'emek Primary School.

"I was making my way home from work as usual," Karkovich told Yated Ne'eman. "As I was waiting for a bus I saw a car make a U-turn and drive toward the bus stop. The driver looked completely normal, but then suddenly the car charged forward and blew up right in front of me."

Despite her traumatic injury, Karkovich did not lose consciousness. She saw some of the victims breathe their last breath, while all around her people cried out for help, many bleeding profusely. When she arrived at the hospital the doctors were very pessimistic regarding her prognosis. Seventy percent of her body was covered with severe burns and, as if that was not enough, she had also inhaled gas from the explosives in the car bomb. Anna was worried that she would have to cope with her suffering alone since she had no family in Israel and the person she was closest to, her mother, had stayed in Odessa.

"But I have not spent a single day alone," Anna recalls. "An organization called Assistance for Immigrants in Crisis `adopted' me and didn't let me feel alone. They understood that I had become like a helpless infant once again and made efforts to bring my mother from the Ukraine. Volunteers accompanied me throughout a long year of hospitalization, and after my release they secured an apartment through Amidar and even bought me a refrigerator."

Later, there was a terrorist attack at the house next door. "When I heard about the attack I immediately went to the hospital's plastic surgery ward," recounts Anna [where burn patients are brought]. "I wanted the patients to see me in my pressure suit and to tell them not to give up hope."

Eventually Anna became a volunteer for Immigrants in Crisis. Following the tragedy at the Dolphinarium she had a lot of work on her hands. Like the other volunteers, she sat in the recovery rooms, accompanied patients on their way to the operating room and tried to calm panic-stricken children. "The help I had been given charged me like a battery. I felt compelled to continue to assist the helpless victims."

Extensive Experience in Terrorist Attacks

Immigrants in Crisis set out to fill the critical gaps that state authorities have been unable to handle. Even in the most highly organized country, there still remains plenty of room for citizens to take part. "I cannot expect the State of Israel to sit beside a sick immigrant and hold his hand," says Ruth Brown, the director of Assistance for Immigrants in Crisis, "but as a volunteer organization, we can try to fill in this gap."

Brown recounts the story of a Russian immigrant who lost her husband in a terrorist attack. "When I walked into her home I could see her sadness palpably. She sat all alone with her nine-year-old son in the empty house. They didn't even have a minyan. Nearby was an Israeli family that had lost a son in the attack and in their home was a large, well- organized minyan. Since then we have learned that immigrants find it difficult even to obtain elementary things, such as a minyan, and we have to see to them."

Brown is well aware that in the chareidi sector, volunteering is a way of life. She believes the general public should adopt the chareidi model of chesed. "In all of the shtetls," says Brown, "Jews set up private organizations to provide help and do acts of chesed. Why shouldn't we as well?" she asks.

Many areas of support and assistance are neglected by the State of Israel, which is one of the reasons why chareidi chesed organizations were set up such as Ezra L'marpeh, Hatzoloh, Ezer Mitzion, Zaka and other services. But in the area of victims of enemy activities, the State does go above and beyond the call of duty and dedicates vast resources, thought and even creativity to help and to rehabilitate victims.

The various accounts often heard about the care provided to victims of terrorist activities is both impressive and saddening. Although the authorities have gained expertise and know how to provide for almost every need, it remains difficult to overlook the fact that this rich experience was acquired through years of terrorist attacks and horrifying tragedies.

"We held a comprehensive meeting in the Immigration Committee on injured immigrants," says Committee Chairman Tzvi Handel. "All of the officials involved attended the meeting: officials from the Ministries of Finance, Housing, Welfare, Immigration and from the National Insurance Fund. Seated opposite us was a young man who had volunteered to take care of his family members, one of his sisters and his grandfather, all of whom were wounded in the attack in Netanya. We asked him what he lacked and what he needed. He shocked us with his reply. `You should know,' he said, `I am not shy, by any means. When I need something, I ask for it. And when a door opens a crack I fling it wide open. But in this case, there is nothing left for me to ask for. I got everything I needed without saying a word. I thought a car might be useful, and I was given a car. I thought aloud about a special item I needed and got it right away. Believe me, I've tried to think of everything, but I can't think of anything else to ask for.'

"We were astounded," said Handel, "to hear an Israeli citizen who not only does not have gripes about the State, but who even sings the praises of the services the State provides him. It was really hard to believe."

State Help

How is this help administered? What are victims of terror entitled to receive? All of Am Yisroelhears the bomb when it blows up, but despite the pain, the mourning and the orphans, the victims are left on their own to cope with their crises day by day, hour by hour. During such crisis periods it is difficult for the victim to take the initiative and to ask for what he is entitled to by law, but representatives from the various government authorities search him out to offer their services.

Mr. Shmuel Pinsky, head of the Rehabilitation Department at the National Insurance Fund, explains the basis for the entire assistance and rehabilitation system. The rights to which victims of enemy activities are entitled are identical to the rights of an individual under the care of the Defense Ministry's Department of Rehabilitation. The law regarding care of the victims of enemy activities authorized the National Insurance Fund to act as a statutory extension of the State of Israel in every respect, providing the same level of services as are available through the Defense Ministry to injured soldiers.

A family victimized by terrorism remains under the care of the National Insurance Fund for a period of many years, almost for life. National Insurance officials are currently handling cases of people wounded as long ago as 5708 (1948). Many citizens wounded in an attack thirty years ago or more also remain under the care of the National Insurance Fund.

After having received care and individual assistance for problems that arose at the age of thirty, including assistance in raising their children and the multitude of problems young families face, now at the age of 70 or 75, they are coping with problems associated with aging. Children who lost one of their parents through enemy activities receive massive assistance from the State and are recognized as orphans until the age of thirty. Those who seek higher education are provided with exceptional benefits due to their special circumstances.

The Shock of the First Several Hours

The first few hours are under the "jurisdiction" of the local authorities. "The first twenty-four hours are the province of the local authorities," explains Mr. Pinsky. During this period victims are in a thick fog. They ask vital questions when the information--who is dead, who is wounded, who is missing--has not yet been confirmed.

Sharon Binyamin of the City of Jerusalem's Welfare Department explains her department's initial activities. "From the moment a terrorist attack takes place until the funerals are all over, we are out in the field, at every juncture." A team of social workers and various other professionals arrives at the scene of the incident, evaluates the damage and locates victims, such as sick and horror-stricken people who are prone to panic or to go into shock. They set up an information hotline, combining data from various sources--police, hospitals, or whatever they can, to update those seeking such information.

The Department of Welfare is authorized by law to notify family members, and its field workers are the ones who accompany the families and help them take care of all of their needs, from organizing funerals to notifying the extended family to driving to Abu Kabir [a forensics facility where the dead are identified] and staying with family members tormented with worry until the facts are made known.

Mr. Zeev Friedman, director of social services for the City of Tel Aviv, says that a unique system has been set up by the municipality to care for victims of terror. Since Tel Aviv has known many tragedies over the years, there was no escaping the need to set up a system to take care of the wide range of problems that suddenly arise in the aftermath of terror attacks.

When news of an attack is reported, the unit rushes to the scene, and every member of the staff immediately begins to tend to his assigned task. Some staff members are responsible for accompanying the families and administering psychological and emotional assistance, others begin notifying family members and assist in organizing funerals, transportation, etc. The hospital information unit verifies data from various hospitals and presents it to the families, and notifies other authorities involved in the task of assisting families.

The Life Routine Unit assigns an advisor to every family, who acts as a liaison between the various bureaus and sometimes represents the family vis-a-vis the authorities. The Casualties Headquarters refers the families to the Chevra Kadisha and takes care of all of their needs. The precise system has become an international model which, by dispatching doctors, nurses, educators, psychologists and social workers and by setting up a hotline to allay the fears of the general population, meets the wide range of needs and solves almost all of the problems that arise in the field.

After the first few hours, once the complete picture begins to take shape, clerks from the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi), both claims clerks and rehabilitation workers, step in and begin functioning. Says Pinsky: "All aspects of care are channeled through National Insurance employees. If necessary we contact other government offices and together solutions are found for the entire range of problems."

National Insurance workers visit the victims and their families to offer their assistance. In cases involving death, National Insurance staff workers pay intensive visits during the first three or four days of sitting shiva. They leave a calling card and establish well-maintained ties.

When they finish sitting shiva, mourners are suddenly thrown into normal life. As friends and acquaintances return to their own affairs the bigger problems begin to arise. National Insurance Fund employees help the bereaved cope with life and with the mourning process by talking to them, referring them to community projects organized by support groups and, of course, by providing regular psychological services. Along with the emotional and psychological support, various forms of material assistance are also provided, and National Insurance workers encourage the injured and the survivors to file a claim in order to receive their legal entitlements.

Allowances

Victims of enemy activities are entitled to monthly allowances. This includes the immediate family, bereaved parents, orphans and widows, who are entitled to an allowance averaging approximately NIS 5,000 ($1,200) per month. The handicapped are entitled to compensation during the period of their hospitalization and, after the extent of their incapacitation has been assessed, they are provided with a regular monthly allowance. Minors under the age of 18 are also eligible to receive a monthly allowance based on the extent of their incapacitation. In cases of lost income, an assessment is made of the previous income and the minimum allowance is no less than the amount of monthly income earned immediately before the injury was sustained.

The most notable problem is associated with self-employed workers. Unlike government workers, for example, whose income level can be determined simply by looking over pay slips, earnings generated by farmers or store owners may be difficult to assess accurately. In many cases, although the business is in debt, because of the large cash flow and turnover, people manage to maintain high levels of consumption.

"When the claims officials arrive," says Mr. Tzvi Handel, "they examine all of the books and prove according to the balance of losses and profits that the man was in debt. Although they set his income at minimum wage, of course this does not allow him to lead the same kind of life he used to lead."

Mr. Handel claims that a logical and fair solution must be found to deal with this problem through proper legislative channels. The problems are numerous, he says, and while the victims' needs should be taken care of immediately, openings cannot be created for acts of fraud.

From this point on, specific types of assistance are given to the entire family. Families that have little possibility of being able to afford to buy an apartment are given large rental subsidies (e.g. if average rental costs in Tel Aviv are $600 per month, National Insurance provides $500 per month), while other families may receive large housing loans. The Ministry of Housing also participates in providing solutions to the problem and in many cases purchases Amidar apartments for the family.

The rental subsidies and housing loans do not always solve the problem. Often families that own apartments face problems due to unsuitable housing. "What is a family with a crippled girl supposed to do if they live three floors up?" asks Pinsky, explaining that on numerous occasions the possibility of helping families to exchange their apartment for another one has been under consideration. Many families are assisted in car purchasing, professional training or retraining for a professional suitable for workers whose capacities have been reduced.

The various government ministries cooperate to a large extent. Although there are some complaints about overlapping and discrepancies regarding who does what, in general all parties involved do their best to alleviate the heavy burden that falls on the victims. Issues concerning welfare, such as taking care of children who have lost their parents, are transferred to local welfare authorities, while various other government ministries may step into the picture to assist with other matters. Yet in many cases uncertainties regarding distribution of responsibilities and the authority held by various entities still remain.

The great diversity within the population and the tremendous problems the victims often face spur National Insurance employees to find creative solutions. Although they must work within the framework of the regulations, National Insurance workers have synthesized the policies and are trained to find solutions by taking advantage of flexibility within the system. Many families are entitled to transportation costs or reimbursements for cab fares to visit victims in hospitals or other care facilities. Often a family member may need to stay in a hotel located near the hospital.

"After the Sbarro tragedy, we covered hotel costs for Shabbos- observant family members staying at a hotel near the hospital," says Mr. Pinsky. "We understood that they had to have somewhere to sleep at night and they could not go home." Chava Keren, head of the region of Samaria east of Petach Tikva, explains that National Insurance employees make great efforts to meet specific, personal needs: from flying family members in from abroad, to providing full room and board to family members who sit beside hospital beds day and night, all the way to dental care and driving lessons.

Says Keren: "Three days before Pesach there was a major attack in Samaria. We realized that the families would find it difficult to prepare for the holiday and we paid to provide them cooked meals throughout the holiday." In one tragic case children were orphaned and went to live with one of the grandmothers, but had to stay with the other grandmother as well. The two grandmothers lived far away from one another, and special funds and an escort were provided to transport the children using a private van service.

Furthermore, each injury is unlike the next. In many cases a relatively light injury may have been sustained, but because the victim is a mother, the repercussions can be much more serious for the family. Sometimes shock victims recuperate more slowly than those who sustained more serious injuries. Often the trauma takes root and turns into nightmares that constantly haunt the family, and the victim's unstable psychological condition affects his ability to function at work, his level of concentration and his general state of happiness.

In short, no two cases are alike. Each one is evaluated on an individual basis and every victim is entitled to personalized attention and care.

Sometimes victims may not even be officially listed, but their injuries continue for years. "Following the Sbarro bombing we set up talk groups," explains Mr. Pinsky. "We gathered together the eyewitnesses and asked them about their feelings. People sat and recounted horrifying eyewitness stories. Many of them spoke candidly and admitted that they were in a state of distress, saying, `I can't fall asleep at night,' or `I've become really irritable,' or `I have nightmares and sometimes I am suddenly overcome with fear.' These groups provided people with an opportunity to listen to one another, to internalize the solution to their problem and to receive professional help."

National Insurance Institute (NII) workers dedicate considerable effort and thought to ways of helping injury victims and bereaved families, and indeed the immediate assistance the various authorities provide is comprehensive and wide-ranging. Nevertheless, many problems remain to be solved, and many new ones emerge after a certain period of time. "The State of Israel is not thorough enough in handling problems in the long term," claims Deputy Minister Yuri Stern.

Take, for example, Yuri Abramov, who was injured in the bombing at the mall in Netanya. He appeared before the members of the Absorption Committee and nearly passed out while he was speaking to them. With downcast eyes and a voice choked by tears, he revealed his medical condition. "I am a cardiac patient and I need to take expensive medication. My allowance does not even cover all of the medicine I very badly need."

Galina Palin, whose daughter Katya was injured at the attack on the Dolphinarium, explained the complexity of her problem. "Our thoughts are all tied up in taking care of our daughter, but I was fired the week before the bombing and my husband is also unemployed. We spend all day at our daughter's bedside. I am afraid of the future. I worry that eventually they will forget about us."

The impressive range of assistance and support provided to victims of enemy activities by the authorities, government ministries and the National Insurance Fund is touching on one hand, but it is sad to think that only in times of tragedy does Am Yisroel's good side come to light.

Immigrants in the Eye of the StormThe Dolphinarium tragedy illustrated how some sectors face even greater challenges in coping with terrorist attacks. New immigrants from the former Soviet Union had numerous problems that amplified the effects of the bombing. "Immigrants from Russia do not have an infrastructure of community support," says Deputy Minister Yuri Stern. "When tragedy strikes chas vesholom hundreds of friends and family members come to visit Israelis, while immigrants from Russia are left all alone." At Abu Kabir the Israeli family stands with the whole tribe on hand, whereas the Russians stand on their own, waiting for the terrible news.
"We have been handling the case of a child who lost both of his parents in the bombing of Line 18 in Jerusalem," recalls Ruth Brown, of Assistance for Immigrants in Crisis. "The organization adopted him and we have been doing everything in our power to be like a family to him." Brown describes support groups the organization has set up for grandmothers and grandfathers who are raising their orphaned grandchildren. People in such situations do not have an extended family to lend a hand and to help raise the children. In addition to the loneliness and the vacuum the immigrants must confront, in most cases their financial situation is dismal. "When you lead a normal life," says Yuri Stern, "people enlist all their coping powers, but when troubles comes, every challenge takes on tremendous dimensions and becomes unsolvable."
Russian families are small. Several families lost their only child at the Dolphinarium tragedy. "Why should I work so hard to pay the rent?" the miserable immigrants ask themselves. "I have no one to work hard for. I have no motivation."
The psychological difficulties alone are an involved topic. Immigrants from the former Soviet Union who suffered from open displays of antisemitism hoped to come to a country where they would not be a despised minority. Says Stern: "When they finally arrive in Israel full of hope and here they encounter hatred as well, they feel displaced and frightened."
Immigrants from Russia are unaccustomed to make use of psychological care and when the psychologist arrives he does not speak their language and is not familiar with the nuances of the Russian mentality. And above all, says an activist for Russian aliya, these immigrants feel that the State does not provide adequate protection. Many of them have right-wing leanings and simply cannot comprehend why the State does not take more aggressive steps to crush the Palestinian Authority.
The Dolphinarium tragedy revealed the vulnerability of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, who lack the resources to cope with such situations, and all of the authorities had to extend their limits in order to provide assistance. Immigrants who were the victims of other terrorist attacks feel that they did not receive the kind of comprehensive assistance made available to the victims of the Dolphinarium tragedy, and have risen up against the unjust treatment they received. "Maybe I have no choice other than to apply pressure through a committee chairman or a Knesset member in order to receive the same rights granted to the victims of the Dolphinarium," says one immigrant, who was injured in the Hadera bombing.

Where is the Money?More than one million shekels for the victims of the Dolphinarium tragedy have accumulated in the Tel Aviv Development Fund, yet despite the months that have gone by since the bombing and to the great surprise of many expectant recipients, the money has yet to arrive at its destination. One television channel broadcast an investigative story on the subject that claimed the chairman of the fund is Mayor Ron Chuldai and the members of the fund have not yet found the time to meet to decide how to transfer the money and who will be entitled to receive it. For now, the money is sitting in a general-purpose account, mixed in with other monies. The televised report accused the Mayor and claimed that the fund is used, among other things, to finance Chuldai's many trips abroad.
In Tel Aviv construction goes on. The Mayor lays sidewalks and sewage lines, and renovates nonstop in a city that never stops. Meanwhile the victims of the bombing still face problems for which solutions have not been found, and for which funds have not been located. Despite the fact that she has been discharged from the hospital a girl in a wheelchair cannot go home because her wheelchair is too wide to fit through the doorway. Other families are coping with acute problems associated with hospitalization, treatment and more.
What does the City of Tel Aviv have to say?
"The report in question is maligning and false," said the city spokesman. "The reporter failed to verify the facts with us and she called on Friday when there were no personnel authorized to comment, yet she asked her questions anyway. She also behaved deceptively, posing as a donor in order to get answers." The spokesman explains that this is a public fund in which public monies accumulated, requiring full disclosure and extreme prudence in distributing the funds. "Since we are unable to decide which of the victims of the Dolphinarium should be entitled to greater amounts of assistance, for no two victims are alike, we have set up a committee headed by a judge that will set appropriate parameters for distribution."
The judge who has been deemed fit to head the committee is Judge Badimus Aloni, who is expected to return from a trip abroad in the near future. When asked whether there was any connection between the money in the fund and the Mayor's travels abroad, even the mild-mannered spokesman grew angry. First of all, he claims the Mayor and the municipality were the ones who encouraged the fund and initiated a banquet to benefit the victims. Furthermore, the spokesman emphasizes that Chuldai uses the fund to pay for trips abroad only when the trips are organized for the sake of the fund itself.
Who knows? But in the meantime the children impatiently waiting for the money to arrive can expect to wait for a long time.

Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation

2010-01-01T13:00:00.001-08:00

Center ob Global Counterterrorism Cooperation

Workshop on Raising Awareness of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Among Civil Society in Southeast Asia

18-19 November 2009 | The Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia

The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation and Nahdatul Ulama (NU), with support from the governments of Germany and Sweden, co-hosted a workshop in Jakarta on 18-19 November 2009 to raise awareness of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy among civil society in Southeast Asia and explore the possibilities for greater civil society participation in efforts to implement the global framework in a manner that reflects the local contexts, needs, and priorities across the region. Participants in the workshop included representatives from civil society from across Southeast Asia working on an array of issues related to the implementation of the UN Strategy. The workshop aimed to build on the rich contributions of civil society to furthering human security in Southeast Asia and lay the foundations for the development of a civil society network related to the issues covered in the UN Strategy.

Click here to read the meeting summary.

Click here to read the background paper.

Click here for the workshop agenda.

Press Coverage:

"Gov't Told to Give Space to Civil Society in Combating Terrorism,"Jakarta Post, 18 November 2009

"The UN and Civil Society's Role in Countering Terrorism," Abdul Wahid Maktub and Alistair Millar, Jakarta Post, 18 November 2009

"War Against Terror in Southeast Asia," Rommel Banlaoi, Jakarta Post, 18 November 2009

“Civil Societies Discuss Ways to Combat Terrorism in Southeast Asia,”Sujadi Siswo, Channel NewsAsia, 20 November 2009 (Link to Video)

The Human Cost of War on Terror: When will we care?

2010-01-01T11:18:00.001-08:00

Terror incidents claimed 3,300 lives this yea

By Amir Wasim

Thursday, 31 Dec, 2009

Over 3,300 people were killed this year in terrorism-related incidents across the country.

PAKISTAN

Up to 61 killed in Lakki Marwat blast: police

ISLAMABAD: Over 3,300 people, including personnel of law-enforcement agencies and armed forces, were killed this year in terrorism-related incidents across the country. Suicide bombers struck every fifth day.

Data compiled through newspaper reports of major incidents show that 1,037 people lost their lives in 76 suicide attacks in 2009. December saw the highest number of suicide attacks — 15 — which claimed 211 lives. On average nine lives were lost daily.

Although personnel of the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, including police, Rangers and FC, were the main target of militants, civilians were also killed in suicide attacks on shopping centres, educational institutions, mosques and imambargahs.

The data show that 443 personnel of army and police lost their lives during military operations and terrorist attacks. Militants attacked a number of police stations, checkposts and offices of the FIA and ISI.

The most brazen attack was carried out by Taliban militants on the heavily-guarded GHQ in Rawalpindi on Oct 10. Six soldiers and four attackers were killed in the siege, which lasted almost 24 hours.

At least 42 people, a number of serving and retired army officers among them, were killed in two suicide blasts and gun attack on an army mosque near the GHQ on Dec 4.

The NWFP was the worst-hit province where more than 64 per cent of the terrorism-related incidents took place in 2009. About 2,133 people lost their lives in the province and 699 in Fata.

Punjab also remained in the grip of terrorism and 369 people were killed in different incidents. Two incidents of terrorism took place in Sindh, where 44 people died.

The data show that 35 people were killed in Balochistan, 29 in Islamabad and eight in Azad Kashmir.

The month-wise breakdown shows that May remained the bloodiest month of the year in which 1,120 people — 945 in the NWFP alone — were killed.

It was in this month that the government launched a full-scale military operation in Swat, Buner and adjoining areas. The month also saw the highest number of military casualties — 135.

The Taliban targeted a number of prominent personalities, including elected representatives. Seven people, including Allama Sarfaraz Naeemi who was an outspoken opponent of the Taliban, were killed in suicide attacks.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi survived an attempt on his life in Islamabad on Sept 2.

The Awami National Party was the main target of the Taliban because of its open support for the military operation in Swat and Malakand. Two of its MPAs — Dr Shamsher Khan and Alamzeb Khan — lost their lives in terrorist attacks.

Senior NWFP Minister Bashir Bilour survived an assassination attempt in Peshawar on March 11. Six people, including two suspected suicide attackers, were killed.

The Taliban blew up a shrine of the 17th century Sufi poet Rehman Baba in Peshawar.

The military claimed to have killed a number of important leaders of the Taliban and Al Qaeda during the operation in the NWFP and Fata. Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud was killed in a drone attack in August in South Waziristan.

A convoy of two buses carrying Sri Lankan cricketers and officials was attacked by 12 gunmen near the Qadhafi Stadium in Lahore on March 3. Six policemen and two civilians were killed.

Sindh, which remained in the grip of violence in 2007 and 2008, largely remained peaceful throughout 2009. But on Dec 28, it witnessed a major act of terror when 43 people were killed in a suspected suicide attack on an Ashura procession in Karachi.

Tags: Pakistan,suicide attack,terrorism

Monitoring Terrorist Attacks.

2010-01-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

A useful link to the blog that contains news and stories on the terrorist attacks in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world.

http://ww4report.com/node/7876

The Forgotten Tragedy of Lakki Marwat

2010-01-01T04:18:00.000-08:00

Bomb Blast in Lakki Marwat: The Unfolding Tragedyt
A suicide bomber blew up an explosives-laden double-cabin pickup in the middle of a crowd gathered for a volleyball game, killing 88 people and injuring 37 in Shah Hassan Khel area on Friday.

It was the highest death toll from a militant strike since a massive car bomb on Oct 28 killed 125 people in a crowded market popular with women in Peshawar.

According to agency reports, a man detonated his vehicle as sports fans gathered in a field to watch two local teams face off at volleyball in Lakki Marwat which borders South Waziristan.

“The villagers were watching the match between the two teams when the bomber rashly drove his pick-up into them and blew it up,” district police chief Mohammad Ayub Khan said.

“We have removed all bodies and wounded from the rubble and now the total death toll is 75 while 42 people were wounded.”

Ramzan Bittani, a 33-year-old driver, said that he had left the match to take a call.

“As I was listening, I saw a huge blue and white spark followed by an ear-piercing blast. When I was able to figure out what had happened, I saw bodies and smoke all around. My hand was fractured,” he said.

The NWFP government announced Rs300,000 compensation for the heir of each deceased and Rs100,000 for each of the injured.—Agencies

Our Correspondent Mursaleen Marwat adds: A team of doctors was dispatched from the adjacent Bannu district because of meagre health facilities in Lakki Marwat and health professionals were finding it difficult to treat the injured.

Local people said that the terrorist rammed his explosives-laden pickup into a wall near the volley ball court. The powerful explosion destroyed several houses and shops in the locality and according to witnesses a few houses also caught fire.

A portion of a mosque where a meeting of a local peace committee was in progress also caved in, said Gul Janan, a member of the committee.

Doctors said that 10 critically injured people were moved to other hospitals in the region.
A local elder said militant groups in North Waziristan had threatened members of the peace committee.

Local people have set up peace committees in the area to prevent insurgent activities in the area.

“We have been receiving threats from militant groups in the North Waziristan,” said Mushtaq Marwat.

Local people shifted the injured in cars and wagons to the main hospital. Witnesses said that the playground was littered with human flesh and blood and several bodies were charred and mutilated beyond recognition.

Karachi under Siege: 28th December 2009

2009-12-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

There are no heroes in war, only victims.

2009-12-18T02:14:00.000-08:00

There are no heroes in war, only victims. A look at some of the US soldiers that came back from the Iraq war and each of them definitely has their own story to tell. Their tragedy will only be life reminders of how ugly war really is.

http://ritemail-amazing.blogspot.com/2009/12/american-soldiers-back-from-in-iraq.html

Can the Victims of Terror Speak? The silence of HRCP Statistics

2009-12-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

The sheer silence on the victims and survivors of terrorists bomb attacks in Pakistan is evidenced by the lack of statistical and biographical information on the victims of terror. Even Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, (HRCP), the prime agency for the protection of human rights in Pakistan does not cover the violations of human rights including deaths and injuries of innocent civilians, caused by terrorists attacks. The bulk of statistics are gathered around the following 9 subjects.

Burnings, Corporate Punishment, Deatn Penalty, Domestic Violance, Kidnapping, Killings, Sectarian Violance, Sexual Harrassment, Suicide
The nearest one can get to human rights violations caused by terrorist attacks are the statistics on the victims of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan.

The summary of HRCP statistics for the year 2009, from January to October is as follows:

Killed: 321

Wounded: 748.

Source: Sectarianism & Sectarian Violence

AIRRA statistics on Terrorist Violence and Victims in Pakistan

2009-12-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

Aryana Institute for Regional Research and Advocacy (AIRRA)

AIRRA is a non-profit organization which has been envisioned to remain independent,both ideologically and organizationally,and is meant to carry out scientific and rational studies for policy recommendations to countries in the region (South and Central Asia), international community and development organizations.The geographical focus for research will initially remain to be FATA, NWFP, Northern Baluchistan in Pakistan, and South and Eastern Afghanistan because of convenience and easy accessibility.

AIRRA shall focus thematically to understand and recommend for human security, social development, regional cooperation and an environment free of extremism and terrorism that would probably usher in an era of pluralism, equal economic and political opportunities, rule of law, and individual and collective empowerment for the people of South and Central Asia within their state institutional frameworks in consonance with nature.

List of Widows of Swat, Dec 2009

Aryana Institute of Regional Studies and Advocacy issued a list of widows in two villages of Swat. More of such lists are needed for all whole of Pakistan before any rehabilitation work can begin on sustainable basis. In addition, a number of other statistics and surveys maps the situation.

Also see the following:

List of Bomb blasts in Pakistan, 2000-2009

Casualties report May 15 to May 21, 2009

Facts And Figures Of Losses And Damages Incurred Between Parts Of The Pashtun Belt Due To Religious Militancy From 1st May 09 To 31st May 09

SUICIDE ATTACKS IN PAKISTAN 2002-2007

Suicide Attacks in Pakistan, 2008-9

Facts Sheet on SWAT Education & Other Vital Data

SAIR information: The eclipsed scale of Terrorist Violence in Pakistan

2009-12-12T01:04:00.000-08:00

A think tank based in India, South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR) brings out regular assessments, data and news briefs on terrorism, insurgencies and sub-conventional warfare, counter-terrorism responses and policies, as well as on related economic, political, and social issues, in the South Asian region.

The following information on the reported deaths due to terrorist violence in Pakistan is drawn from SAIR website. A general reader's discretion is advised. We should build equally credible sources of information for public dissemination in order to verify the statistics provided below.

Pakistan Data Sheet

Number and Deaths/Injuries in Bom blasts in Pakistan

Casualties of Terrorist Violence in Pakistan
Sectarian Violence in Pakistan (1989-2009)
Major incidents of terrorist violence in Pakistan, 1988-2009
Bomb Blasts in Karachi, 1987-2004
Suicide Attacks in Islamabad
Suicide Attacks in Rawalpindi
Sectarian attacks in mosques in Pakistan (2002-2008)

Moon Market shopkeepers demand compensation

2009-12-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

The UN had declared the victims of terrorists attacks as the most neglected victims in the world today. This is true for Pakistan, where despite more than decade old history of terrorist bomb attacks in the cities, there is little recognition of their significance as urban disasters. They are erased from public memory faster than natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Moreover, forced displacements as a result of military warfare, such as in NWFP, gained world wide attention as well as international aid. Whereas, the victims of urban disasters such as terrorist attacks are compensated largely on grounds of political expediency but not as matters of public policy.

The response of victims of Moon Market tragedy underscores the need for evolving effective mechanisms for managing the process of compensation and rehabilitation work, to be carried out on long term basis. Financial compensations will not last long, more sustainable ways of offering help in medical, psychological, educational and employment related matters should be developed.

Daily Times
* Traders’ union president says losses estimated at Rs 30 million so far
* Stall owner says ‘nearly impossible’ for him to restart business on his own

By Rana Tanveer

LAHORE: Around 150 shops, including roadside stalls, were destroyed in the twin blasts at Moon Market causing a loss of around Rs 35 million to more than 160 shopkeepers, Moon Market Traders Union President Abdul Jabbar said on Wednesday.

Secretary General of the traders’ union, Arif Siddiqui, said they had registered 109 stallholders and 52 shopkeepers so far while around 25 shopkeepers have not been registered as yet. He said the losses could increase once all the shopkeepers had been registered.

Meanwhile, the blasts have burdened several small-scale shopkeepers with heavy loans after their shops were destroyed completely and they are now relying on the government to compensate their loss.

Some stall owners expressed helplessness while talking to Daily Times, saying they had recently started their business by taking loans from relatives. They said their goods, makeshift stalls and carts had been completely destroyed in the blast.

A toy stall owner said his business had burnt into ashes along with Rs 1 million that he had collected from a monthly committee from several traders of the area and was supposed to give it to one of them on the next day of the blast.

He said he did not know how he would be able to return the amount as he did not even own his house and his business had also been destroyed. To a question, he said the government could compensate his loss but no one would believe he had lost Rs 1 million in cash.

Impossible: Kamran Ahmed, a small-scale shopkeeper selling sweaters, said he had started his business only two months ago, adding that the day the blasts happened was his first day at work after Eid holidays. He said he had no source of income besides selling sweaters on a cart, adding it was nearly impossible to restart the business. Ahmed said he had already borrowed money from his brother-in-law to start the business, adding that there was no hope except the government’s help for earning for his family.

Home | Lahore

Govt to reconstruct Moon Market, compensate victims

2009-12-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

The steps of the Punjab Government are laudable and must be strengthened by financial contributions from private sector as well as civil society. Now, the real task for a citizen group is to be able to monitor the process of compensations from public announcements to the actual disbursement to increase the transparency of the process.

Daily Times, Thursday, December 10, 2009, LAHORE: The Punjab government announced Rs 300,000 in compensation for the families of victims of the Moon Market blasts, a private TV channel reported on Wednesday. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters that the government would bear thue costs of their medical treatment. He also announced the government’s decision to reconstruct the market and announced a comprehensive survey to assess the damage incurred. daily times monitor

The Need for Emergence Response to Bomb blasts in Pakistan

2009-12-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

The bomb blasts in Pakistan have become all too frequent to have a shock value any more. Now, not the news of the blasts but the body count of killed and injured is what makes terrorist disaster a news on the national broadcast. Although we are all scared of being a victim to a bomb blast, there is a general social apathy and public indifference towards mitigating the traged. Despite more than 1,500 people killed and even more injured in the bomb blasts this year, still there are no signs of national concern raised for the victims of bomb blasts either by the vibrant civil society or the democratic government of PPP. The human costs of the war on terror have not be taken into account and the institutional arrangements for disaster preparedness and mitigation hardly exists.

Read what the victims of Lahore Moon Market bombings have to say! The intention of the post is not to whip the concerned state departments such as police, hospitals, morgues but to highlight the need for a Task Force that can coordinate the activities of the line departments and act as a resource center for the families of terror victims and survivors.

President Zardari to seek personal interest in assistance package for victims of terrorism

2009-12-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

BISP directed to devise assistance package for terror victims

Pakistan Times Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to devise a comprehensive assistance package for the victims of terrorism.

He also advised that the assistance of professional bodies running charities may also be sought to make BISP more effective and also to attract funds for the Program from various international donors.

The President said this while chairing a meeting in which presentations on Benazir Income Support Program and NADRA were given to him in the Presidency on Friday.

The presentations were attended among others by Minister for Labour and Manpower Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Interior Rehman A. Malik, Finance Minister Shoukat Tarin, Minister for Health Mir Ejaz Jhakrani, Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary-General Salman Farooqui and spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar.

She said that through Emergency Relief Package, an amount of Rs. 28 million has been paid to 3965 families of FATA and Bajaur whereas Rs. 26 million paid to the 3729 earthquake affected families of Balochistan.

It may also be recalled that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced a contribution of $ 85 million to BISP during her visit to Pakistan.

Babar said that the world community recognizes and appreciates the utility and usefulness of the Program and the way it is being managed in a transparent manner above any party affiliations or any influence whatsoever.

Traders of Moon Market Commemorate the Victims

2009-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Shall we stop at commemorations or make short term and long term strategies for improving the safety standards of public places in Lahore.

Candles lit to commemorate Moon Market Victims, LAHORE: The traders at Liberty Chowke in Lahore lit candles in commemoration of the victims who lost their lives amid Lahore twin blasts occurred in famous Moon Market, Geo news reported on Wednesday.

According to sources, the participants, on the occasion, vowed to face the menace of terrorism with iron hands.

The candlelight commemoration gathering was organized by MM Alam Road Traders Association (MMARTA), which was attended by residents and traders hailing from Liberty Market and Hafeez Center who lighted candles to pay homage to deceased victims of Moon Market twin blasts.

Attendees also raised slogans against extremism meanwhile, member Punjab Assembly Dr. Saeed Elahi said the Moon Market tragedy has led to the unity of nation and will ultimately stamped out terrorism form the country once for all.

He said the government of Punjab has devised foolproof strategy to eradicate extremism but however, it is not an easy job to deal with terrorists.

Network of Associations of Victims of Terrorism, European Union.

2009-12-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

The following introduction and web links to the EU Network of Association of Victims of Terrorism, can help us to formulate a set of goals and objectives for a similar networks in Pakistan and South Asia.

NAVT INTRODUCTION

Description and objectives

Aims and content of NAVT
The main aim of NAVT is to stimulate trans-national co-operation between associations of victims of terrorism and enhance the representation of victims' interests at European Union level. This should be done through the setting up and running of a stable, focussed and effective network of European associations of victims of terrorism or other non governmental organisations with a special focus on supporting victims of terrorism

The general aim of NAVT are:

–Create a network of associations of victims of terrorism or other organisations with a special focus on supporting victims of terrorism;

–Contribute to increase the representation of victims of terrorism in the European Unionas well as the solidarity of European citizens with them;

–Assess current aid and protection offered to victims of terrorism in the European
Union;

–Gather best practices and identify gaps in the aid and protection offered to victims of terrorism;

–Propose activities to extend best practices and address these gaps;

–Support the Union's goal of providing aid and protection to victims of terrorism

Coping with a terrorist attacks: What victims and survivors could do?

2009-12-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

How to take care of and help yourself after a disaster.
Copyright 2007 © Network of Associations of Victims of Terrorism.

The emotional effect caused by the recent terrorist attacks can affect all kinds of people: the injured, families of those who died, friends, rescue and healthcare personnel, witnesses of the event, volunteers, journalists, and in general many people who feel affected by the tragedy, even despite having been far from the place. Those who have witnessed the event or have lost loved ones are most exposed to more intense reactions and the people who found about and saw the consequences of the explosions on the television may also feel very irritated. Common reactions after traumatic events such as this terrorist attack include feeling afraid, sad, horrified, powerless, angry, overwhelmed, confused, absent, emotionally numb or disoriented.

Those affected may suffer from nightmares or depressive thoughts or “photographic” images which suddenly come to mind. Younger people may react by becoming irritated or seeming absent. All of these are normal responses to stressful events. With the help of family, friends and colleagues, and in general with the solidarity of society as a whole, most people gradually improve with time.

What can be done to deal with this situation?

o Spend more time with other people. Facing up to times of stress is easier when people help each other.

o If you think it is helpful, speak to other people about how you feel. You must be willing to listen to others who need to talk about how they feel.

o Recover your daily routine. Old habits can be very comforting.

o Take time to grieve and cry if necessary. To feel better after a time you have to let your feelings out, instead of repressing or hiding them.

o Ask your family, friends, spiritual advisers or any social resource for support and help.

o Participate in or join support groups.

o Set yourself small goals in order to overcome big problems. Do things one at a time, instead of trying to do everything at once.

o Do not neglect eating, and take time to walk, stretch, do exercise, and relax even if it is only for a few minutes a day.

o Make sure you get enough sleep and rest. In times of great stress more sleep than usual is required.

o Do something that makes you feel good, such as bathing with hotwater, going for a walk, sitting in the sun or stroking a pet.

o If you are trying to do too much, try to do less, leaving for later or just missing out some things that are not absolutely necessary.

o Find something positive and altruistic to do such as give blood or donate money to help the victims of the disaster, collaborate with professionals and volunteers who are dealing with the consequences of the terrorist attack.

o Escape from the tension of the event: don’t watch so much news, switch off the television and find distraction in doing something you like.

How to act with children.

o Let them know you understand how they feel.

o Tell them that they are really safe.

o Maintain the normal routine. o Do not let them see many shocking images of the attack.

When to seek more help.

Some people may need additional help in order to overcome the psychological consequences of a traumatic event. The people directly affected by the tragedy, children and adolescents, people who have experienced other traumas and people with emotional problems are very pre-disposed to needing professional help. A person may need additional help if one month after the event, or even before that if the person is suffering a great deal or feels very incapacitated, the person:

o Still fees very shocked or afraid, almost all the time.

o Acts very differently compared to how he or she acted before the trauma.

o Cannot work, study, take care of the children or the house.
o Has worse personal relationships.

o Takes drugs or drinks a lot.

o Feels very nervous or has a lot of nightmares.

o Cannot stop thinking about the terrorist attack.

o Is unable to enjoy life in any way.

Pakistan Prime Minister’s special fund for victims of terrorism established

2009-12-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

Associated Press of Pakistan, May 2009

ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP): The Government has decided to establish a Fund titled “Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism” for providing relief in the wake of current conflict in Dir, Swat, Bajaur and Waziristan Agency of NWFP and FATA. According to a statement issued by the Finance Division here Monday, the fund would be used to mobilize resources and render helping hand in the relief efforts to the affected people.

All proceeds on account and payment into the aforesaid Fund will be received at all branches of State Bank of Pakistan, All Treasuries and Branches of National Bank of Pakistan and all other Scheduled Banks.

The Fund may receive donations from both domestic, international donors and contributions from abroad which will be received at all the branches of above referred banks where such branches are existing.

In other foreign countries contributions will be received at Pakistan Missions and remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan which would prescribe necessary procedure for their accounting.

All proceeds received in the name of the fund will be credited to the public account of the federal government under major object G 12, special relief deposit fund minor object G 121, relief funds detailed object (New) G.12135 Prime Minister’s Special Fund for Victims of Terrorism.

Accounts of the fund will be maintained by Accountant General of Pakistan, Revenues, Islamabad and will be administered by the Cabinet Division through F.A. Organization.

Sherpao demands compensation for bomb blast, operation victims in NWFP

2009-11-16T01:24:00.000-08:00

Daily Times, PESHAWAR: Pakistan People’s Party Sherpao (PPP-S) Chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Sunday asked government for early compensation to victims of blasts and military operation. Addressing a press conference, he said the government had so far failed to compensate the blast and military operation victims and further delay would devoid government of public sympathies. He condemned terrorist attacks in the provincial capital and other parts of country and asked the government to adopt extra security and rescue measures to reduce public causalities in such attacks. He said masses were backing the military operation against militants and if the government failed to kept their sympathy, it would turn into anger. He said there should be political input along with military operation and tribesmen from Waziristan, Bajaur and Mohmand agencies be taken into confidence. He said it was necessary to make civil administration in Swat and other militancy-hit areas effective once they were cleared from militants. He criticized the federal government for not releasing Rs 10 billion in the head of net hydel profit to the provincial government as promised by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. staff report

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C11%5C16%5Cstory_16-11-2009_pg7_15

Pakistan Government Response to Victims of Terrorism

2009-11-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

Pakistan Package for Victims of Terrorism Under Study, ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to work out an assistance package under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for victims of terrorism.

Presiding over a meeting on the BISP and National Database Registration Authority on Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari said that assistance of professionals running charity organisations might also be sought to make the programme more effective and attract funds from international donors to help people affected by terrorism.

Presidency’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar told reporters that the president had appreciated extension of the BISP to Gilgit-Baltistan where more than 50,000 deserving families were being helped by the programme.

During her recent visit, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had announced $85 million for the BISP.

‘The world community recognises and appreciates the usefulness of the programme and the way it is being managed,’ the spokesman said.

The president stressed that success of such initiatives required complete transparency and impartiality in the process of selection of beneficiaries and disbursement.

BISP chairperson Farzana Raja informed the meeting that cash grants, Waseela-e-Haq, poverty surveys, Benazir Smart Card, mobile banking, health/accident insurance, vocational training and emergency relief packages were major components of the programme.

‘The transparency in cash grants is being ensured through functional separation mechanism and individual payment mechanism details are available on BISP website,’ she said.

Ms Raja said that under the Emergency Relief Package, Rs28 million had been paid to 3,965 families hit by terrorism in Fata and Bajaur. An amount of Rs26 million had been paid to 3,729 families affected by earthquake in Balochistan, she added.

She said that an agreement had been signed with the United Bank Limited to make payments to the people who had been displaced from Swat and Malakand.

An amount of Rs3.82 billion, she added, would be distributed among them by Dec 5. Nadra chairman Ali Arshad Hakeem said the authority was engaged in various projects and also assisting some foreign countries.

The projects include machine readable passports, identity cards and civil registration, electronic and highway toll collection, IDP registration and cash disbursement, kiosk and e-Sahulat and BISP.

He said that Nadra was assisting Sudan, Kenya, Bangladesh and Nigeria and the UNHCR in biometric refugee registration system.

The authority, he said, was also working with the BISP and the World Bank in developing a poverty database in the country based on the bank’s poverty scorecard which employed proxy mean testing based on 13 variables.

The Hidden Aftermath: Peshawar's Bomb blast victims

2009-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

Pakistan Bomb-blast victims lack trauma care counseling.

PESHAWAR--The huge bomb blast in the western Pakistani city of Peshawar on 29 October which left 117 people dead, many more injured and an unknown number of trauma victims.

According to the New Delhi-based Institute of Conflict Management, the blast was the latest in violence that claimed 6,715 lives in Pakistan in 2008 (2,155 civilians, 3,906 “terrorists” and 654 security forces personnel) and at least 650 so far in 2009.

“I fell to the ground with the impact, and could not see anything for some minutes. All I heard were screams and cries for help,” said Muhammad Idrees, 40, who sells bracelets at the market. Many of those who died were women and children out shopping.

Most of the dead and injured were taken to the government-run Lady Reading Hospital, the largest public-sector medical facility in Peshawar. Doctors at the hospital said they struggled to cope.

“The thing is no hospital in the world is equipped to deal with the kind of situation you see when over 300 seriously injured people are suddenly brought to a hospital. Naturally problems occur,” Hamid Afridi, head of Lady Reading Hospital, told IRIN.

With 86 consultants and over 800 other doctors available, Afridi said they were not lacking staff and that support from nurses and medical students living on the premises was at hand, but there was a need for “more formalized trauma care”.

While the hospital has a large accident and emergency care department, staffed by 62 doctors and headed by a trauma care specialist, “we need even more expertise given the situation we now face”, Afridi said.

Panic attacks

Hundreds of people who were not injured are psychologically affected. “I suffered panic attacks for days, even though I was not injured in the blast but just heard the enormous boom some distance away,” said Azhar Khan, 30.

Adnan Hussain, 14, lost all his immediate family members in the blast - including his parents, four sisters and a three-year-old brother. He suffers a far deeper sense of loss. “He weeps when he is alone, so we try to keep him busy,” Adnan’s paternal uncle, Ayaz Khan, said. The family - from the town of Rawalpindi in Punjab Province - were shopping in Peshawar when the bomb struck.

Others suffer in different ways: “My son was a shopkeeper at a stall selling clothes in this market. I know he is dead, but it would give me some sense of mental peace if I could see his body,” Ameera Bibi, 60, told IRIN. Accompanied by her daughters, Bibi still regularly visits the site of her only son’s death.

“The survivors of such incidents need counselling, but there is not much awareness of the need. More and more victims of terrorism are, however, now seeking help and that is a good sign,” said psychologist Asif Khan.

Posted by Hal Newman • November 14, 2009 •

Government Compensations to the Victims of International Islamic University, Islamabad

2009-11-12T01:30:00.000-08:00

International Islamic University should be acknowledged for honouring the victims of terrorist bomb blasts in the University few months. The university should develop long term strategies for protecting the lives and livelihood of the families of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. For instance, a special category of scholarships should be established for the victims of terror, for taking care of the students from school to the university.

Read the news report below:

Government Compensations to the Victims of International Islamic University, Islamabad

International Islamic university victims compensation

Compensation announced for IIU victims
Islamabad, Nov 12: The government has announced compensation of Rs0.3 million each for those who lost their lives in twin suicide bombs on October 20 on the premises of the International Islamic University (IIU). Around 40 persons, who sustained injuries in the bomb blasts, would get Rs0.1 million each, says a press release issued by the IIU here on Wednesday.
An amount of one million rupees has already been announced for Pervaiz Masih, who sacrificed his life to save hundreds of female students who were present in the cafeteria when the blast occurred. "Now the government should focus on erecting boundary walls around the IIU to ensure security of students," it said. The news

Pakistani participates in Global Survivors of Terrorism get together in Jordan

2009-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Major (Ret.) Tahir Wadood Malik, a survivor whose wife was killed in the 2009 United Nation World Food Program bombing in Islamabad is one of those who participated in the Global Survivors Network gathering in Jordan. He is also one of the key supporters of GSN. You can find more about Mr Malik at his blog:
http://gsntahir.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/i-am-a-survivor-of-terrorism-went-to-amman-jordan-to-meet-survivors-like-me/

Please visit the facebook group of the Global Survivors Network at the following address:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=202548629609

Please read the press report of the event.
Marking Jordan’s 9/11, global survivors of terrorism speak out By Taylor Luck

AMMAN - Carie Lemack said she looks forward to working with “the best group of people I never wanted to know”.

Lemack, who lost her mother in the September 11 attacks in New York, travelled to Amman to mark “Jordan’s 9/11”.

Together with Ashraf Khaled, who lost his father and in-laws when his wedding was attacked four years ago, Lemack on Monday launched the first international advocacy group and support forum for those affected by terrorism.

In an event marking the fourth anniversary of the Amman hotel bombings, 18 people from different continents, cultures and backgrounds, whose lives have been irreversibly transformed by violence across the world, formed the Global Survivors Network.

“Disease, natural disasters, fate do not discriminate. But terrorism does. It discriminates against the innocent. We, in Jordan, know this firsthand,” Her Majesty Queen Rania said in a statement marking the occasion.

The Queen described the triple bombings of the Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt and Days Inn hotels, which killed and injured scores of people, as “horrific and cowardly brutality”.

“The perpetrators of this ideology think that through violence and destruction, they can erode the ties that bind the nations of the civilised world. But they are wrong,” she said.

“The more they kill, the more they blow up and tear down, the more they fortify our determination to stand together for security and freedom. I am proud that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is leading the way in this effort,” she said.

Queen Rania highlighted the Global Survivors Network as a tool to bring together “those concerned or affected by the scourge of terrorism”, noting that the organisation provides information, support and solidarity.

“...It [the network] sends a powerful message of resilience: If global terrorist attacks have achieved anything, they have made us stronger, more resolute and more united against extremism and for peace,” the Queen said.

Lemack, who was an early advocate of the 9/11 Commission and the implementation of its recommendations in the US, said the global network strives to be an international movement away from politics.

“For so many people, terrorism is just a one-day event. 9/11. 7/7. 3/11. But it is so much more than one day - it has life-long and generational ramifications and we need to stop it,” Lemack said.

The media often focus on the immediate carnage of terrorist attacks, she said, spending days analysing and profiling perpetrators while leaving survivors as statistics.

The global network comes as part of an overall effort to “reclaim the narrative” of terrorism, and put faces to each statistic to dissuade the future targeting of civilians.

“People want to hear stories where everything comes out OK, but this is not often the case. They may be uncomfortable and unfortunate, but these are stories that are important to talk about,” she said.

Gill Hicks took matters into her own hands to transform herself from “victimised by terrorism” to a “survivor of terrorism”.

The former architect lost both her legs in the July 7, 2007 bombings in London. Through the traumatic experience, Hicks said she saw “the best in humanity”.

“When they discovered my body, covered in ash, all they knew was ‘one unidentified, estimated female’. Those response teams worked their hardest to save my life because I was a human being, without knowing or caring my race, my religion or how much money I have. That is a pretty powerful message,” she said.

Shortly following the attacks, Hicks established Making A Difference for peace (MAD) to develop proactive peace efforts and bridge cultural divides in the UK and elsewhere.

She expressed hope of promoting the stories of survivors to prevent future terrorist attacks.

“No one should have to go through this,” she said.

The sense of loss is all too recent for retired Major Tahir Wadood Malik, who lost his wife Gul Rukh Tahir in the bombing of the UN World Food Programme office in Pakistan last month.

“I dropped my wife off at 7:45am, told her that I would pick her up at 5:00pm. At 2:30 in the afternoon I came to claim a dead body,” he said.

“I’ve fought two wars... and fought counterinsurgency. I thought I knew death, but I wasn’t prepared for this,” he said.

The WFP representative in Pakistan told him of the planned meeting in Amman, and after giving it a thought, Malik said he decided to make the journey to Amman to learn from other survivors how to live with loss and become empowered.

Noting recent attacks, such as in Peshawar and Islamabad, he stressed that each victim affects a whole family, creating hundreds of Pakistani survivors each week.

“What do you do about it? Keeping quiet is no longer an option; we have to talk,” he said.

Medical services, social and psychological support for terror victims in Pakistan are lacking, he said, adding he hopes to use the network to reach out to people in his native country.

Dr Habiba Rahim Shah said she still receives death threats at her home in Swat Valley, where two of her uncles and one of her cousins were killed in a series of attacks.

“My uncle was killed for talking about peace in a mosque following prayers. The Taliban are going home to home looking for reasons to kill,” Shah told The Jordan Times.

Due to the violence, she has not returned home in over a year, and continues her work in Islamabad. With death threats piling up at her house in Swat Valley, she said she is beginning to fear for her life in the Pakistani capital.

Febby Firmansyah Isran suffered burns over 40 per cent of his body in the 2003 bombing of the Jakarta JW Marriot. Although the physical wounds have healed, the mental and emotional scars remain, he said, particularly in the wake of the recent Jakarta bombing at the same hotel earlier this year.

“When I saw the news, it just all started coming back. This just has to stop,” he said, noting that he hopes to use the network to create more awareness in Indonesia.

“People only want to help when you are in the hospital. Once you leave, you are on your own as a survivor,” he said.

“The truth is our only power to stop this violence,” said Henry Kessy, who was seriously injured in the 1998 bombing of the US embassy in Tanzania.

Yesterday marked an emotional reunion for Kessy, who said he had the chance to meet with colleagues who previously served in the US embassy in Kenya and are now posted in Amman.

The network is actively looking for survivors of terrorism from Egypt, Iraq and around the world.

Through its website, www.globalsurvivors.org, which is to be translated into Arabic, the organisation aims to link survivors with NGOs, potential access to medical and psychiatric support as well as toolkits and guidelines to provide support for those affected by terrorist attacks.

“Nobody can help survivors more than survivors themselves,” Khaled noted.

Also part of the network, a documentary is being developed to follow the survivors’ journeys, detailing their daily lives and the lasting impacts of terrorism.

Filming on the project, which is being carried out by Moxie Firecracker Films, is expected to start by the end of the year in Amman, Bali and elsewhere, Lemack indicated, expressing hope that their stories will make people think twice about supporting the killing of innocent people for political means.

“If we can prevent one person from ever having to join the network, then it has all been a success,” Lemack said.

Also during yesterday’s event, presided by HRH Prince Raad deputising for Queen Rania, survivors along with ambassadors and officials representing the US, the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Australia, the EU, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iraq among others planted trees around the Amman Martyrs Memorial.

Jordan Times, Tuesday, November 10, 2009

British victims of terrorism abroad could get £1m payout

2009-10-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

London Evening Standard, Kiran Randhawa...15th October, 2009

Britons caught up in terror attacks abroad could get up to £1million in compensation from the Government, under plans revealed today.

Ministers are considering setting up a fund for those injured in atrocities overseas. It would be the first time British victims receive such payouts.

The £250,000 cap for those in attacks on British soil could also be lifted. But campaigners fear the Government will go back on a commitment to make payments retrospective. Those injured in the Bali and the Mumbai attacks could be left without a penny.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Home Secretary Alan Johnson are said to be in favour of retrospective payments but face opposition from some of the Cabinet. A Whitehall source said: "We want to sort this."

Labour MP Ian McCartney said: "You cannot have two classes of citizen, where as soon as you put a toenail over the English Channel you are denied rights." Will Pike, 29, left unable to walk after the Mumbai bombings last year, said: "The overall cost would be £20million which, in the grand scheme of the war on terrorism, is not a lot."

CVIC: Campaign for Innocent VIctims in Conflict

2009-09-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Campaign for Innocent VIctims in Conflict is fighting for recognition and help for civilians who are caught in the crossfire of armed conflict.Every day, stories of civilian suffering appear in the news—from Iraq and Afghanistan, to Gaza, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. You can imagine who they are. For without their injuries and loved ones killed in the blink of an eye, they had lives we would recognize as similar to our own, with all the joys and trials of everyday life. But too often, these ordinary civilians are left to mourn in the wake of tragedy with no recognition and little help to recover.

Avoiding civilians is always the goal, yet we know that harm occurs in war. There is no official obligation for warring parties to do anything but walk away from devastated communities. CIVIC is changing that status quo by challenging warring parties to recognize and help innocent civilians harmed the world over. Our message is simple but groundbreaking: help where you have harmed
.

Nepali victims of terror seek promised compensations of Church bomb blast

2009-06-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

NEPAL: Blast victims seek government compensation

By UNION OF CATHOLIC ASIAN NEWS

KATHMANDU (UCAN) – Family members of those killed and injured in the Assumption Church bomb blast are still hoping for compensation promised by the government, which has been delayed.

Newly elected Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, during a visit to the church immediately after the blast, had promised compensation as soon as he had finalized his Cabinet.

That was delayed by political infighting and now, despite a Cabinet in place, the government is suggesting the victims could face more delays.

Home Ministry spokesperson Nabin Ghimire told UCA News on June 30 that “we are currently formulating a new set of norms regarding compensation in such cases and we will be able to look into all such cases only after the norms are finalized.”

The blast killed three people and injured 13 others.

Hira John, an uncle of Deepa Patrick, who died in the blast on May 23, told UCA News he hopes the government will make good on its promise.

“We aren’t expecting more from the church as it has been doing everything it can for the treatment of the injured,” said John, who is also the uncle of two injured Indian girls, Monica Simon and Moni Patrick.

Simon and Patrick underwent treatment for at least three weeks after the blast.

“Although the girls are out of hospital now, their wounds are yet to heal,” John said, adding they intend to seek further treatment in their hometown of Patna, in India’s Bihar state. “We are hoping that the government acts on its promise and gives us some kind of compensation,” he added.

Balan Joseph, 41, who lost his wife and daughter in the blast, said he felt it was the government’s “duty” to compensate the victims.

“Whatever the church has been doing is commendable and the love and concern it is showing is enough for me, but now it is the government’s duty to see to it that the victims are paid some damages,” he said.

Another of the injured, Sun Bahadur Tamang, 49, whose wife was seriously injured in the blast and remains in hospital in Kathmandu, agreed that “the church is already doing its bit by bearing the entire cost of treatment of the injured.”

“It is now the government’s turn to do its part,” he said, adding that “whatever the government can give us will at least be some relief for all of us.”

Father Robin Rai, parochial vicar at Assumption Church, said the church is “considering” coming up with a “support package” for the blast victims. However, he acknowledged that “we cannot give them much as the church has limited funds.”

He said the church has received donations from individuals and social organizations both from within and outside the country but that was insufficient to give the victims “good” compensation.

Meanwhile, the Kathmandu District Court on June 29 denied bail to Sita Thapa Shrestha, the woman accused of planting the pressure cooker bomb inside the church.

“During proceedings on June 29, the court did not find any evidence that suggested that Shrestha did not commit the crime, while there was plenty of evidence that proved her involvement. As such the court could not grant her bail,” Bed Prasad Timilsina, an official at the Lalitpur District Court, told UCA News.

http://www.ucanews.com/2009/06/30/blast-victims-seek-government-compensation/

The Road Less Travelled: Implementing the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy in South Asia

2008-11-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

Implementing the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy in Asia

Panel Discussions - Thursday, November 13, 2008

On November 13th-14th, the International Peace Institute (IPI) together with the Center for Global Counterterrorism Cooperation (CGCTC) convened a roundtable of counterterrorism practitioners and experts to discuss “Implementing the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy in South Asia.”

Held in IPI’s Trygve Lie Center, the two-day workshop sought to identify ways in which the UN’s Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy could be better promoted and implemented by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to explore the role of the Strategy and the challenges it faces. Among the forty-plus participants were representatives from South Asian governments, the UN, regional think tanks, and other civil society groups from, or working on, the region.

Building on past work by IPI and the CGCTC on this subject, the discussion and the resultant project report will contribute to improving the UN’s capacity to better understand and counter transnational security challenges, strengthening the response capacities of national, regional, and international actors, and enhancing counterterrorism cooperation in South Asia.

A cocktail reception following the discussions allowed for increased interaction among the conference participants, diplomats, experts, and the broader UN community in New York.

Welcoming Remarks

Edward Luck,
IPI Senior Vice President and Director of Studies

Alistair Millar,
Center for Global Counterterrorism Cooperation (CGCTC)

Speakers and Moderators
Imtiaz Ahmed,
Department of International Relations, Dhaka University, Bangladesh

Richard Barrett,
UN Security Council Al-Qaida/Taliban Sanctions Analytical and Monitoring Team

Laila Bokhari,
Norwegian Defense Research Establishment

Eva Buzsa,
UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force; Executive Office of the Secretary-General

Suba Chandran,
Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, India

Christopher Coleman,
United Nations Department of Political Affairs (UNDPA)

Kishore Dash,
Thunderbird School of International Management

Sreeradha Datta,
Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis, India

Naureen Chowdhury Fink,
IPI Program Officer

Shirani de Fontgalland,
Legal and Constitutional Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom

Bushra Gohar,
Awami National Party, Member National Assembly, Pakistan

John Hirsch,
IPI Senior Adviser

Nigel Inkster,
International Institute for Strategic Studies, UK

Christian Mahr,
United Nations Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate

Eric Rosand,
CGCTC

Shambhu Ram Simkhada,
Peace and Conflict Management Committee, Government of Nepal

Farooq Sobhan,
Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, Bangladesh

European Union Developing Standards for Assistance to Victims of Terrorism Compensation and Reparation

2008-11-03T21:25:00.000-08:00

The paper below authored by a European Union expert presents guidelines for developing the standards of assistance to the victims of terror. Given our social economic conditions and lack of efficient public health care and education system, it is vital for us to make special provisions for those who lost their lives due to terrorist attacks in the cities.

Please read the paper below:

http://www.euforumrj.org/readingroom/Terrorism/Compensationpresentation.pdf

UN GLOBAL COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY 2008

2008-10-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy is the primary document that deals with the victims of terror worldwide. Pakistan is one of the signatory of the UN Strategy and is obliged to implement the recommendations of the Strategy.

http://www.globalct.org/images/content/pdf/reports/strengthening_a_critical_partnership.pdf

UN Press Conference on Support to Victims of Terrorism

2008-09-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

On 8th September 2008. Robert Orr, Assistant Secretary-General and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, chaired a symposium on supporting victims of terrorism –- the first of its kind at the United Nations. Mr Orr, declared the victims of terrorism, “one of the most neglected types of victims in the world today”.

Following is the brief Press Conference report issued by the Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Please Read On

PRESS CONFERENCE BY CHAIR OF COUNTER-TERRORISM IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE ON SECRETARY-GENERAL’S SYMPOSIUM TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

Tomorrow’s symposium on supporting victims of terrorism –- the first of its kind at the United Nations –- was not a political event, but an attempt to “fill a real gap in the world’s consciousness” on how States, international organizations and civil society can better address victims’ needs, a key adviser to the world body’s Secretary-General stressed today.

“While the United Nations has convened meetings for victims of various kinds of atrocities in the past, we have never brought together a global meeting addressing the issue of victims of terrorism,” Robert Orr, Assistant Secretary-General and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, said at a Headquarters press conference.

He went on to say that the one-day Symposium on “Supporting Victims of Terrorism” would be “historic and unprecedented”, offering an important occasion to put a human face on the tragedy suffered by survivors and victims’ families. “It is solely designed to focus on concrete ways to better support victims around the world.” The world would be surprised by the stories that would be told because the cameras went off once the “twisted metal and charred remains” were cleared from the scenes of various terrorist attacks around the world. Victims of terrorism “just don’t have a voice [and] we must see that they have a platform”, he added.

Terrorism not only dehumanized victims, but the societies in which they lived, he explained. “We often hear the voices of terrorists, but too seldom do we hear the voices and stories of victims.” Indeed, victims and survivors were crucial in the fight against terrorism to provide a better understanding of long-term needs and to “humanize” the events, thus helping prevent future terrorist acts by convincing people to pursue their grievances in other ways.

He stressed that the media had a key role to play in that regard, noting that the entire event tomorrow would be open to the press and urging reporters to “make full use of this unprecedented opportunity”. Further, the Secretary-General would hold a midday press conference featuring 4 of the 18 victims scheduled to participate in the Symposium. They would include Ingrid Betancourt, the former Colombian presidential candidate kidnapped in 2002 by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and rescued by Colombian forces some 10 weeks ago with 14 other hostages. Upon request, some of the victims and 10 experts attending the event would take individual interviews.

Among other objectives, Mr. Orr said, the Secretary-General hoped the Symposium would present an opportunity to start changing the “often strained” dynamics between Member States and victims, who too often felt their needs went ignored or unrecognized by their Governments. At the same time, Governments often felt the sting of doing too little and reacted defensively. “This dynamic must change if we are to help victims and fight terrorism.” Indeed, many Governments had stepped up their efforts to care for victims and it was to be hoped that tomorrow’s Symposium would open dialogue on developing best practices for victim support.

He said victims, experts, civil society, journalists, international organizations and Governments attending the Symposium could participate in an open exchange towards overcoming barriers and strengthening mutual trust. On the basis of such a dialogue, the Secretariat hoped the Symposium would also provide a starting point for “building a grand coalition against terrorism”.

He continued: “The adoption in 2006 -- and reaffirmation last week -- of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy signals Governments’ support to renew unreservedly their efforts to implement its provisions, including those on victims of terrorism.” But Governments would not be able to do that on their own; it would take strong partnerships involving Governments, civil society “and, most importantly, the voices of victims of terrorism to move us ahead”.

On the specifics of tomorrow’s event, he said the Secretary-General had invited a “microcosm of victims from around the world” to participate, including five (victims of attacks) from the Middle East, five from Europe, two from Eurasia, three from Africa, two from the Americas and one from Asia. “These are amazing people who have not only suffered much, but who have given even more [by] advocating for other victims, built networks and institutions to help victims and bravely offered themselves up to the glare of public scrutiny in order to help others.”

He said the invited experts also represented all regions, cultures, religions and professional specializations, reflecting worldwide expertise. Three were from Asia, three from Africa, two from Europe, one from the Middle East and one from the Americas. Their areas of specialization ranged from organizing victims’ assistance networks to analysing victims’ experiences, and some had themselves been victims. Others had been invited because they had helped victims recover from other types of conflict or violence. Indeed, one of the Symposium’s purposes was to better learn and apply the experiences of helping victims in other contexts to the question of victims of terrorism, “one of the most neglected types of victims in the world today”.

Mr. Orr then took a raft of questions, most of which focused on the vetting of the participants, the overall composition of the list, the General Assembly’s long-acknowledged stalemate over an agreed definition of terrorism, and journalists’ perception that certain Member States were either being overlooked or unfairly targeted.

He stressed that there was, in fact, a solid legal basis on which the Organization and the wider international community could proceed: 16 international legal instruments –- 13 conventions and three protocols –- that identified “acts of terrorism”, including terrorist bombing, kidnapping, hijacking and financing of terrorism.

On the issue of State terrorism, he acknowledged that it was not mentioned in any of the conventions, but emphasized to several reporters that the Observer Mission of Palestine had been invited to participate in the Symposium, simultaneously with all other Member States and observers. Indeed, one expert attending the event was Palestinian. “The victims that the Secretary-General has invited have suffered from an act of terrorism, as defined by those legal instruments.”

Responding to a question about the selection of participants, he said the Task Force’s working group on victims had been charged with submitting suggestions of any victims and experts; civil society groups around the world had been consulted for input; and, in the case of each victim, the Member State of their nationality had been consulted. The Secretariat had not tried to vet every victim or expert with the wider membership: “I think you can appreciate that that would not have worked.” The criteria for and process of selection had been based on the broadest elements of consensus among Member States –- agreed international legal instruments –- in to “keep politics as far out of this as possible”.

Asked whether the Secretariat was worried about the Symposium turning into a politicized event, he said that, while it was not worried, some critical issues were best addressed “up front”. Everyone was aware that one of the reasons for an international event in support of victims of terrorism was the gridlock over questions of definition. At the same time, Member States had taken a pragmatic step two years ago to address “obvious and real needs” by adopting the Counter-Terrorism Strategy rather than putting their decision on hold while such definition issues were hashed out. “Adoption of the Strategy opened the door for the holding of such an event for the fist time.”

“We know that there are sensitive issues. We’re not naïve,” he continued, underscoring that everything possible had been done to ensure that the Symposium stayed focused on the victims and what they needed. Victims, experts and international organizations participating had been asked to respect those ground rules. Mr. Orr added that there were other venues in the United Nations where political issues could be raised.

To suggestions that victims of terrorist attacks in such countries as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia were not participating in the Symposium, Mr. Orr emphasized the “very difficult situations” in those countries. While the Task Force had tried hard, particularly to secure participation by Afghan victims, identifying and contacting people in those environments who were willing and able to come to New York and take part in such an open forum had been extremely challenging. “I would like to have had someone from Afghanistan; the burden of victimhood is such that it would have been important […] we tried and unfortunately we ended up without anyone.”

In fact, until a few days ago, it had looked as if the list of participants might have been longer, but logistical challenges and other sensitivities had caused some to drop out, he continued. “Coming to an international forum to talk about their own grief was maybe more than they wanted at this time.” That was probably most true for victims of recent terrorist violence.

The Task Force had also worked to find participants from Iraq and Iran, he said, stressing that, overall, while “the list was not perfect”, weighed against regional, religious or cultural criteria, it was a fair representation of worldwide statistics on terrorism, including where it happened and to whom.

In conclusion, Mr. Orr stressed that the United Nations was examining how it could better address the needs of its own terrorism-affected staff. “This is personal for the Secretary-General and all of us who work at the UN, just like it’s personal for the communities and countries around the world that have suffered from terrorism.” The Symposium was a fist step in the global dialogue about victims of terrorism.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record

European Conference on Developing Standards for Victims of Terrorism

2008-03-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

The heightened awareness and consequences of terrorism for victims of terrorist acts has led to the inclusion of their needs in a number of international legal instruments of international bodies like the EU, the Council of Europe and the UN. However, these instruments are relatively abstract or include victims of terrorism under the broader heading of victims of crime in general. This is why the European Commission launched a preparatory action to support projects in favour of victims of terrorist acts and to promote the European dimension of support actions in favour of victims.

The project focused particularly on developing standards in the field of continuing assistance, access to justice, administration of justice and compensation to victims of terrorism. Moreover, the possible role of restorative justice principles and practices in dealing with victims of terrorism was assessed. The overall goal of the project was for the standards to serve as a basis for the further development of services for victims of terrorism in Europe.
A draft of standards was developed in two seminars on the basis of a literature review undertaken by researchers at the K.U. Leuven and INTERVICT, supported by the steering committee of experts of the partners involved in the project. The seminars took place in Leuven, Belgium, in November 2007 and were organised by the European Forum for Restorative Justice and the K.U. Leuven. The first seminar was attended by policy makers and practitioners, and the second seminar by academic experts.
The final event of the project was a conference on victims of terrorism, where the draft standards and the results of the literature review were presented to a broader public. The conference took place in Tilburg, the Netherlands, on 10 to 11 March 2008 and was organised by INTERVICT. Both the seminar and conference results served as a basis for the finalisation of the standards and the literature report that was presented to the European Commission at the end of the project.

The Conference was held on 10 and 11 March 2008, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands. Minister Hirsch Ballin Address is as below:
Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I want to express my thanks to Ms Kemény for her introduction to the EU project. It was a very interesting talk and one that offers many new prospects. Many thanks and congratulations also to the organisers of this conference, especially Tilburg University and its Intervict Institute together with the European Commission and other partner organisations.

It is an honour for me to speak to you here today, at the start of this two-day conference which will tomorrow coincide with the fourth European Day for the Victims of Terrorism. A conference which is to develop Standards for Victims of Terrorism. As Minister of Justice, I am responsible for both victim policy and antiterrorism policy, two policy fields that have so far developed more or less autonomously. This is also evidenced by the list of participants, since most of you have expertise in one of these two fields. We must share our knowledge in these policy fields if we are to achieve good results, results that will help us to improve the position of victims of terrorism. And that is what brings us together here today and tomorrow. I therefore heartily support the initiative of the European Commission to investigate and define the need for help and support specifically for victims of terrorism.

Today I would like to briefly dwell on Dutch terrorism policy and victim policy, after which I will name two aspects which require further elaboration specifically for victims of terrorism.

Terrorism

There are few offences in which the group of victims of one individual crime can be as large as is the case with terrorism. An attack comes as a real bombshell; terrorism is intended to hurt a much larger group than its immediate victims. Prevention of terrorism is therefore our first concern. There are radical consequences, not only for the immediate victims and their survivors, but also for society as a whole. Its effects may include vicarious anger and vicarious retribution, and its cure may require inter-group forgiveness. Prevention of terrorist attacks, suffering and disruption of society must have great priority in any antiterrorism policy.

Unfortunately, this is not always successful in reality. The figures make this clear. The EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report for 2007 reports 498 attacks in the EU in 2006. The majority of these attacks resulted in little material damage and were not intended to kill. A total of 706 people were arrested in 15 Member States. The countries most frequently affected were France, Spain and the United Kingdom. Much attention goes to the investigation of offences and the prosecution of offenders, but also to investigating and bringing to trial people involved in the preparation of terrorist attacks. People suspected of terrorism have been arrested and brought to trial in the Netherlands as well.

What the EU report does not tell is the consequences of these attacks. How many lives were lost? How many survivors were affected by this? How great was the material and immaterial damage? When developing counterterrorism policy it is very important to not only establish means to prevent future terrorist crimes, but as well take into account the consequences for victims of terrorist attacks. It is time that we focus our attention on this. From the very serious attacks in the United States, Madrid, London and many other attacks, we can learn a great deal about assistance and support to victims.

Victims

There is no universal definition of the term ‘victim’. In the context of terrorism, and particularly when we are dealing with large-scale attacks, it is broader than the people actually killed and their survivors. Eye witnesses, care workers, relatives and friends can be counted to this group as well. Other people can find it difficult to cope with their anxiety and anger as a result of the attack. Society as a whole experiences the consequences. This means we must adopt a broad, differentiated approach to immediate victims and to society as a whole.

We know a lot about the needs of victims of more ordinary forms of crime. A review very recently published by the Research and Documentation Centre of my Ministry showed that victims share a number of different needs. For instance, all types of victims want emotional support and information and want to be heard in the criminal proceedings. But some needs are linked to specific types of crimes. For example, surviving dependants of victims of homicide more often ask for crisis management and for advice about dealing with the media. Victims of violence express a need for immediate safety. Many of these needs will be recognisable for victims of terrorism. This means that for our assistance and support to victims of terrorism as well as for their legal position, we should start by looking along the lines of existing rules and existing policy.

An important document for the legal position of victims is The European Framework Decision on the Standing of Victims in Criminal Proceedings from 2001, which of course is also relevant for victims of terrorism. The regulation forces the countries of the European Union to take the rights of victims seriously. Further, there is the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, which demands worldwide attention to their access to criminal proceedings, to fair treatment, to compensation for injuries and damage sustained, and to assistance.

These four important themes also play a major role in Dutch victim policy. For a long time, the rights of victims were largely set forth in subordinate legislation. The Dutch parliament is presently discussing an act which would give victims and their survivors a well-defined set of rights in criminal proceedings. We have also set out to improve implementation of victim policy. This means an about-face for organisations that have traditionally been oriented to offenders, such as the police and the public prosecutions service; they will have to shift their focus in order to include victims.

This, too, is of great importance for victims of terrorism. They may also have to deal with the police and the public prosecutor after an attack. This means that a well-defined and balanced legal position in the criminal proceedings, as well as assistance and support, must be available to them.

However, all these important developments are still not sufficient for terror victims. Because a terrorist attack will be extensively and continuously dealt with by the media and, as a result, not only the direct victims are affected but also society at large, for terrorism victims an additional, more specific policy must be developed.

Communication to society at large

Terrorist attacks affect society at large: this is one of the objects of committing a terrorist attack. For this very reason, communication to the public is one focus of antiterrorism policy. There are basically two types of crisis communications: before and after an attack. ‘The Netherlands against Terrorism’, a campaign started in February 2006, aims to inform society about counter-terrorism efforts and measures. Another aspect of the campaign is to inform people about their own role and what precautionary measures they can take.

Communication after a terrorist attack requires a different approach. After a terrorist attack, there is absolutely no time to lose. Not only in responding, but also in communicating with the public. And speed is not only important for the country under attack. We live in an era of globalisation. With Internet, mobile phones and satellite TV, the world is rather small. News travels fast, and through many channels. Government communications must not fall behind, especially at times of crisis. In our national strategy for communication after a terrorist attack, speed is the key word. Delay makes things worse. Terrorists aim to instigate fear and confusion, to divide public opinion. So it is crucial to address people's fear and anger. Of course, there are limits to how much we can prepare for. Every situation is unique. Nevertheless, we have guidelines for public communications after an attack, which address the following matters:

1) What exactly has happened? What are the facts and what are we doing to prevent parallel attacks?
2) Public fear and unrest. We work to prevent counter-reactions and to provide reassurance.
3) What measures will be taken, such as extra surveillance at certain locations or on public transport?

Specifically for victims of terrorism

Existing policy can help victims of terrorism on many aspects. Two subjects require particular attention: the scale and pattern of victimisation, and the amount of attention given by the media to a terrorist attack.

Experiences abroad have shown that terrorist attacks can be of a large magnitude, such as the train attacks in Madrid. The legal system in Spain was not designed to cope with large groups of victims and survivors who needed to be informed about the criminal proceedings or who wanted to file a claim for damages. A possible solution to this is to allow interest groups of victims to have access to certain provisions. In the Netherlands, we have some experience with interest groups filing claims for damages in civil proceedings; however, we have not yet seen anything similar in criminal proceedings. Working with such interest groups has both advantages and disadvantages, for victims and their survivors as well as for the criminal system. This is an aspect that requires further exploration.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen,

This brings me back to what I have started with today. There are many similarities between victims of ‘ordinary’ crime and terrorism. We can start by aligning the rights of victims of terrorism with existing rights for victims of crime. But there are unmistakable differences that we primarily see in the event of large-scale attacks. When there are large groups of victims and survivors who want to exercise their rights in criminal proceedings, additional measures will need to be taken. Another point that demands our attention is the influence of the media on the way people cope with an attack. More than only the immediate victims are affected by the difficulties of coping with an attack.

In fact terrorism affects society as a whole. But its immediate victims and their survivors feel its greatest impact. Although we cannot remove their suffering, we can ensure that they are heard and feel that they are supported. It is our duty to do so.

The Ministry of Justice is very much interested in the findings of this conference and will definitely benefit from the proposals for the best possible support for victims of terrorism.

I wish you two very fruitful days, I hope that you will learn a great deal and moreover, that you will have many useful encounters. Thank you for your attention.

EUROPEAN CONFERENCE STANDARDS FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORISM DEVELOPING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF TERRORISM IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

2008-03-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

Statement of Albina Ovcearenco Counter-Terrorism Task Force, Council of Europe

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure for me to be here today on behalf of the Council of Europe and to address such an eminent audience of representatives of international organisations, host authorities, victims’ organisations and academic circles.

On behalf of the Council of Europe, I would like – first of all – to thank the organisers for this useful and thought-provoking Conference and the authors of the draft Recommendations for the considerable efforts they have made to provide a paper which approximates and develops further the existing European policies regarding assistance to victims of terrorist acts.

The Council of Europe considers that addressing the needs of victims of terrorist acts and their families is one of the priorities of the international action against terrorism.

Since the 1980s, the Council of Europe has integrated the victims’ perspective into its work in the field of the fight against crime and has paid particular attention to states’ capacity to restore the situation of victims of terrorism.

The Council of Europe's action has resulted in the adoption of a number of binding and non- binding instruments which provide Council of Europe member states with useful guidance in defining their legislation and practice on assistance to victims, including the victims of terrorism.

The compendium of Council of Europe standards – available for the participants of the Conference – contains the relevant Council of Europe conventions, including the European Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes, and a dozen relevant resolutions and recommendations, including the 2006 Recommendation on Assistance to crime victims.

This Recommendation addresses the support services offered to victims, and also deals with such matters as the provision of information to victims; victim protection; social measures; selection and training of staff working with victims; aspects of criminal and civil justice systems; compensation and mediation.

In 2005 the Council of Europe also adopted further Guidelines on human rights and the fight against terrorism specific to the protection of victims of terrorist acts. These Guidelines recognise the suffering endured by victims and call for them to be shown national and international solidarity and support.

States are also encouraged by this document to provide victims and, where appropriate, their close family, with emergency and continuing assistance.

In addition the Guidelines deal with key issues, such as the need to award fair and appropriate compensation to victims of terrorist acts, to facilitate their access to the law and to justice, as well as to protect their private and family life, their dignity and security.The objectives of the Guidelines were endorsed in the 2005 Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, which contains a binding provision for Council of Europe member states on protection, compensation and support for victims of terrorism.

Following the finalisation of these standard-setting activities, the current priority of the Council of Europe is to ensure the effective implementation of the existing standards in its 47 member states.

It is evident that terrorist acts, and other forms of transnational crime, or the threat of such acts, call for constant improvements to the forms of assistance available to victims and for the development of new, innovative approaches.

However, it is of the utmost importance to avoid duplication, which may also create confusion and double standards and ultimately undermine the efficiency of states’ responses to the needs of the victims of terrorism.

We recognise and welcome the standards elaborated by other international organisations in the field of victims and terrorism, in particular those of the European Union which Mr Seniore has already mentioned:

- - -

EU Council Framework Decision on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings EU Council Directive relating to compensation for victims of crime, and EU Framework Decision on combating terrorism.

We welcome the present initiative and we believe that the European Union can and should make a substantial contribution to the protection of victims of terrorism by acting within its powers and by building on the existing national laws and European policies and instruments in this field.

Thank you very much for your attention.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: The fate of Child Suicide Bombers in Pakistan

2008-02-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Child suicide bombers "victims of the most brutal exploitation"
February 12, 2008

Zarak Khan, 16, needs to do little more than sit in his chair, flicking through TV channels, to bring a fond smile to his mother’s face. Rehma Bibi is simply glad to have her oldest son at home and safe. “They wanted to make him into a suicide bomber, but we got him away from the seminary school,” she said.

Rehma, her husband Shaukat and their four children, moved from the town of Kohat in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP) almost a year ago, soon after removing Zarak from the seminary just outside the town where he had been enrolled since he was 12.

Shaukat had become alarmed by the teenager’s talk of suicide bombings and paradise - where he said those who carried out attacks on “enemies” went.

Fearing their son was being brainwashed into becoming a suicide bomber, the family moved to Lahore to ensure the teenager escaped the influence of his fanatical Islamic teachers and peers.

“We sent Zarak to a `madrassah’ (seminary) because we are poor and could not afford a regular school,” said Rehma. This is a common reality in today’s Pakistan.

The family lives on an income of just under US$66 a month, the amount earned by Shaukat as a day labourer.

Most of the thousands of seminary schools dotted across Pakistan offer religious education, food and shelter free of charge to such families, but a few have developed links with extremist outfits which have unleashed violence across the country, say analysts and observers.

Suicide attacks on the rise

Over the past year, Pakistan has been struck by a wave of attacks, many involving suicide bombings. Fifty-six suicide bombings took place in 2007 alone, killing at least 636 people, including 419 members of Pakistan’s security forces.

A further four bombings in 2008 have already killed over 70 people - the most recent at a political rally on 11 February when a teenage suicide bomber blew himself up in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal area near the Afghan border.

The toll of such attacks continues to rise, with suicide bombings having claimed over 2,000 victims in Pakistan over the past decade. Many others have been gravely injured - some disabled for life.

“Victims of the most brutal exploitation”

Many of the bombers who blew themselves up were children, while teenagers who have been arrested provide chilling accounts of how they had been imbued into carrying out similar attacks.

“These young boys are as much the victims of terrorism as those they kill. They are victims of the most brutal exploitation,” said Anees Khan, a Lahore-based psychologist who is carrying out a study on the use of children as bombers for a local non-governmental organisation (NGO).

The manner in which teenagers have been used in suicide bombings has become evident in recent months.

In December 2007, an attack in Kohat that killed 11 army cadets was carried out by a bomber aged 16 or 17 who detonated explosives strapped to his body as he approached his targets.

In January, a boy of around the same age blew himself up at a mosque in Peshawar in a sectarian attack on worshippers gathered there.

Indoctrinated

But it is the manner in which these boys are indoctrinated that is most revealing.

Just a few weeks earlier, Aitezaz Shah, 15, detained in the northern town of Dera Ismail Khan, told investigators how he had been recruited by extremists after dropping out of school in Karachi in May last year.

He said he had been assigned to act as a “back-up” bomber in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the chairperson of Pakistan’s populist People’s Party, who was killed in a suicide bombing on 27 December.

Aitezaz had been trained at a `madrassah’ in the tribal area of South Waziristan and was preparing to carry out other attacks.

“We are still conducting interrogations and investigations in this matter,” said Pakistan Interior Ministry spokesman Brig Iqbal Cheema.

A year ago another 15-year-old Pakistani suicide bomber, Hainullah, trained in Waziristan, was arrested in neighbouring Afghanistan where he had been sent to carry out an attack on US troops there.

He said he was offered a “way out of a life of boredom” at a seminary in the area by a preacher who offered him visions of paradise, where rivers of milk and honey flowed, in exchange for giving up his life by becoming a suicide bomber.

A few months later, in a case that made headlines, a 14-year-old would-be bomber, Rafiqullah, was pardoned by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and sent back to Pakistan after being arrested wearing a “suicide vest” packed with explosives.

“It is a sad fact that a Muslim child was sent to a religious school to learn about Islam but was misled by the enemies of Afghanistan,” Karzai said at the time.

EUROPEAN AGENDA FOR MEETING ON VICTIMS OF TERRORISM IN EUROPEAN UNION

2007-12-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

13-14 September 2007 HOFBURG, VIENNA

OVERVIEW

Acts of terrorism critically undermine the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to life and to physical integrity of the victims. Terrorists exploit victims by using them as means to convey their message of fear to the wider population. Preventing terrorism, assisting its victims, reinforcing solidarity with and among victims, and involving civil society in this effort is crucial in order to improve security and foster long-term stability. By empowering victims of terrorism, States are reinforcing their very societies against future terrorist threats.

Among conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy (adopted by the UN General Assembly on 6 September 2006) includes “prolonged unresolved conflicts, dehumanization of victims of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, lack of the rule of law and violations of human rights, ethnic, national and religious discrimination, political exclusion, socio-economic marginalization and lack of good governance.” In this connection, States Members of the United Nations resolved to “consider putting in place, on a voluntary basis, national systems of assistance that would promote the needs of victims of terrorism and their families and facilitate the normalization of their lives [...].” Moreover, they undertook to increase their efforts in promoting “international solidarity in support of victims and foster the involvement of civil society in a global campaign against terrorism and for its condemnation.”

UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) calls upon all States to “cooperate, particularly through bilateral and multilateral arrangements and agreements, to prevent and suppress terrorist attacks and take action against perpetrators of such acts.” The crucial role of regional and sub-regional organisations in the fight against terrorism has since been emphasized by the Security Council in several subsequent resolutions.1 As a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is in a unique position to engage its participating States in discussing the threat of terrorism in relation to the human rights of victims. This is possible thanks to the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, linking together military aspects of security with the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

1 In Resolution 1566 (2004), for instance, the Council called “upon relevant international, regional and sub- regional organizations to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and to intensify their interaction with the United Nations [...].”

OSCE Permanent Council decision No. 618 of 1 July 2004 recognizes that acts of terrorism seriously impair the enjoyment of human rights and that there is a need to strengthen solidarity among participating States for the victims of terrorism. The decision acknowledges that individuals who have suffered bodily injury or impairment of health, and dependants and family members of persons who have died as a result of such attacks, require support and assistance in accordance with each State’s domestic law. To this end, participating States are invited to explore the possibility of introducing or enhancing appropriate measures, including making provison for financial support for victims of terrorism and their families.

In light of the range of legal, political and cultural experiences across the OSCE region, there is a need to discuss the concept of “victim” and how victims of terrorism may be distinguished from victims of violent crime. The establishment of assistance programs for victims of terrorist acts will be discussed on the basis of an exchange of protection models. The relationship between victims of terrorism and the national justice systems, in particular the role of victims in legal proceedings and the existence of adequate safeguards for the protection of their dignity should be carefully explored. Finally, the meeting will look at what role civil society can play in preventing the dehumanization of victims of terrorism and, more generally, in complementing States’ efforts in this field.

The OSCE’s cross-dimensional approach to security is based on democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and social justice. Key to this are notions of comprehensiveness and indivisibility of security, and allegiance to shared values and commitments. Respect for, and compliance with, international human rights law, including politically binding commitments, stands central to the efforts to prevent and combat terrorism.

As a first conference on the issue of victims of terrorism in the OSCE, this is an important opportunity to begin both to build political consensus, and frame the OSCE’s approach to victims of terrorism, building on a discussion that can explore the key issues, informed by experts in the field.

SESSIONS

Session 1: The Victim

This Session introduces the concept of “victim”, and will identify key issues that will be dealt with throughout the High-level meeting. It will provide a chance to discuss the notion of solidarity with victims of terrorism both generally, and in the context of the UN Global Counter Terrorism strategy, and the scope for the definition of “victim of terrorism” and of “victim of violent crime”. Some participating States have adopted specific legislation concerning victims of terrorism; others do not differentiate between victims of terrorism and victims of violent crime. In some cases, protection is guaranteed to victims of counter- terrorism measures.

The aim of the session is to discuss approaches in the OSCE region to solidarity with victims of terrorism and to explore in a more concrete manner questions such as who may be considered a victim in the national legal systems in the OSCE region, and how this designation applies to the trans-national nature of terrorist acts.

Questions that could be addressed:

• How can solidarity with victims of terrorism act as a factor in the prevention of terrorism?

• What are the distinguishing features of victims of terrorism? • Is it important to differentiate between victims of terrorism and victims of violent

crimes more generally? • Are there risks in creating a hierachy of victims? • Could the occupation of a casualty of a terrorist act effect his/her status as a victim?

Session 2: Victims' assistance programs

States should ensure appropriate assistance to victims of terrorist acts, including medical, psychological, social and emotional assistance. Ideally, victims should receive fair, appropriate and timely compensation for damage inflicted. The specific needs of victims of terrorism are widely recognised by OSCE participating States, but dealt with differently at the national level because of States' diverse legal and social traditions.

The aim of this session is to allow for an OSCE-wide exchange of information on national models and practices in the assistance and remedy to victims of terrorism.

Questions that could be addressed:

• What types of assistance, including emergency assistance, should best be provided by State authorities?

• What types of assistance, including emergency assistance, could best be provided by non-State authorities?

• Should States' assistance programs cover foreign nationals and/or nationals injured abroad?

• Should States have specialized units for managing all the assistance and compensatory measures put in place for victims of terrorism?

• Should some minimim standards be agreed amongst participating States? Session 3: Victims in Legal Proceedings

While States have a positive obligation to bring perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice in a reasonable amount of time, consideration should also be paid to the rights of victims in legal proceedings. Victims should be able to provide and receive information regarding the progress of any court proceedings related to their injuries, and have access to legal aid and representation as appropriate. The dignity, security and privacy of victims should be taken into consideration at all stages of investigation and trial proceedings in order to avoid further victimisation, including by designing and implementing adequate witness protection arrangements.

The aim of this session is to facilitate an exchange of good practices among OSCE participating States about the status of victims of terrorism in legal proceedings.

Questions that could be addressed:

• How can victims best be represented at court?

• What mechanisms could best fulfil their entitlement to timely information?

• Are State's witness protection mechanisms effective and human rights compliant?

• How do we ensure victims' rights of privacy in the context of media freedom?

• Are there any other experiences related to support for victims of terrorism that might be of particular benefit during legal proceedings?

SESSION4: THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY

Civil society and victims’ associations play a key role in the initiation, development and implementation of policies and services that empower and support victims of terrorism. While States must not abrogate their responsibilities in the field of assistance and compensation, civil society can play an active part in supporting victims, particularly by providing advice and psychological support. Non-governmental organisations and agencies can provide practical support for victims such as counselling, welfare assistance and supplementary therapies. Human rights organisations can contribute with broader social and political support, such as advocating and lobbying on behalf of victim groups.

The aim of this session is to analyse possible roles of civil society in the promotion of solidarity with victims of terrorism, as well as to explore ways forward for participating States in supporting these initiatives across the OSCE region.

Questions that could be addressed:

• What roles can best be performed by civil society in promoting solidarity with victims of terrorism?

• What are the main challenges faced by civil society in promoting solidarity with victims of terrorism?

• How can States best support non-governmental organisations and associations of victims in their endeavours?

Pakistan's Bhutto visits bomb blast victims

2007-10-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

10-27-2007,

LARKANA, Pakistan (AFP)

Benazir Bhutto visited a family whose son was killed in the October 18 suicide blasts, as the former Pakistan premier Sunday kept up a tightly secured trip to her ancestral home.

Bhutto made a jubilant return to her family district in rural southern Pakistan on Saturday, in her first trip outside of Karachi since the bombings in the city that targeted the two-time premier, ripping through her homecoming parade.

Thousands of supporters cheered Bhutto as she flew into Sukkur city from Karachi before she was driven to Larkana district, where crowds danced and waved flags as she paid her respects at the Bhutto family tomb.

The mood was more sombre on Sunday as Bhutto called on the bereaved family in their two-room mud house and offered prayers before moving on to the home of a worker of her Pakistan People's Party who was injured in the blasts, which killed 139 people.

"I have come to condole the martyrdom of a brave and innocent boy of 22 years who lost his life in the movement to save democracy," Bhutto wrote in a condolence book on the verandah of the family's house.

"He did not bow his head before dictatorship or terrorism. His sacrifices shall not be in vain," she wrote, an AFP correspondent witnessed.

Hundreds of people climbed onto rooftops and gathered in lanes of the impoverished neighbourhood in Larkana town to try to catch a glimpse of Bhutto, while others chanted "Jiye Bhutto (Long live Bhutto)."

Security was once again tight amid ongoing fears for her safety, with large numbers of private guards and paramilitary officers, armed with machine guns, surrounding the houses and keeping supporters at bay.

Bhutto is expected to call on party supporters in the area before meeting party leaders at her residence in nearby Naudero, her aides said.

She has vowed to stay in Pakistan despite the bombings and lead the party in general elections, which are seen as a key step in the nation's return to democracy after eights years of military rule by President Pervez Musharraf.

The attacks on her homecoming procession in Karachi happened just hours after Bhutto set foot on Pakistani soil for the first time since 1999 and ruined her planned triumphant return to contest the polls set for January.

Bhutto was granted an amnesty by Musharraf on corruption charges earlier this month, paving the way for her return to Pakistan and a possible power-sharing pact with the general, who seized power in a 1999 coup.

The United States and Britain have been quietly pushing the pact as the best chance of fighting Islamic extremism gathering force in Pakistan, and for political stability in the nation of 160 million people.

Bhutto expressed frustration late Saturday at the extent of the security, which is unlikely to reduce in the run-up to the elections.

"What sort of politics is this where political parties cannot hold rallies? I want to be among my people but because of the security threat I cannot hold rallies," Bhutto told reporters.

Bhutto also late Saturday vowed to continue to fight extremism, which she said was derailing the Islamic nation's return to democracy.

"I am very happy to be back among my own people. You have stood by me in good or bad times," she told about 500 supporters gathered outside her house.

"It is encouraging for me and gives me strength to continue my mission for democracy and a stable Pakistan, free of terrorism, free of militancy and free of extremism," she said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, with Bhutto alleging a link to rogue elements in the establishment and a pro-Taliban militant denying his involvement.

RAND STUDY SHOWS COMPENSATION FOR 9/11 TERROR ATTACKS TOPS $38 BILLION; BUSINESSES RECEIVE BIGGEST SHARE

2004-10-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

Rand Corporation Press Release

Victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks — both individuals killed or seriously injured and individuals and businesses impacted by the strikes — have received at least $38.1 billion in compensation, with insurance companies and the federal government providing more than 90 percent of the payments, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.

New York businesses have received 62 percent of the total compensation, reflecting the broad-ranging economic impacts of the attack in and near the World Trade Center. Among individuals killed or seriously injured, emergency responders and their families have received more than civilians and their families who suffered similar economic losses. On average, first responders have received about $1.1 million more per person than civilians with similar economic loss.

The analysis by the RAND Institute for Civil Justice is the most comprehensive examination to date of financial compensation made following the Sept. 11 attacks.

The crashes of passenger planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania together made up the largest terrorist strikes in U.S. history, killing 2,551 civilians and seriously injuring another 215. The attacks also killed or seriously injured 460 emergency responders.

“The compensation paid to the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania was unprecedented both in its scope and in the mix of programs used to make payments,” said Lloyd Dixon, a RAND senior economist and lead author of the report. “The system has raised many questions about equity and fairness that have no obvious answers. Addressing these issues now will help the nation be better prepared for future terrorist attacks.”

Dixon and co-author Rachel Kaganoff Stern interviewed and gathered evidence from many sources to estimate the amount of compensation paid out by insurance companies, government agencies and charities following the attacks. Their findings include:

Insurance companies expect to make at least $19.6 billion in payments, comprising 51 percent of the money paid in compensation.

Government payments total nearly $15.8 billion (42 percent of the total). This includes payments from local, state and federal governments, plus payments from the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 that was established by the federal government to compensate those killed or physically injured in the attacks. The total does not include payments to clean up the World Trade Center site or rebuild public infrastructure in New York City.

Payments by charitable groups comprise just 7 percent of the total, despite the fact that charities distributed an unprecedented $2.7 billion to victims of the attacks.

Because of concerns that liability claims would clog the courts and create further economic harm, the federal government limited the liability of airlines, airports and certain government bodies. The government established the Victim Compensation Fund to make payments to families for the deaths and injuries of victims. In addition, the government funded a major economic revitalization program for New York City.

RAND researchers found that businesses hurt by the attacks have received most of the compensation that the study was able to quantify. The families of civilians killed and the civilians who were injured received the second-highest payments. The study found that:

Businesses in New York City, particularly in lower Manhattan near the World Trade Center, have received $23.3 billion in compensation for property damage, disrupted operations, and economic incentives. About 75 percent of that came from insurance companies. More than $4.9 billion went to revitalize the economy of Lower Manhattan.

Civilians killed or seriously injured received a total of $8.7 billion, averaging about $3.1 million per recipient. Most of this came from the Victim Compensation Fund, but payments also came from insurance companies, employers and charities.

About $3.5 billion was paid to displaced residents, workers who lost their jobs, or others who suffered emotional trauma or were exposed to environmental hazards.

Emergency responders killed or injured received a total of $1.9 billion, with most of that coming from the government. Payments averaged about $1.1 million more per person than for civilians with similar economic losses, with most of the higher amount due to payments from charities.

Certain features of the Victim Compensation Fund tended to increase compensation relative to economic loss. Other features tended to decrease compensation relative to economic loss. Researchers say more detailed individual data are needed to determine the net effect.

For example, the Victim Compensation Fund decided to limit the amount of lost future earnings it would consider when calculating awards for survivors. Administrators capped income the fund would consider at $231,000 per year in projecting future lifetime earnings, even though many people killed earned more than that amount. The special master of the Victim Compensation Fund had substantial discretion to set final awards for higher income earners, but data are not available on how he exercised that discretion.

Many issues of equity have been raised by the compensation process. For example, some people have questioned whether it is fitting that some lives appear to be more valuable than others, as demonstrated by higher payments to emergency responders and people who earned high salaries. Others wonder why the victims of the 2001 attacks received greater compensation than that paid to victims in previous incidents, including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Researchers also interviewed people who said it appeared that more effort was made to compensate those killed or physically injured than to aid those with economic losses not related to death or serious injury.

While insurance companies provided the majority of compensation, the RAND researchers warn that there may be less insurance in future domestic terrorist attacks. While before the 2001 attacks terrorism was automatically covered in insurance policies, since then it has been offered as a separate type of coverage, and many businesses have not purchased it. In addition, chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks are now typically excluded.

Researchers say that deciding now what mechanisms should be used to compensate terrorist victims in the future could lead to better use of resources and less duplication of efforts. For example, had the charities known that there would be a victim compensation fund, they might have used their resources differently rather than focusing on providing direct aid to victims killed or seriously injured in the attacks.

A better compensation system for victims of terrorism also would help the nation cope with the aftermath of any future attack and help thwart the aims of terrorism, researchers say. For example, compensation can reduce economic vulnerability to terrorism by affecting how quickly the economy rebounds from an attack and can create incentives to adopt physical security measures and potentially reduce panic and fragmentation.

The RAND Institute for Civil Justice helps make the civil justice system more efficient and equitable by supplying government leaders, private decision makers and the public with the results of objective, empirically based, analytic research.

Printed copies of “Compensation for Losses from the 9/11 Attacks” (ISBN: 0-8330-3691-2) can be ordered from RAND's Distribution Services (order@rand.org or call toll-free in the United States 1-877-584-8642).

About the RAND Corporation

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors around the world.