Remembering 9/11, UN chief expresses solidarity with victims and their loved ones
Two of the planes crashed into the twin World Trade Center skyscrapers in Manhattan’s financial district, while another crashed into the US military headquarters at the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers took control from the hijackers.
Among the dead were 441 first responders, the largest single-day loss of emergency responders in the country’s history. Thousands more were injured, and many still suffer from chronic illnesses, including respiratory illnesses, mental health issues and cancer.
“Today I send my condolences to all of those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and to all of the people of New York City.,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Victims await justice
Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, also paid tribute to the victims from more than 90 countries, their families and loved ones.
He welcomed US efforts to support survivors, but stressed that justice remains elusive for many.
“The incomprehensible violence of 9/11 against ordinary people going about their daily lives was a crime against humanity, but sadly, 23 years later, the victims still hunger for justice.“, he said.
Mr. Saul noted that unresolved issues, including prolonged detention and limited accountability, continue to impact both victims and detainees, underscoring the need for the United States to fully align its counterterrorism policies with international human rights standards.
He called on the US administration to fully implement the recommendations of his predecessor Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin following her technical visit to the US and Guantanamo Detention Center in Cuba in 2023.
Ms. Ní Aoláin made specific recommendations and concluded that the US Government must ensure accountability for all violations of international law and victims of terrorism and counterterrorism.
Independent experts
Appointed by Geneva headquarters Human Rights CouncilSpecial Rapporteurs are tasked with monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in countries or thematic situations.
They serve in their personal capacity, independent of the United Nations. Appointees are not employees of the United Nations and do not receive a salary for their work.
