News
21 August: what is celebrated today
The international calendar reminds us that every day can have a profound meaning. 21 August is no exception: two very different, but equally important, commemorations converge on this date. On the one hand, tribute is paid to those who have suffered the violence of terrorism; on the other, awareness is raised of a rare disease affecting hundreds of families around the world. Two perspectives, one day and a shared call: not to forget and to keep moving forward.
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
In December 2017, the UN General Assembly established that every 21 August the world should pause to reflect and remember the victims of terrorism. This day seeks to offer support, information and guidance both to those who survived attacks and to the families of those who lost their lives.
Terrorism is a form of political violence that seeks to sow fear, destabilise societies and gain notoriety through intimidation. In response, the UN promotes a global strategy that includes:
Addressing the causes that can give rise to terrorism.
Designing prevention and response plans.
Strengthening States’ capacities to combat it.
And, above all, ensuring respect for human rights as a pillar of the fight against violence.
This day also seeks to raise public awareness of the physical and emotional aftermath left by attacks, and to educate people in empathy towards those who have gone through these very difficult experiences.
World DYRK 1A Syndrome Day
The same 21 August is also dedicated to making DYRK 1A Syndrome more visible, classified as an “ultra-rare” disease. It originates in a mutation of the DYRK 1A gene and causes a wide range of symptoms: intellectual disability, speech difficulties, autism spectrum traits, epilepsy, microcephaly, psychomotor delay and feeding problems, among others.
Although it is estimated to affect around 700 families worldwide, the real number could be higher as genetic testing becomes more widespread. In Spain, there is the Spanish DYRK 1A Syndrome Association, which works tirelessly to support patients and their families, as well as to promote scientific research.
One day, two messages
21 August invites us to look in two directions: towards the pain of those who have been struck by terrorist violence and towards the challenges faced by families living with a little-known disease. Two different causes that remind us of the same thing: the importance of solidarity, remembrance and empathy as tools for building a more humane future.