International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism: The Unseen Wounds
Caption: PHOTO COURTESY
On August 7, 1998, the world witnessed a horrific act of terror as Al Qaeda detonated two suicide truck bombs at the US Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The attacks claimed the lives of 224 people and left more than 4,500 injured. While the aftermath of tragedy was immense, the true human cost extends beyond that single day.
The majority of the casualties were residents, and for the thousands of survivors, the bombings marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of healing from profound physical and psychological trauma.
The explosions inflicted a wide range of injuries, including limb amputations, severe burns, and hearing loss. These physical injuries often resulted in permanent disabilities that required intensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Many who have talked to the media on several occasions reveal that those physical scars are a constant, painful reminder of the attack, and they grapple with deep psychological trauma, experiencing conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), marked by recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and crippling anxiety.
The link between terrorism and disability is a direct one; the violence itself is a root cause of both physical and mental disabilities. As we observe the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, we are called to do more than simply mourn the dead. This day serves as a critical opportunity to honor the resilience of the living, especially those who continue to live with the lasting consequences of terrorism.
A true tribute involves a commitment to providing long-term care and mental health support for survivors and their families. Their recovery is a long and complex process that demands a comprehensive approach to meet both their physical and psychological needs.
This means ensuring services are not just available, but also accessible and inclusive. It requires providing financial aid for medical expenses, offering affordable and psychological counseling, and making accessible physical therapy and prosthetic services available for those with mobility disabilities.
Offering this unwavering support is a fundamental act of solidarity and a powerful celebration of the tenacity of victims and their families.
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