A/HRC/19/38 governmental organization proposed that specific legal status be granted to victims of terrorism. 31. The importance of awareness-raising and remembrance initiatives was highlighted throughout the panel discussion. Every year, the European Union commemorates on 11 March the European Day on Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism. One delegation suggested that 19 August be proclaimed the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. 5 In addition, the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, held on 16 and 17 June 2011 in San Sebastian, Spain, and the seventh International Congress on Victims of Terrorism, held from 15 to 17 September 2011 in Paris, were mentioned as opportunities to assemble associations with the objective of sensitizing the population and raising awareness. One non-governmental organization expressed its intention to campaign for greater recognition, respect and fulfilment of the human rights of victims of terrorism in the coming years. IV. Comments and replies by the panellists 32. The Political Affairs Officer at the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force pointed out that States could contribute to awareness-raising of the human rights of victims of terrorism by taking part in the series of regional workshops organized by the CounterTerrorism Implementation Task Force and organizing media campaigns on the experiences, needs and concerns of victims of terrorism, as recommended at the Symposium on Supporting Victims of Terrorism and confirmed by the workshop on Compensating Victims of Terrorism, held in Syracuse, United States of America, in 2010. Ms. Wu added that the Working Group on Supporting and Highlighting Victims of Terrorism of the Task Force was planning to partner the Centre on Global Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and the Global Survivors Network in a series of projects, starting with a media training programme for victims of terrorism. 33. The Special Rapporteur suggested that the Human Rights Council request the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism to prepare a thematic report on the issue of the human rights of victims of terrorism. Mr. Scheinin pointed out that greater support was needed in general from the Council to ensure that the recommendations of special procedures mandate holders were implemented, adding that, instead of creating new mandates, the Council should empower existing ones and strengthen them with follow-up mechanisms. 34. The President of the Foundation for Victims of Terrorism of Spain referred to the complex nature human rights violations resulting from terrorist acts and pointed out that the damage caused by terrorists was both public and private. Ms. Pagazaurtundúa emphasized that Terrorist acts left behind not only private but also public mourning; it was therefore the responsibility of the entire democratic society to stand up to terrorism and face its effects. She concluded by referring to the work undertaken in Spain by different organizations to propose to different United Nations mechanisms to move forward and defend the human rights of victims, a process in which victims could play a crucial role. 35. Professor Letschert acknowledged and welcomed the requests of States and nongovernmental organizations for concrete recommendations regarding the follow-up. She pointed out that setting up a voluntary fund at the international level would be a concrete 5 See Human Rights Council resolution 17/8 . 11