Two of the planes crashed into the twin skyscrapers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York, while another plane targeted the Pentagon, the Defense Department building on the outskirts of Washington, DC.
Passengers on the fourth plane managed to wrestle back control from the hijackers, but it crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
Of the more than 2,500 people killed in the attacks, 441 were emergency relief service workers. This is the largest loss of life to these services in a single day in the history of the United States.
Thousands were injured in the attacks and a large number of people still suffer from diseases including respiratory problems, mental health problems and cancer.
UN Secretary General In a message on the social media platform X, Antonio Guterres said his condolences are with the city of New York and everyone who lost a loved one in the 9/11 attacks.
Waiting for justice
Ben Sall, the UN independent expert on fundamental freedoms and human rights in the fight against terrorism, paid tribute to the victims, their families and loved ones from more than 100 countries.
He welcomed US efforts to support survivors, but stressed that justice remains out of reach for too many.
According to the Special Rapporteur, the violence inflicted on ordinary people going about their lives on 9/11 is unimaginable and constitutes a crime against humanity. Even 23 years after the attacks, the victims have not received justice.
Ben Sall noted a number of unresolved issues, including prolonged detention of suspects, inhumane treatment, unfair trials before irregular military commissions, and limited accountability, which continue to affect victims and detainees.
In view of this, he has appealed to America that anti-terrorism policies must be made in accordance with international human rights standards.
The Special Rapporteur called on the US administration to fully implement the recommendations made by her predecessor, Fionnuela D. Aollen, following a visit to the Guantanamo Bay detention centre in the US and Cuba in 2023.
The former rapporteur stressed that the US government must be accountable for every case of violation of international law.
human rights expert
Special Rapporteur and Independent Human Rights Expert, United Nations special human rights process are a part of.
his appointment Geneva status UN Human Rights Councila specific human rights issue or situation in a country investigate and submit a report She does it for the sake of it.
These positions are honorary and human rights experts do not receive any salary from the United Nations for their work.