The United Nations observes International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of
Violence Based on Religion or Belief every August 22 as a means of promoting freedom of expression and religion, along with the right to assembly and association.
Adopted by the General Assembly last May, the resolution introducing the day of commemoration noted, “States have the primary responsibility to promote and protect
human rights, including the human rights of persons belonging to religious minorities,
including their right to exercise their religion or belief freely.”
Through the observance, member states are expected to declare “unequivocal condemnation of all acts, methods, and practices of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations.”
“Over the past few months, we have seen increasing numbers of attacks against individuals and groups targeted simply because of their religion or belief,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. “We must resist and reject those who falsely and maliciously invoke religion to build misconceptions, fuel division, and spread fear and hatred.”
“Today we observe the first ever International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion and Belief,” he added. “On this Day, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the victims of violence based on religion and belief.”/WDJ