The United Nations(UN) annually observes the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief on 22nd August to condemn violence and terrorism against individuals and communities targeted due to their religion or belief.
- 22nd August 2025 marks the observance of the 7th International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
Exam Hints:
- What? International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief 2025
- When? August 22(annually)
- Aim: Condemn violence and terrorism against individuals and communities targeted due to their religion or belief.
- Commemoration: 7th
- First Observance: 22 August 2019
- UNGA Resolution: A/RES/73/296, adopted on 28 May 2019
- Legal Basis: Articles 18, 19 & 20 of UDHR
Significance:
Freedom Rights: Highlights the role of freedom of religion or belief, expression, peaceful assembly, and association in countering intolerance and discrimination.
Victim Support: Stresses providing legal and humanitarian assistance to victims of religion-based violence and their families.
Human Rights Duty: Reminds UN member states of their responsibility to promote and protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief.
Background:
Resolution: On 28th May 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/73/296, designating 22 August as the International Day Commemorating Victims of Religion-Based Violence.
First Observance: The inaugural observance of International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was held on 22 August 2019.
Key UNGA Provisions on Religion-Based Violence:
The UNGA resolution emphasized:
- Victim Assistance: Providing adequate support to victims and their families.
- Dialogue Promotion: Strengthening interreligious, interfaith, and intercultural dialogue at all levels.
- Human Rights Education: Expanding education as a vital tool to combat intolerance, hate crimes, and discrimination.
- State Responsibility: Reaffirming that states hold the primary duty to safeguard and promote human rights of religious minorities.
Human Rights Related to Freedom of Religion or Belief:
Interrelated Rights: Freedom of religion or belief, opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and association are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
Legal Basis: These rights are guaranteed under Articles 18, 19, and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Importance: Protecting these rights is crucial to combating intolerance, violence and discrimination based on religion or belief.
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary – General (SG) – António Guterres
Headquarters – New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 1945
