The United Nations (UN)’s International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is annually observed across the globe on 22nd August to condemn the violence and acts of terrorism against individuals of religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief.
- 22nd August 2023 marks the observance of the 5th International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
Background:
On 28th May 2019, The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/73/296 and proclaimed the 22nd of August of every year as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
- The first-ever International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was observed on 22nd August 2019.
Significance:
i.The day highlights the importance to protect the fundamental right of all citizens to exercise their religion and beliefs as well as the freedom to express their religious aspirations and views.
ii.The observance also aims to boost the protection given by state governments to strengthen the implement the provisions to condone discrimination and intolerance based on religious and cultural differences.
iii.This day follows the annual observance of International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on 21st August.
Note:
- 2023 also marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
- 10 December 2023 also marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Human Rights & Freedom of religion and belief:
i.Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, and rights to freedom of assembly without violence all depend on one another and reinforce one another.
- These are enshrined in Articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
ii.Upholding these rights will play a major role towards combating all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America(USA)
Established in 1945
