The United Nations (UN) International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is annually observed across the globe on August 22 to condemn the violence and act of terrorism against the individuals of religious minorities on the basis of or in the name of belief or religion.
- 22nd August 2024 marks the observance of 6th International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
Significance:
i.The day emphasises the role of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of opinion and expression, the right to freedom of association in combating all types of religious and belief intolerance and discrimination.
ii.It recognises the importance of providing victims of acts of violence based on their religion or belief and members of their family with appropriate assistance in accordance with the applicable law.
iii.It also reminds the UN member states to freely promote and protect human rights, including religion or belief.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/73/296 on 28th May 2019, and designated 22nd August of every year as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
ii.The first ever International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was observed on August 22, 2019.
Human Rights Related to Freedom of Religion or Belief:
i.Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
ii.They are enshrined in articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
iii.Upholding these rights plays an important role in the fight against all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief.
About the United Nations (UN):
Secretary – General (SG) – António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres
Headquarters – New York, United States of America (USA)
Founded – 24 October 1945
