An International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief is observed annually on August 22 under the resolution A/RES/73/296 which was adopted at 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2019.
- The day was proposed by Poland.
- The Day comes right after the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, 21 August.
What does this day represent?
i.This day strongly condemns the continuing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief.
ii.It recognizes the importance of providing victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief and members of their families with appropriate support and assistance in accordance with applicable law.
iii.It recalls UN member States to promote and protect human rights, including their right to exercise their religion or belief freely.
Key Points:
i.As per the 1981 UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, the international community committed to ensuring that no one be subject to discrimination by any State, institution, group of persons, or person on grounds of religion.
ii.However, in some parts of the world, people still have no freedom to practice their religious beliefs.
About United Nations (UN):
Establishment– 1945
Secretary-General– Antonio Guterres
Headquarters– New York, USA
