International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief 2024

The General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/73/296, designated August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief recognising 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. Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that intersects with several other crucial freedoms. These rights are not only important individually but also work together to create a framework for a just and tolerant society.

Interconnected Rights

Key Freedoms

The following rights are interdependent, interrelated, and mutually reinforcing:

1. Freedom of religion or belief
2. Freedom of opinion and expression
3. Right to peaceful assembly
4. Right to freedom of association

These rights are enshrined in Articles 18, 19, and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Upholding these rights is crucial in combating all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.

Positive Contributions to Society

Open Dialogue and Debate

Open, constructive, and respectful debate of ideas, along with interreligious, interfaith, and intercultural dialogue at various levels (local, national, regional, and international), can play a positive role in:

• Combating religious hatred
• Preventing incitement to violence
• Reducing religious violence

Freedom of Information

The exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, coupled with full respect for the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information, contributes positively to:

• Strengthening democracy
• Combating religious intolerance

Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

Current Situation

Despite the established rights and their importance, there are ongoing issues:

• Continuing acts of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief
• Incidents targeting individuals, religious communities, and religious minorities
• Increasing number and intensity of such incidents
• Criminal nature of many incidents
• Potential international characteristics of these acts

International Response

UN General Assembly Resolution

In response to these concerning trends, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/73/296, titled “International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.”

Key points of the resolution:

• Strongly condemns continuing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals based on religion or belief
• Reaffirms unequivocal condemnation of all acts, methods, and practices of terrorism and violent extremism
• Emphasizes that terrorism and violent extremism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group

Establishment of International Day

The resolution designated August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

This day follows the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on August 21.

Background and Objectives

Resolution Details

The General Assembly resolution A/RES/73/296:

• Recognizes the importance of providing support and assistance to victims and their families
• Strongly deplores all acts of violence against persons based on their religion or belief
• Condemns attacks on religious places, sites, and shrines that violate international law

Previous Related Resolution

A prior resolution (A/RES/72/165) establishing the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism recognized the importance of:

• Enhancing existing legal regimes protecting individuals against discrimination and hate crimes
• Increasing interreligious, interfaith, and intercultural efforts
• Expanding human rights education

State Responsibilities

The General Assembly recalled that states have the primary responsibility to:

• Promote and protect human rights
• Safeguard the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities
• Ensure the right to freely exercise religion or belief