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

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

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief honors the people who have suffered from violence resulting from religious discrimination. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the importance of upholding the fundamental human right to freedom of religion and conscience, while fostering understanding and acceptance among different faiths. A crucial aspect of the observance is to highlight the responsibility of countries to combat violence based on religion, protect religious minorities, and support victims.

The United Nations General Assembly officially established this International Day in 2019, which serves as a reminder for countries around the world to act against hate crimes and persecution experienced by individuals because of their faith. It is important for Americans to consider how religious liberty plays a key role in the country's history, acknowledging both past and present instances of religious violence, and striving for inclusivity and respect for all beliefs in contemporary society.

In the United States, the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed through various educational and social initiatives, which promote interfaith dialogue, community service, and events aimed at enhancing mutual understanding among religious groups. Government officials, civil society organizations, and faith-based institutions are encouraged to work together on this day to raise awareness and develop preventive measures to eradicate religious violence. The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed annually on August 22nd.

Facts about this day

• According to the Pew Research Center, government use of force against religious or belief communities occurred in 95 countries in 2018.
• In 2018, more than a quarter of the world’s countries experienced a high incidence of hostilities motivated by religious hatred, mob violence related to religion, terrorism, and harassment of women for violating religious codes
• Most incidences perpetrated against victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief are considered hate crimes. Hate crimes are criminal actions intended to harm or intimidate people because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other minority group status.
• Articles 18-20 of the United Nations outline universal human rights. The articles state that, 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.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Learn more about the UN's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. The plan focuses on preventing the spread of violent extremism by creating counter-terrorism measures.
• Watch the UN's video about their campaigning against attacks on religious communities. The video features a Jewish family and their struggle against anti-Semitism.
• Watch a movie celebrating religious freedom. Here are our suggestions:
  Silence (2016)
  Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
  The Work and the Glory II: American Zion (2005)
• Watch Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma (2016). This HBO documentary explores homegrown terrorism in the United States, exploring attacks committed by individuals radicalized by extremists or their beliefs.