Human Wrongs Watch
By the United Nations*
“Across the globe, people continue to be harassed, attacked – and even killed – simply for what they believe… Places of worship are desecrated. Communities are terrorized. Online platforms are flooded with hate…
Participants at event on “Interfaith harmony: Implementing the Transformative Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals”, co-organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the Committee of Religious NGOs (2016). PHOTO:UN Photo/Manuel Elias
.. These acts are not only abhorrent – they are a threat to our shared humanity,” stated the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, on the occasion of this year’s International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (22 August).
“When people are targeted for their faith, when hate speech goes unchecked, when impunity prevails – everyone is at risk.”
Human Rights Related to Freedom of Religion or Belief
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.
They are enshrined in articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Upholding these rights plays an important role in the fight against all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief.
The open, constructive and respectful debate of ideas, as well as interreligious, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, at the local, national, regional and international levels, can play a positive role in combating religious hatred, incitement and violence.
Furthermore, the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information can play a positive role in strengthening democracy and combating religious intolerance.
Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
There are continuing acts of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief against individuals, including against persons belonging to religious communities and religious minorities around the world, and the number and intensity of such incidents, which are often of a criminal nature and may have international characteristics, are increasing.
The General Assembly decided to designate 22 August as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
The Day comes right after the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, 21 August.
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*SOURCE: the United Nations. Go to ORIGINAL: https://www.un.org/en/observances/religious-based-violence-victims-day
2025 Human Wrongs Watch
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Baher Kamal
HUMAN WRONGS WATCH 
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