August 22.

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The significance of supporting victims of religious persecution is acknowledged on August 22, which is International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

In the next few lines you can read the United Nation's message for this memorial day:

"Around the world, individuals and communities face violence based on religion or beliefs.

We must urgently combat this scourge.

Governments must protect all people and places of worship, implement comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and invest in education initiatives that foster inclusion and equal rights.

Digital platforms must enforce content moderation policies that align with international human rights standards.

Political and religious leaders must unequivocally condemn hate speech, advance dialogue, and make clear that violence can never be an answer.

We must work together to stem the tide of hatred and promote tolerance, mutual understanding and respect.

Today, as we honour and remember the victims, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their religion or beliefs, can live free from fear, stigma, and persecution."

It's impossible to miss the growing trend of religious persecution when reading the news of late. Religious persecution affects one in three persons. Christians are the most persecuted faith out there. In 143 nations, there is persecution of Christians. The BBC reports that there are certain places where Christian persecution is almost on par with genocide. There are currently fewer than 120,000 Christians in Iraq. By contrast, there were 1.5 million Christians in Iraq in 2003.

Jews and Muslims are persecuted worlwide. Persecution of Muslims occurs in 140 nations, while Jews are persecuted in 87 countries.

"On the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief, the European Union pays tribute to all victims of discrimination, intolerance, persecution, hatred, dehumanisation or violence because of their religion or belief.

Extremism, authoritarianism, terrorism, and conflict-driven hatred are yet not eradicated. Too many people across the world, especially from religious minorities, face attacks to their communities and see their human rights violated due to their [...] faith.

We strongly believe and support the principle upon which all individuals have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief; and to [...] change their religion or belief, without risk of discrimination, persecution or violence. [...]

The international community must unite in fighting against discrimination, hatred and violence based on religion or belief. We must promote a culture of religious tolerance, respect for diversity and mutual understanding.

Every individual [...] are entitled to full respect for their human rights. The EU will continue to safeguard this principle and promote its implementation everywhere."

- Written by the Council of EU in memory of the event on 21st August 2024. You can read the original post here:

How can you commemorate?

Learning about other religions is a wonderful way to commemorate this day. Ask friends or acquaintances who have different ideas what they think. Learn more about the reasons for their beliefs. Attend a service or event at a house of worship that you wouldn't otherwise visit. Give to a synagogue, mosque, or church in your community. Offer up prayers for people who practice different religions.

Sources:

United Nations - Message for the International Day of Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religios Belief

European Council - Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU

National Day Calendar - August 22: Victims of Violence based on Relegion or Belief

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