International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief 2023: Date, History, Facts about World Religons

Every year on August 22, the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed. The international community honours the survivors and victims of religiously motivated violence on this day. Despite living in the 21st century, there are still regions of the globe where people cannot freely practise their religion. Everyone, from nefarious organisations to state governments, uses religion to incite dread of the ‘other.’ People of diverse religions are frequently labelled as security concerns. Religion is used to justify misogyny, homophobia, and xenophobia, and this justification extends to official policies and laws. Religious stigmatisation is frequently the underlying cause of all forms of discrimination. Today, the international community commits to defending the right to religious freedom. We have too many historical examples of religiously motivated violence for it to be repeated.

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

Never before has the world been so polarised as it is now. While the freedom to practise religious beliefs is a fundamental privilege, violent acts of intolerance continue to occur. The frequency and severity of attacks against minority communities have risen. The violation of human rights has become so disturbingly commonplace that the majority of people have become insensitive or desensitised to the atrocities.

In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly established an International Day Honouring Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. The day reaffirms the international community’s dedication to justice for survivors of genocide and other crimes motivated by religion or ethnicity. The day is dedicated to holding criminals accountable for their actions.

Protecting religious liberties is a responsibility shared by the state and all individuals. After all, freedom is not an exclusive concept. Until every individual can freely exercise their rights, nations cannot call themselves “free.” The day serves as a reminder to governments that they must create robust systems for individuals to pursue justice. Rehabilitation is essential for victims of religious violence in order to facilitate their support and recovery.

Obviously, systems are futile without the support of society. Nonprofit organisations, religious leaders, and activists must all play a role. The strength of the community can defeat senseless religious enmity.

Today is a day of action and remembrance. The international community recognises those who perished solely due to their unique lifestyles. We respect their valour. We also honour those who tirelessly advocate for the freedom to practise one’s culture and religion.

5 FACTS ABOUT WORLD RELIGIONS THAT WILL STUN YOU

Numerous scholars believe that reincarnation was fundamental to the early Christian belief systems until the Roman Catholic church made the decision to eliminate it.

Atheist Hindus can hold the same theological beliefs without adhering to the religion’s moral codes.

Al-Jahiz, a devout Muslim from the ninth century, wrote about the effects of environmental change on the survival of animals.

There are meditation techniques within every religion that resemble the spiritual practises of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Some of the most brilliant minds in eastern and western science were also profoundly religious.

INTERNATIONAL DAY COMMEMORATING THE VICTIMS OF ACTS OF VIOLENCE BASED ON RELIGION OR BELIEF DATES