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

The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief raises awareness about religious intolerance and seeks to promote peace, respect, and understanding among various religious and belief-based communities. This day emphasizes the importance of freedom of religion or belief and honors the memories of individuals who have suffered due to acts of violence motivated by religious intolerance. The United Nations General Assembly recognized the need for such an observance as numerous incidents around the world have shown the devastating consequences of violence based on religious grounds.

The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was established by a UN General Assembly Resolution on May 28, 2019. In Australia, the promotion of religious tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs is a fundamental aspect of fostering social harmony. Various initiatives, such as the National Anti-Racism Strategy and the Australian Human Rights Commission's "Religion or Belief Project," have been undertaken to address these issues nationally. The observance of this day highlights the commitment of Australians to advocate for peace and respect, irrespective of one's faith or belief.

Each year, Australians join the global community in observing the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief on August 22. Activities and events across Australia, such as interfaith dialogues, seminars, and outreach campaigns, help raise awareness and foster understanding among the diverse religious communities. These observances aim to eliminate prejudices, promote education and dialogue, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and harmonious society for both religious and non-religious Australians.

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.
• The most common types of religious discrimination in Australia include verbal abuse, harassment, and physical assault.
• Acts of violence against religious minorities in Australia are often linked to broader social and political issues such as migration, multiculturalism, and national security.

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

Top things to do in Australia 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 Documentary to learn more about Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in Australia:
  1)Crossing the Line (2018) - This documentary explores the issue of religious segregation in a remote Australian community and the challenges faced by an Afghan immigrant family.
  2)Leila's Journey (2010) - This short documentary follows the story of an Iraqi-Australian woman who confronts her past experience of escaping religious persecution and settling in Australia.
• Read a book to learn more about Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in Australia:
  1)Islamophobia in Australia: from Far-Right Deplorables to Respectable Liberals - by Randa Abdel-Fattah
  2)Religious Diversity in Australia - by Gary D. Bouma