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 serves to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and highlight the importance of addressing violent acts motivated by intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief. The observance is aimed at protecting the rights of religious minorities and furthering efforts towards global peace. By commemorating this day, we reflect on the lives lost due to such violent acts and encourage solidarity, unity, and justice for the victims and their families.

This important day was established by the UN General Assembly in May 2019 as a response to the increasing incidents of violence based on religion or belief around the world. In the United Kingdom, the impact of such violence can be seen in incidents such as the Finsbury Park Mosque attack, motivated by religious hatred. Through the observance of this day, the UK acknowledges the importance of promoting religious tolerance and standing in solidarity with the victims of such violent acts.

In the United Kingdom, the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed through various initiatives, such as educational seminars, public talks, and interfaith gatherings. These efforts aim to increase awareness about the dangers of religious intolerance and promote respect for diversity and human rights. The British government actively supports this observance to reaffirm its commitment to combatting religiously-motivated violence and ensuring the safety of individuals expressing their religious beliefs. The observance takes place annually on 22nd August, providing an opportunity for individuals and communities in the UK to unite against religious violence and work towards fostering a more inclusive society.

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.
• A large proportion of religiously-motivated hate crimes in the UK target Muslims and Jews. In 2020/21, around 48% of religious hate crimes were targeted towards Muslims, and 18% were aimed at Jews. Anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents have been on the rise, causing concern and fear within these communities.
• Social media platforms have been increasingly used to perpetrate religious hate crimes. Online hate speech and abusive messages have become a growing issue, with both individuals and organized groups using the internet to target victims based on their religious beliefs.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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 United Kingdom?:
  1)Murdered for Being Different - (2017) - This BBC drama is based on the true story of Sophie Lancaster, a woman who was brutally attacked and murdered because of her alternative lifestyle and appearance. The attack was said to be partly motivated by religious beliefs.
  2)The Secret Policeman's Ball - (2006) - This documentary is about Amnesty International's iconic event featuring sketches and performances that address human rights issues, including religious persecution and intolerance.
• Read a book to learn more about Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in United Kingdom:
  1)The New Authoritarians: Convergence on the Right - by David Renton
  2)Politics of Losing: Trump, the Klan, and the Mainstreaming of Resentment - by Rory McVeigh and Kevin Estep