THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR VICTIMS OF ACTS
OF VIOLENCE BASED ON RELIGION OR BELIEF
PRESS STATEMENT
BACKGROUND TO THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR VICTIMS OF ACTS OF VIOLENCE BASED ON 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.
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.
Therefore, on the 28th of May 2019, the United Nations General Assembly, by resolution A/RES/73/xx officially designated August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. By terms of the text “International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief” (document A/73/L.85), the Assembly invited all Member States, the United Nations and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society and the private sector, to observe the International Day by raising public awareness of the problem of religious violence. The International Day aims to honour the victims and survivors of religious violence who often remain forgotten.
On 14 July 2017, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations launched the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes at a meeting in the United Nations Headquarters in New York. While the Plan of Action is intended primarily for use by religious leaders and actors, it also includes detailed recommendations for others, including States and State institutions, secular civil society organizations/actors (CSOs), and new and traditional media.
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR VICTIMS OF ACTS OF VIOLENCE BASED ON RELIGION OR BELIEF
There has been an alarming spike in recent years in hate speech and incitement to violence against individuals or communities, based on their identity (religion or belief). Awareness creation and capacity building in our various institutions and communities on such issues is another form of our contribution as peace activists to complement the existing efforts of the state to promote peace and fulfill the development aspiration of the nation.
It is against this background that the Country Outreach Coordinator in collaboration with the Foundation for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Initiatives (FIIDI) are commemorating the International Day for Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in Nigeria on August 22, 2019.
The International Day for Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed globally by human rights and peace activists as well as religious actors at the local, national, regional and international level. Activities include radio, television and video programming, press conferences, film screening, workshops, seminars, panels and other meetings, demonstrations, protests, marches, poster, photos, exhibitions, public education campaigns, concerts, plays, and other theatre performances.
As part of the activities of the Day, the Country Outreach Coordinator of FIIDI will be organizing a press conference at #3 Dennis Ufot Avenue, Woji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, on August 22, 2019.
In the next coming years, the observation of the International Day is expected to grow and will include participation of more organizations around the world. The International Day for Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief will become an annual event in many towns and regions around the globe.
By:
Akande Olushola
Country Outreach Coordinator
Foundation for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Initiatives (FIIDI)
August 1, 2019.
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