"Unfortunately, modern armed conflicts also bear the mark of religious persecution. It is enough to look at Ukraine to remind that in this armed conflict practically the representatives of all religions suffered a far-reaching loss," Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted its chief as saying on Tuesday (August 22). With these words, the MFA chief Zbigniew Rau marked the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
The Polish MFA published quotes on social media from its chief, minister Zbigniew Rau, marking the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. This remembrance day was established by the United Nations General Assembly, on the initiative of Polish diplomacy.
"Today, for the fifth time, we mark the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (...). This initiative by Polish diplomacy has taken on a universal dimension and is much needed, as it undoubtedly serves various religious communities when they turn to the international community for public protection," Zbigniew Rau was quoted as saying.
"Unfortunately, modern armed conflicts also bear the mark of religious persecution. It is enough to look at Ukraine to remind that in this armed conflict practically the representatives of all religions suffered a far-reaching loss, resulting from both the harm done to believers and the damage to their places of worship," the MFA chief added.
Freedom of religion and belief is an inalienable human right. Faith and belief should never attract violence. Yet, around the world, people and communities, particularly minorities, face intolerance, discrimination and threats – to their places of worship, their livelihoods and even their lives. Hatred stirred on and off line is often the cause. On this International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we remember all those who have suffered. And we renew our resolve to stamp out the hate speech that fuels these terrible acts of intolerance. Initiatives like my Call to Action for Human Rights and the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech provide a blueprint to do so. I urge all governments to prevent and address acts of violence based on religion and belief. I call on everyone, particularly political, community and religious leaders, to speak out against hate and incitement to violence. And I encourage governments, technology companies and other stakeholders to support the United Nations’ work in developing a voluntary Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms, ahead of next year’s Summit of the Future, to tackle hate speech online. Together, let’s honour the victims of violence by striving to build a more inclusive, respectful, and peaceful world – one where diversity is celebrated.
Day Commemorating the Victims
The United Nations General Assembly designated 22 August as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. In a special resolution, the U.N. stressed "the importance of providing victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief and members of their families with appropriate support and assistance in accordance with applicable law".
The General Assembly "strongly deplored all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their homes, businesses, properties, schools, cultural centres or places of worship, as well as all attacks on and in religious places, sites and shrines that are in violation of international law," it wrote at its website.
"A previous resolution establishing the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (A/RES/72/165) also recognized that working together to enhance the implementation of existing legal regimes that protect individuals against discrimination and hate crimes, increasing interreligious, interfaith and intercultural efforts and expanding human rights education are important first steps in combating incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against individuals on the basis of religion or belief," we read.
"By proclaiming an International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the General Assembly recalled that States have the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the human rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, including their right to exercise their religion or belief freely," the U.N. said.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP, Polish MFA, un.org