EU commemorates victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief
On 22 August, on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the European Union called on all states to act against discrimination and violence based on religion or belief, and to respect, protect and fulfil this human right.
“All human beings have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” says the statement from EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. “Yet almost two thirds of the world’s population live in countries where there are serious abuses and violations of this right. Millions of people suffer daily from intolerance, discrimination, hatred, hostility and violence because of their actual or perceived religion or belief, or lack thereof. Many pay with their lives.”
The statement said the EU was proactive within the United Nations by putting forward resolutions on the right to freedom of religion or belief and supporting the work of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights in this regard.
“In Ukraine, Russia has damaged and destroyed countless sacred sites across different faiths striking at the heart of communities, their heritage and their fundamental right to practise their religion freely,” the EU Delegation to Ukraine added in a separate Facebook post.
It said the EU stood with all victims of religious persecution and violence and would continue to defend freedom of religion or belief and the right of every person to live in dignity, peace and safety.
This year the European Commission also appointed a new Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief to engage with third countries and raise global awareness about discrimination and persecution based on religion or belief.
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