International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Israel, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia
About
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed on August 22. It honors people who have suffered or lost their lives because of their religion or beliefs, while recognizing the devastating impact that intolerance, hatred, and persecution can have on individuals, families, and communities.
The observance is also a call to protect freedom of religion or belief and to stand against violence in all its forms. On August 22, people around the world are encouraged to remember victims with compassion, support those affected, and promote understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and beliefs.
History
The **International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief** is observed annually on **August 22**. The United Nations established the observance in 2019 through General Assembly resolution 73/296, responding to continuing attacks and persecution directed at people because of their religion or beliefs. The resolution recognizes that such violence can affect individuals, religious communities, and places of worship, and emphasizes the need to protect freedom of religion or belief as a fundamental human right.
The observance developed amid growing international concern over religiously motivated terrorism, sectarian conflict, discrimination, and attacks against minority communities. It also followed broader United Nations efforts to combat religious intolerance, incitement to violence, and hatred based on belief. By creating a dedicated annual day, the General Assembly gave governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and faith communities a recurring opportunity to remember victims and to draw attention to the responsibilities of states to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Over time, **August 22** has become a day for remembrance as well as public education and advocacy. Ceremonies, interfaith discussions, statements by public officials, and programs led by human-rights organizations commonly highlight the experiences of victims and survivors. The day’s focus is not limited to one religion or region; it encompasses violence against people of any faith, as well as individuals targeted because they hold a particular belief or no religious belief. This inclusive approach reflects the principle that freedom of religion or belief belongs to everyone.
The observance carries cultural significance by encouraging solidarity among religious and nonreligious communities while rejecting collective blame and religious hatred. It also underscores the importance of preserving cultural and religious heritage, protecting sacred spaces, supporting displaced communities, and promoting dialogue. Remembering victims on **August 22** therefore serves both a commemorative and preventive purpose: it honors those harmed by religiously motivated violence while urging societies to defend pluralism, tolerance, and equal human dignity.