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On August 22, we honor and remember those who have been victims of violence based on their religion or belief on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. This day was established by the United Nations in 2019 to raise awareness about the growing issue of religious persecution and to promote respect for diversity and tolerance. It is a day to stand in solidarity with those who have suffered and to advocate for peace, understanding, and acceptance among all religions. Let's use this day as a reminder to spread love and compassion towards our fellow human beings, regardless of their beliefs.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Yazidis Genocide</div><div class='timeline-text'>A genocide takes place against the Yazidi community by ISIS in Iraq, garnering international attention towards the issue of religious violence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Religious Violence in Myanmar</div><div class='timeline-text'>Violence against Rohingya Muslims escalates in Myanmar, resulting in mass exile and an international humanitarian crisis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting</div><div class='timeline-text'>Eleven people were killed in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, bringing religious-based violence to the forefront in the US.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Day's Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition and Solidarity</div><div class='timeline-text'>Nations worldwide take part in the day, organizing various events aimed at promoting tolerance and respect among different religious communities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a candlelight vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your community and hold a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of violence based on religion or belief. This is a peaceful and meaningful way to honor those who have lost their lives and show support for their loved ones.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize an interfaith dialogue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bring people of different religions and beliefs together for an open and respectful conversation about the impact of violence on their communities. This can help promote understanding and empathy among diverse groups.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to educate yourself and others about the issue of violence based on religion or belief. Share articles, documentaries, and personal stories to raise awareness and promote understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a memorial service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check for memorial services or events in your area dedicated to the victims of religious violence. This is a way to show support and solidarity with those who have been affected.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take action against discrimination</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this day as an opportunity to take action against discrimination and hate speech towards individuals based on their religion or belief. This can include signing petitions, volunteering, or participating in advocacy efforts.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To honor and remember victims</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is an important opportunity to remember and honor the individuals and communities who have been targeted and victimized because of their religious beliefs. It allows us to acknowledge their suffering and show our support and solidarity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To raise awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day also serves as a platform to bring attention to the ongoing issue of religious-based violence. By observing this day annually, we can shed light on this problem and urge governments, organizations, and individuals to take action towards promoting peace, tolerance, and respect for all beliefs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To promote empathy and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By commemorating the victims of religious-based violence, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and understanding towards people of different religions and beliefs. This can help foster a more accepting and compassionate society, ultimately contributing to a world free of discrimination and violence.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>This commemoration day is internationally recognized and observed</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 2019, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution establishing this day, highlighting global acceptance of the need to address religious violence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>This day serves to bring divergent religious communities together</h3><p class='facts-content'>The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief creates a platform for different religious groups to stand in solidarity against violence and promote unity and peace.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It aims at promoting fundamental human rights</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the core objectives of this international day is the promotion and protection of the fundamental human right to freedom of religion or belief as highlighted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>This day drives actions against countries or groups promoting religious violence</h3><p class='facts-content'>The observance of this day serves as a tool to pressure governments, undermining religious freedom and promoting biases against certain religious communities, to change their practices. It also helps in denouncing religious violence perpetrated by non-state groups.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The day contributes to objective reporting on religious violence</h3><p class='facts-content'>This day helps promote unbiased reporting on incidents related to religious violence and intolerance. It provides the media a chance to highlight individual stories of victims and survivors, contributing to public awareness and empathy.</p></div></div>
The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is celebrated on August 22 every year. In 2024, this day will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Aug 22
Tuesday
2024
Aug 22
Thursday
2025
Aug 22
Friday
2026
Aug 22
Saturday
2027
Aug 22
Sunday
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