The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief – Turning Words into Action

22 August marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, a day established by the UN General Assembly to condemn continuing violence and acts of violence targeting individuals on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief. Such violence is ever-growing around the world, in its various manifestations, and requires urgent and comprehensive responses.

During the 2022 Ministerial on Freedom of Religion of Belief in London, States, international organisations, and civil society representatives discussed challenges faced by people of religion or belief around the world, and the need for change. During this year’s commemoration of the UN day, the speakers will discuss the situation of victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief, any progress made but also gaps in responding to their needs, and some practical steps that can be taken to bring about the needed change.

Speakers include:

Fiona Bruce MP, PM’s Special Envoy on FoRB (video), chair of the IRFB Alliance

David Burrowes, Deputy PM’s Special Envoy on FoRB

Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London

Bani Dugal, Bahá’í International, Member of the IRFB Alliance panel of experts

Pari Ibrahim, Free Yezidi Foundation

Prof. Nazila Ghanea, Oxford University, UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB

Further speakers to be confirmed.

The session will be moderated by Dr Ewelina Ochab, author of the initiative to establish the  International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, and Emily Foale, IBAHRI project manager.