International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is an annual observance dedicated to the memory of those who have been targeted by acts of violence due to their religious beliefs or affiliations. The aim of this day is to promote tolerance, equality, and understanding among different religious and belief systems and to counteract religious violence through spreading awareness and fostering empathy. Fundamental to this observance is advocating for the rights of individuals to freely practice their faith without fear of persecution, intimidation, or violence, as well as promoting dialogue among different religious communities.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is of special significance to South Africa, given her history of religious diversity and the struggles faced in maintaining a just and inclusive society. South Africa is home to a wide array of religious beliefs and practices, which makes open communication and understanding crucial in the fight against religious intolerance and violence. While the country has made strides in embracing diversity and human rights in the post-apartheid era, vigilance against discriminatory practices and acts of violence is essential in fostering a society that upholds the values of equality, justice, and dignity for all.

In South Africa, the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed through various initiatives such as seminars, conferences, and interfaith dialogues organized by the government, non-governmental organizations, and religious institutions. These events strive to promote understanding and respect for different belief systems, addressing prejudice, and encouraging solidarity among diverse communities. South Africans of all faiths join together on this day, which falls annually on August 22nd, to remember the victims of religious violence, discuss solutions, and pledge to continue working towards a just and harmonious society.

Facts about this day

• According to the Pew Research Center, government use of force against religious or belief communities occurred in 95 countries in 2018.
• In 2018, more than a quarter of the world’s countries experienced a high incidence of hostilities motivated by religious hatred, mob violence related to religion, terrorism, and harassment of women for violating religious codes
• Most incidences perpetrated against victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief are considered hate crimes. Hate crimes are criminal actions intended to harm or intimidate people because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other minority group status.
• In rural South African communities, there have been cases where misunderstandings and fears related to witchcraft have led to violence. People accused of practicing witchcraft (not always with factual basis) can face extreme hostility and violence from fellow community members.
• Some instances of religious-based violence are intertwined with xenophobic sentiments in South Africa. This can target foreign nationals who belong to specific religious groups, such as the attacks on immigrants from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh, some of whom were targeted for their Islamic faith.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

Top things to do in South Africa for this observance

• Learn more about the UN's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. The plan focuses on preventing the spread of violent extremism by creating counter-terrorism measures.
• Watch the UN's video about their campaigning against attacks on religious communities. The video features a Jewish family and their struggle against anti-Semitism.
• Watch a Film to learn more about Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in South Africa:
  1)Cry Freedom (1987) - A drama about apartheid in South Africa showcasing racial tensions, police brutality, and oppression of the black majority based on the real-life story of a black rights activist and his journalist friend.
  2)Red Dust (2004) - A drama film based on a novel by Gillian Slovo, covering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in post-apartheid South Africa.
• Read a book to learn more about Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in South Africa:
  1)Beyond Religious Freedom: The New Global Politics of Religion - by Elizabeth Shakman Hurd
  2)Religious Pluralism, Heritage, and Social Development in Africa - edited by M. Christian Green, Len Hansen, and Francois Venter