To mark the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the UN Special Rapporteur has sent a video message to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), highlighting the urgent need to defend freedom of religion or belief for everyone.
In the video message sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) ahead of the International Day, observed annually on August 22, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Dr. Nazila Ghanea, said:
“The need to uphold freedom of religion or belief, and to do so at all levels—local, regional and global—is indeed urgent. So many, in every corner of the world, needlessly suffer, day in and day out, violations of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, purely and simply because of their religion or belief.”
On the occasion of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, Dr. Ghanea called for renewed commitment to protecting one of the world’s most fundamental human rights.
In her message, the Special Rapporteur recalled that freedom of thought, conscience and religion is guaranteed under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed in numerous international and regional human rights instruments. She stressed that these rights continue to be violated, pointing to the reality faced by countless victims around the world: women, men, young people, and even newborn children imprisoned because of religious prejudice; discrimination embedded not only in society but also within governments, judiciaries, immigration services, and prison systems; and violence perpetrated by militias that destroy entire communities, confiscate land and force families to flee.
Dr. Ghanea also highlighted that these violations affect people of many different faiths and beliefs, citing Christians displaced by violence, Muslims whose places of worship are attacked, Bahá’ís imprisoned for their beliefs, Jewish families facing antisemitic violence, and humanists forced to conceal their convictions.
“The violence may not be the same. The gravity may be different at different times, against different victims, in different places. But all constitute violations of human rights, of freedom of religion or belief,” she noted.
In her message, the Special Rapporteur emphasized the indispensable role of civil society in protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief.
“Civil society plays a crucial role in combating these violations, defending the humanity and equality of victims regardless of their religious affiliation or beliefs. It plays a fundamental role in exposing abuses, fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence at the local level—both in times of war and peace—seeking redress, and supporting recovery processes.”
Dr. Ghanea’s message closely reflects the objectives of ACN’s Article 18 Petition, launched to mark the 25th anniversary of the Religious Freedom in the World Report. Inspired by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the petition calls on governments to respect, protect, and promote every person’s right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Furthermore, it seeks to give a voice to those who cannot freely live according to their religion, to raise awareness of the millions of people worldwide who continue to suffer because of their religion or belief, and to encourage solidarity and concrete action in defence of this universal human right.
More than 32,500 people around the world—including bishops, Church leaders, and representatives of civil society and public institutions from numerous countries—have already signed ACN’s Petition. The pontifical charity invites individuals, communities, and institutions to add their voice in defence of a universal human right that belongs to every person.
Dr. Ghanea concluded:
“The need to revitalize and better coordinate our efforts, as well as to strengthen our resolve to protect and promote the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief, remains constant and urgent. This day gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to its importance for everyone.”
ACN’s Article 18 Petition can be signed at:
https://acn-canada.org/rfr/
