(Summary at the bottom)

Yesterday we drew light to the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism and today we take the time to observe the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief; a day to honour people around the world who have experienced violence, discrimination or persecution because of their religion, beliefs or because they choose not to follow any religion at all.


While this day encourages us to remember the past, it also demands us to reflect on the present. Around the world, many people still face hate, discrimination, attacks on places of worship and violence because of their religion, beliefs or non-beliefs.


Reports by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) continue to document anti-Muslim hatred across Europe. In its latest EU-wide survey, 47% of Muslims reported experiencing discrimination in the five years before the survey. At the same time, concerns over antisemitism remain high. A 2026 Eurobarometer survey found that 55% of Europeans consider antisemitism a problem in their country. Together, these findings remind us that religious intolerance is not confined to history but remains an important human rights issue today.


However, this day is not about one religion or one community. Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, Bahá’ís, Yazidis, Buddhists, atheists, agnostics and many others keep experiencing discrimination or violence because of their religion or beliefs. While every community’s experiences are different, they all share the same fundamental right: to live openly, safely and with dignity.


Standing against Islamophobia also means standing against antisemitism. Standing against antisemitism also means standing against anti-Christian violence, anti-Sikh hate and discrimination against people of other faiths or no faith at all. Protecting freedom of religion or belief means protecting everyone’s right to be themselves.

Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right. While the global challenges can feel huge, standing against intolerance and prejudice always begins in our daily interactions both online and offline. We can only build safer and more inclusive spaces for everyone when we actively reject hate speech, challenge stereotypes and stand up for one another. 
Make a difference today:

•  Practice Empathy & Respect: Treat individuals of all faiths, beliefs, or non-beliefs with dignity, respect and openness.
• Speak Up Against Hate: Challenge religious prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination whenever you encounter them in online spaces or in your daily interactions.
• Educate Yourself & Listen: Take time to learn about different traditions, cultures and worldviews to challenge stereotypes and build genuine understanding.
• Create Safe Spaces: Celebrate diversity and support environments where everyone feels safe to express their identity without fear of harassment or violence.

Explore further

Here are a few resources that explore freedom of religion or belief, current challenges and why this international day was established:

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/religious-based-violence-victims-day
• https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2024/being-muslim-eu
• https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3379

Summary

•  Today marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
• Religious discrimination and intolerance remain active human rights issues affecting various communities worldwide.
• Protecting freedom of religion or belief means protecting everyone’s right to live safely, openly and with dignity.
• We can stand together by rejecting hate, educating ourselves and fostering empathy in our daily interactions.

With love,
The Inclusivity Group