The 22nd of August marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. As we commemorate this day it is important to acknowledge that Articles 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, among others, embed the protection of freedom of religion. The mentioned normative instruments further call for religious tolerance and respect for one another in respect of religion or belief. However, there are increased reports of persecution motivated by religion cum religious fundamentalism.

It is noteworthy that persecution based on religious fundamentalism is still prevalent today in many parts of the world. These violations range from massacres to evictions, tortures, and discriminative laws among others—all driven by religious fundamentalism. On this day, it is imperative that all states, international Organizations, faith-based actors, and private individuals recommit to ensuring religious tolerance. It is pertinent that we emphasize harmonious co-existence even in diversity.

States must put into place mechanisms to ensure that the victims of violence based on religion or belief get justice in its true sense. The perpetrators of religious based crimes should be brought to book. At the same time, any tension between various groups based on religion or belief should be mitigated.