{"id":9107,"date":"2026-08-22T20:14:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T18:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/?p=9107"},"modified":"2026-08-22T20:14:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T18:14:03","slug":"international-day-commemorating-the-victims-of-acts-of-violence-based-on-religion-or-belief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/en\/international-day-commemorating-the-victims-of-acts-of-violence-based-on-religion-or-belief\/","title":{"rendered":"International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Ref: PRS 2026\/08\/1066<\/td>August 22, 2026<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief continue to target individuals, including members of religious communities and minorities, across the world. The number and intensity of such incidents\u2014often criminal in nature and sometimes with international characteristics\u2014are increasing. For this reason, the General Assembly adopted resolution A\/RES\/73\/296<\/strong>, titled \u201cInternational Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief\u201d<\/em>, strongly condemning ongoing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Libya, many human rights observers affirm that a significant portion of violations committed against victims stemmed from incitement and hate speech directed at individuals due to their religious, ideological, tribal, or political affiliations. Although Libya is among the few countries where violence based explicitly on religion is rare due to religious homogeneity, hate speech and incitement to violence for tribal or political reasons produce similar outcomes and fuel widespread violations. Experts consider hate speech a primary driver of abuses and violence against victims of religion\u2011 or belief\u2011based violence, as well as a root cause of racism, xenophobia, and hostility toward foreigners, vulnerable minorities, and political dissidents under repressive authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact of Conflict and Political Division<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation in Libya has worsened due to ongoing political division and the absence of a central authority capable of enforcing the rule of law. This has created fertile ground for armed groups that exploit despair, poverty, unemployment, lack of basic services, absence of justice, and weak security and judicial institutions. The United Nations affirms that these factors are directly linked to political and social instability, making Libya an environment conducive to the expansion of terrorism and armed groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freedom of Religion or Belief for People on the Move<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 interim report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief emphasizes the urgent imperative<\/strong> of guaranteeing freedom of religion or belief for people \u201con the move\u201d [internally displaced people, migrants, and refugees]. International law provides robust protection<\/strong> for this right, ensuring equal enjoyment for all persons\u2014citizens and non\u2011citizens, documented and undocumented, refugees, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Special Rapporteur stresses that States must not only respect<\/strong> this right but also ensure the fulfilment of their positive obligations<\/strong> to guarantee its enjoyment for every person and every community, including those on the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This message is particularly relevant to Libya. According to the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)<\/strong> report for January\u2013February 2026, Libya hosts 936,134 migrants from 47 nationalities<\/strong>, in addition to large numbers of internally displaced persons. These populations face heightened challenges in exercising freedom of religion or belief due to precarious legal status, mobility restrictions, detention conditions, and the absence of effective protection mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting Victims is a Moral and Humanitarian Responsibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victims of religion\u2011 or belief\u2011based violence in Libya, as elsewhere, face obstacles in accessing justice, lack psychological and social support, and often see their long\u2011term needs ignored. The effects of trauma persist across generations. The United Nations underscores that supporting victims must be a core component of national and international efforts, and that protection, accountability, and redress are essential to preventing recurrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promoting Dialogue, Diversity, and Respect for Beliefs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Nations declarations on diversity and interreligious dialogue highlight that respecting the rights of religious communities, fostering mutual understanding, and combating hate speech are essential to preventing violence based on religion or belief. These declarations affirm that religious and cultural diversity should serve as a bridge for cooperation and understanding, and that education is fundamental to eliminating stereotypes and promoting mutual respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human Rights Solidarity Organization (LHRS) affirm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n