International Day of Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religious Belief

“When people are targeted for their faith, when hate speech goes unchecked, when impunity prevails – everyone is at risk. We must confront this threat head-on,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday's August 22nd , International Day for Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief . “Let us stand together to build a world where diversity is celebrated and everyone can live in safety and dignity,” he stressed.

  Watch Live / Síguelo en Directo . Agenda Programme.    25 April 2025, Liceo Theatre, Gernika, Spain  09:30–10:30 Roundtable 1: Interfaith Dialogue: The Role of Religious Leaders and Faith Actors in Fostering the Call for Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding  10:30–11:30 Roundtable 2: From Grassroots Actions to Global Impact: Civil Society as a Catalyst for Sustainable Peace  11:30–12:30 Roundtable 3: Women at the Forefront: the Missing Piece in Advancing Peace and Security through Inclusion  16:00–18:00 Roundtable 4: “Youth Voices for Peace: Empowering a Generation of Changemakers”  18:30–19:00 Discussion and screening of “Why War”, a film by Amos Gitai  26 April 2025, Fronton Jai-Alai, Gernika, Spain  9:30–10:15 Welcoming all guests and family photo  10:30–11:30 Official Opening Ceremony – Gernika Peace and Reconciliation Awards Ceremony  11:30–11:4: Musical Interlude: performance of the Basque band ‘Pause’ and the Basque...

  The launch will take place in the symbolic and historic town of Gernika in Basque Country, Spain, on the 88th anniversary of its bombing . The event will feature the participation of high-level officials, religious leaders, renowned figures from academia, civil society, and the media, as well as other key stakeholders committed to the cause of peace. The programme will also include cultural performances and  a solemn tribute to the victims of the Gernika bombing . Watch the  Day 2: Launch of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law” (Gernika)

  The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Religions for Peace are co-organizing the launch of “ A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law ”, an initiative that aims to  amplify a condemnation against war  while  fostering a message of peace  and  upholding respect for international law. Watch the  Day 1: Launch of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law” (Gernika)

  Religious violence encompasses acts of violence where religion is either the cause or a contributing factor. It can manifest in various forms, including interpersonal conflicts, institutional oppression, and state-sponsored persecution. While some argue that religion inherently leads to violence, others contend that attributing violence solely to religion oversimplifies complex situations. The Types of Religious Violence are: Interpersonal Conflicts : These involve violence between individuals or small groups, often stemming from religious differences or tensions.  Institutional Oppression : This includes systemic discrimination, persecution, or violence carried out by religious institutions or authorities against individuals or groups.  State-Sponsored Persecution : This involves violence directed by a government against specific religious groups or individuals.  Terrorist Acts : Some terrorist groups explicitly justify their violence based on religious beliefs....

The kinds of Religious Violence today are: Persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar : The Rohingya, a Muslim minority, have faced persecution, violence, and displacement by the Myanmar military and Buddhist nationalist groups. Attacks on Christians in Nigeria : Christian communities in Nigeria have been targeted by extremist groups, including Boko Haram and Fulani militants, leading to deaths and displacement. Attacks on Muslims in Europe : Some European countries have seen an increase in violence and harassment targeting Muslims, including attacks on mosques and individuals. Attacks on Jewish communities : Anti-Semitic attacks, including vandalism, threats, and violence, have occurred in various countries, including the US and Europe. Religious-based violence in India : India has experienced incidents of violence between religious communities, particularly between Hindus and Muslims.

Religious extremism : Extremist interpretations of religious texts or ideologies can promote violence and intolerance. Political factors : Political opportunism or conflict can exploit religious divisions for political gain. Economic inequality : Economic disparities can fuel resentment and conflict, which may be expressed along religious lines. Historical grievances : Past conflicts or injustices can create long-standing tensions and animosity between religious groups. Social and cultural factors : Prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance can contribute to religious violence. Lack of religious tolerance : When religious diversity is not respected or when dominant religions are intolerant of others, it can lead to conflict.