With 22 August designated as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the increasing violence and religious persecution experienced by Christians in Africa has come into focus.
Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association are enshrined in articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In a message to mark the commemorative day, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, remembered all those who have been targeted because of their faith. He said that across the world, bloodshed based on religious affiliation runs rampant and such acts are an assault on human rights and human dignity.
“Across the world, bloodshed based on religious affiliation runs rampant. Festivals have been attacked. Places of worship desecrated. And many believers – especially among religious minorities — face hostility both online and off. Such acts are an assault on human rights and human dignity. They must end now.”
In May 2022, Guterres went on a tour through West Africa, where he met families who had been affected by the Islamist insurgency. He pushed for robust African peace initiatives and other counter-terrorism operations under the wing of the African Union. The Secretary General has continued that call for societies where freedom of religion is a reality.
Whenever one group is persecuted, no group is safe.
“I urge Governments to bring perpetrators to justice and work to counter all forms of discrimination and hate speech. I appeal to religious leaders to speak out against violence. And I call on digital technology companies to design and moderate their platforms in ways that protect users from stigma and scapegoating. Whenever one group is persecuted, no group is safe. Today, we honour the victims of violence and commit to building societies where all faiths can live and worship in peace.”
