During the day set aside to honour the victims who have lost their lives or suffered for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief, Secretary-General António Guterres  issued a statement standing in “firm solidarity”.

“Hate speech, online or offline, continues to fuel violence against vulnerable members of society, including ethnic and religious minorities,” he warned.

‘We must do more’

Despite the General Assembly’s resolution in 2019 to officially observe the day, “persons and communities worldwide continue to face intolerance and violence based on religion or belief,” the top UN official said.

“We must do more to support victims and examine the conditions that drive intolerance and hate”, he added.

“Initiatives like my Call to Action for Human Rights and the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech are tools that can be used to address these complex and pressing issues”.

Onus on States

States have the responsibility to prevent and address discrimination and violence inflicted in the name of religion or belief, reminded Mr. Guterres.

He outlined that this must be done through “comprehensive policies” that promote inclusion, diversity, tolerance and interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Moreover, the UN chief cautioned that human rights violations perpetrated in the name of religion or belief must be investigated and punished, and “effective reparations need to be provided to victims, in compliance with international human rights law”.

“It is essential that all States, faith leaders and other influential actors condemn all incitement to hatred and violence based on religion or belief,” spelled out the Secretary-General.

“Only a collective, inclusive, and society-wide effort can result in safe co-existence for all and end this blight on our societies”.

Freedom of religion 

Freedom of religion or belief, opinion and expression as well as the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, are enshrined in three articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Upholding these interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing rights plays an important role in fighting against all forms of belief-based intolerance and discrimination, according to the United Nations.

Furthermore, open, constructive and respectful debates along with interfaith and intercultural dialogue at local, national, regional and international levels can play a positive role in combating religious hatred, incitement and violence.

Together, these freedoms and respects can play help strengthen democracy and combat religious intolerance.