USCIRF Statement on UN’s Adoption of Resolution Establishing Day to Commemorate Victims of Violence Based on Religion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2019
 

USCIRF Statement on UN’s Adoption of Resolution Establishing Day to Commemorate Victims of Violence Based on Religion
 

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s adoption by consensus on Tuesday of a resolution designating August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) issued the following statement:

“We applaud the UN General Assembly for adopting this resolution, which acknowledges and honors victims of violence based on religion or belief around the world,” said USCIRF Chair Tenzin Dorjee. “But we must not stop at condemnation. Like-minded governments must also increasingly work together to hold perpetrators accountable, whether they are state or nonstate actors responsible for the abuses.”

The resolution was co-sponsored by Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Nigerian, Pakistan, Poland, and the United States. This will be the first year that the UN and member states will observe a day commemorating victims and survivors of religious persecution.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected] or Kellie Boyle at [email protected] or +1-703-898-6554.