International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

On 22 August, the agendas of many countries and international organizations remind us of the victims of violence motivated by religion or belief. This day is observed as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (IDVAVRB), which was established in 2019 by the United Nations General Assembly. Although the idea of honoring the victims is extremely important, the topic of religious freedom still remains on the margins of public debate – it rarely makes the front pages of newspapers, does not capture media attention, and does not go viral on social media. Therefore, it is valuable to place this issue in the spotlight on at least one specific day of the year, shining a beam of light on this fundamental human right, which continues to be denied to millions of people around the world.

As Marta Petrosillo, editor-in-chief of the Religious Freedom in the World (RFR) report prepared by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), whose latest edition will be published on 21 October this year, emphasizes: “If religious freedom is denied to one group, sooner or later it will also be denied to others.” It should be remembered that religious freedom is not only a human right, but also our shared responsibility, which is why it is so important to take action against violations of religious freedom not only globally, but above all locally. A ray of hope lies in the growing awareness of the issue among civil society as well as some governments.

An exemplary practice is the appointment of special rapporteurs for religious freedom by certain governments and international organizations, as more and more people recognize that protecting this right requires concrete tools and mechanisms of support. A distinct challenge, however, remains the actual effectiveness of their activities. Strengthening education on religious freedom, promoting interfaith dialogue, and responding to cases of discrimination or violence motivated by religion are key steps that allow the building of societies that are more tolerant, just, and safe for all people.

Every voice raised in defense of religious freedom matters. When we engage locally, we can notice problems that escape the attention of larger institutions. By supporting initiatives within our community, we contribute to building an atmosphere of respect and dialogue. At the national level, there is space for action through the media, non-governmental organizations, or educational initiatives. These shape public debate and demonstrate that the right to practice one’s faith—or not to practice any faith—is a common good. On the international stage, we can exercise the right to inform, cooperate, and apply pressure on institutions that have a real impact on the protection of human rights. Collective actions, even small ones, create a chain of solidarity. Religious freedom is not just an abstract slogan. It becomes real when someone stands up for a person being discriminated against, when someone dares to say, “this is unjust.” In this way, the responsibility for protecting this freedom becomes a shared duty for all of us.

22 August is a good occasion to look inward, into our own conscience—the inner compass that guides us toward the right direction in our daily choices. Life does not unfold in a vacuum: at work, at school, or in social interactions, we constantly encounter other people—bearers of diverse national, ethnic, cultural, historical, and, ultimately, religious identities. It is in these encounters that the challenge arises: can we respect their beliefs and practices, even if we do not share their faith? Religious freedom is not an abstract principle enshrined only in constitutions and international treaties; it is a concrete reality of everyday life—the right of a student to wear a symbol of their faith, of an employee to refuse participation in practices contrary to their conscience, of a neighbor to peacefully celebrate holidays according to their own tradition. Too often we forget that respecting religious freedom does not mean renouncing our own identity, but rather living with integrity and sensitivity toward others. Without this sensitivity, the law remains an empty record, and society becomes a place of quiet competition rather than dialogue. Therefore, this day should be regarded as an invitation to reflection: does my inner compass guide me toward genuine respect for the freedom of others?

The Religious Freedom Laboratory was established to promote and protect this fundamental human right, which continues to face new challenges. The social, economic, and cultural environment around us is constantly changing, creating new fields for reflection and action. It is here that tensions emerge—between tradition and modernity, between the need for community and individual choice, between respect for diversity and attempts to limit it. Our mission is not only to analyze these phenomena but also to inspire actions that strengthen dialogue, mutual respect, and the real protection of religious freedom in everyday life.

The reports we have prepared, documenting cases of violations of the right to religious freedom, demonstrate that the proper respect for the right to freedom of conscience and belief is also an issue in Poland. The events recorded over a six-year period (2019–2024) indicate that in our country there have been physical attacks on believers—both clergy and laypeople. Cases of various forms of vandalism are also frequent, including the destruction and desecration of places of worship, religious symbols, and objects of religious devotion. Moreover, there have been restrictions on the public practice of faith, discrimination based on religious beliefs, and incitement to hatred on the grounds of religious differences.

Behind each of these categories of violations are real people, carrying their own beliefs and experiences, who either become victims of discrimination, hatred, or violence because of their faith, or are connected to a particular place of worship. On a day like today, 22 August, we do not want to forget them, nor do we want to repeat their histories or make the same mistakes.

Situational contexts in which religious freedom collides with other freedom-based rights continue to multiply, and new spaces are emerging—such as the digital sphere—where the risk of marginalizing religion also exists. Therefore, our active engagement is all the more necessary—not indifference, not silence. Every act of opposition to injustice, every word of support, every attempt to defend the right to freedom of conscience and belief can become a small but real step toward a society in which diversity is not feared but valued. Religious freedom will not defend itself—it is up to us to become its advocates.

Team of Religious Freedom Laboratory