Today was International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief, so designated by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution (full text) adopted in 2019. A U.N. web page sets out the background and importance of the day. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a statement (full text) saying in part:
May this day offer assurance to those suffering for their beliefs that the United States and likeminded partners have not forgotten or forsaken you. We see you, we hear you, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to ensure your freedom, protection, and peaceful exercise of your beliefs.
The Council of the European Union issued a press release marking the occasion, saying in part:
In these times of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises across the globe, individuals, including those belonging to minority groups, continue to be discriminated against, persecuted targeted, killed, detained, expelled or forcefully displaced because of their religion or for holding humanists and /or atheist beliefs. Today is an opportunity to highlight their situation.
