August 22, 2026 — Day of Remembrance for Victims of Violence Based on Religion and Belief
On August 22, the world observes the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. On this day, people remember those who have been victims of persecution, attacks, and killings because of their faith or worldview, and they also discuss everyone’s right to freely practice a religion or choose not to practice one at all. The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2019 to draw attention to religious intolerance and the protection of victims of such violence.
The International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was officially added to the UN calendar in 2019. On May 28, 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/73/296, designating August 22 as the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Such Violence. The resolution was adopted without a vote. Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, and the United States submitted the initiative to the General Assembly.
The reason for establishing the day was concern over numerous attacks on individuals and religious communities. The UN emphasized that violence based on religion or belief continues to occur in various parts of the world, and in some cases, such crimes are international in nature. At the same time, the UN specifically emphasizes that terrorism and violent extremism cannot be linked to any particular religion, nationality, or civilization. Responsibility for crimes lies with those who commit them, not with all members of a particular faith.
Why August 22?
August 22 holds a special place in the UN’s calendar of international commemorative dates. It follows immediately after August 21—the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Thus, two consecutive days are dedicated to the memory of people who have suffered from various forms of violence. The UN emphasizes that victims of religious violence are not limited to individuals. Attacks are also directed at their homes, businesses, schools, cultural centers, and places of worship. The resolution specifically condemns attacks on religious buildings, holy sites, and other places important to communities.
Therefore, this day is not only about people who have been killed or physically injured. It also serves as a reminder of those who have been forced to flee their homes, lost their property, or become victims of threats and persecution because of their faith or beliefs.
Why This Day Is Needed
The main purpose of this day is not simply to commemorate the deceased. The UN uses such international days to draw attention to issues, discuss human rights, and encourage governments and society to take concrete action. In the case of August 22, the focus is primarily on the human right to freely choose one’s religion or belief. This right is enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Freedom of religion and belief is also linked to freedom of thought, speech, peaceful assembly, and association.
The UN calls on states to protect religious minorities and prevent discrimination. Legislation against hate crimes, human rights education, and dialogue among different religious and cultural communities are considered important tools. Special emphasis is placed on the need to assist the victims themselves and their families. The UN resolution explicitly states the importance of providing adequate support to victims of violence based on religion or belief, in accordance with the law.
What events are commemorated on this day
The issue of religiously motivated violence affects many countries and various religious communities. The UN cited examples of attacks on synagogues, mosques, and churches, as well as the persecution of entire communities. Among the well-known tragedies mentioned were attacks on places of worship in New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
In 2019, when the day was observed for the first time, then-UN Secretary-General António Guterres drew attention to the fact that people in different countries were being targeted solely because of their beliefs. He emphasized that attacks on religious communities are not only crimes against specific individuals but also a blow to the principles of peaceful coexistence. Today, the problem is not limited to physical violence. In the UN Secretary-General’s message for the Day in 2026, it is noted that religious hostility is also spreading online. People can become victims of harassment, hate speech, and persecution on social media.
As noted on August 22
This is not a holiday in the traditional sense. It is observed primarily as a day of remembrance, to raise awareness, and to discuss human rights. Different countries and organizations may hold commemorative events, discussions, conferences, interfaith meetings, and educational events. Representatives of various communities can come together to remember the victims of violence and discuss how to prevent new cases of persecution.
Interfaith dialogue is of particular importance. The UN believes that open and respectful dialogue among people of different religions and cultures can help counter religious hatred, discrimination, and violence. On this day, you can also simply honor the memory of those who have died, share the stories of victims of persecution, support people who have suffered from discrimination, or participate in educational events.
Interesting Facts About August 22
- The UN established this International Day in 2019. It was established by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/73/296.
- August 22 is not the only UN day related to this topic. The day before, on August 21, the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed.
- This day is not limited to religious minorities. It concerns any people who have been victims of violence because of their religion or beliefs.
- It is not only the people themselves who must be protected. The UN also condemns attacks on homes, schools, cultural centers, businesses, and places of worship.
- The UN emphasizes that the fight against religious intolerance is linked to the broader protection of freedom of thought, conscience, expression, and peaceful assembly.
- In 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on governments to hold perpetrators accountable, combat discrimination and hate speech, and urged religious leaders to speak out against violence.
What This Day Means for Ukraine
For Ukraine, the issue of freedom of religion and the protection of religious communities is of particular importance amid a full-scale war. However, the International Day on August 22 is not dedicated to any single country or specific religion. Its central message is universal: no one should be targeted for violence because of what they believe or the convictions they hold.
That is why August 22 is, first and foremost, a day to remember the victims and a reminder of the responsibility of the state and society. As the UN emphasizes, when one group of people is persecuted, everyone eventually finds themselves under threat. In his 2026 address, Guterres called for building societies where people of different faiths can live and worship without fear.
