Article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights recognises the right of everyone to have freedom thought, conscience, and religion. This right includes the freedom of change his or belief religion, and to manifest his religion and belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance. All persons have the right to practise their faith individually or in community with others, in public or in private.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights lists freedom of religion or belief as a fundamental right. This right is interdependent and interrelated and mutually reinforcing with freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association. They all play key role in the fight against all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or beliefs.
Respect for freedom of opinion and religious is fundamental. Respectful discussion is always constructive. That’s why interreligious and intercultural dialogue, at local, regional, national and international levels, can play a positive role in the fight against the religious hatred, incitement and violence.
All citizens must have guarantees to be able of express their opinion, as long as it doesn’t affect the fundamental rights of others. Moreover, freedom of information is essential. The exercise of seeking, receiving and imparting information can play a positive role in the strengthening of democracy and combating religious intolerance.
Acts of violence and intolerance based on religion or belief continue to be the order of the day around the world and an increase on such criminal acts has been observed. The violence is even more evident in the case of certain religious communities and minorities.
Due to this situation, today, 22nd of August marks the ‘International Day in Commemoration of the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief’. A day that strongly condemns violence and terrorism acts directed against individuals, including people of religious minorities, on the basis of or in name of religion or belief.
This day condemns all acts of violence against people because of their religion or belief, as well as acts directed against their homes, businesses, property, schools, cultural centres or places of worship, as well as all attacks that violate international law against religious places.
Furthermore, this day is also a reminder to States of their primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including those of religious minorities and their right to exercise their religion or belief freely.