Brussels - New York: Europe and the Arabs
On the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the European Union paid tribute to all victims of discrimination, intolerance, persecution, hatred, dehumanization or violence based on their religion or belief. This came in a statement issued on this occasion and distributed in Brussels, which also stated: "Extremism, tyranny, terrorism and hatred resulting from conflicts have not yet been eradicated. Many people around the world, especially religious minorities, face attacks on their communities and see their human rights violated because of their actual or perceived faith.
We strongly believe in and support the principle that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief; and to manifest or change his religion or belief, without risk of discrimination, persecution or violence.
The European Union condemns the criminalization of apostasy, and the misuse of blasphemy laws when they violate the right to freedom of religion or belief. These laws constitute a serious incentive for religious hatred and incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
We recall that all States are obliged to ensure the protection of human rights, and to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief.
The international community must unite in the fight against discrimination, hatred and violence on the basis of religion or belief. We must promote a culture of Religious tolerance, respect for diversity and mutual understanding.

Everyone, regardless of religion or belief, has the right to full respect for their human rights. The European Union will continue to protect this principle and promote its implementation everywhere.

The United Nations also marked the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, focusing on their role as “messengers of peace and beacons of awareness”. The UN Secretary-General said that this day “urges us to listen and learn” and stressed the need to raise the voices of all victims and survivors.

In his message on the International Day, Secretary-General António Guterres said that “families and communities torn apart by acts of terrorism are forever changed, and the wounds they leave behind, whether visible or invisible, never fully heal.” According to the UN Daily News Bulletin, a copy of which we received this morning,
He added that through pain and tragedy, we have witnessed remarkable examples of resilience and the unwavering strength of our common humanity. He paid tribute to all victims and survivors, including those who chose to share their stories of perseverance and forgiveness.

He stressed the importance of working together to help educate present and future generations and build more peaceful and resilient societies for all.

Extraordinary courage and resilience
The UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Ben Saul, said the International Day was an opportunity to renew international efforts to protect victims of terrorism around the world.
He said that terrorism continued to cause massive loss of life, injury and hostage-taking around the world. He said that victims often suffered physical pain and lifelong disabilities in addition to psychological scars.
He paid tribute to the many victims who had shown “extraordinary courage and resilience as they learned how to live again,” often with the help of their families, friends and communities. He said that rebuilding their lives required comprehensive and sustained support from governments.
He said that many countries had not yet put in place adequate measures to assist victims. Urges all countries to assist and protect victims of terrorism in accordance with international law and based on good practices in the United Nations Model Legislative Provisions to support the needs and protect the rights of victims of terrorism.