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

“Without freedom of religion or belief it is not possible for people to live together peacefully. There is good reason why the right to freedom of religion or belief is firmly enshrined in international human rights conventions.

However, we are witnessing worldwide discrimination against religious minorities. All religions are affected. Attacks on believers and on religious sites, hate crimes and atrocities committed against people just because of their religion or belief must not be tolerated.

The primary responsibility for protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief lies with the state. However, I also see religious communities and society as having a responsibility to strengthen the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide.

As the Federal Government Commissioner my job involves advocating for the realisation of the right of all people to freedom of religion or belief. I condemn every act of violence that is motivated by reasons of religion or belief. We must make sure that anyone who calls on others to commit such crimes or commits such crimes themselves is brought to justice.”