Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association are all interrelated, interdependent and mutually supportive, and are at the core of Articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Therefore, preserving these rights has an important role in fighting all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.
Moreover, the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and full respect for the freedom to seek and receive information can play a positive role in promoting democracy and eliminating religious intolerance.
On the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, NIHR calls for greater efforts to support victims and examine the conditions that drive intolerance and hatred, at a time when hate speech, both online and offline, continues to fuel violence against Vulnerable members of society, including members of ethnic and religious minorities.