The Peace and Development Unit of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, in partnership with the UN Information Centre (UNIC), UN Women, and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), marked the ‘International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief’ on August 22, 2024, at the UN House in Abuja.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of religious tolerance, bolster support for victims of religious-based violence—especially women and children—and contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to build a more inclusive, safe, and peaceful society.
In a message delivered by Senior Human Rights Advisor Ms. Adwoa Kufour-Owusu, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a renewed commitment to religious freedom. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their religion or beliefs, can live free from fear, stigma, and persecution,” he urged.
A panel discussion during the event emphasized the need to strengthen protection mechanisms for marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. It also highlighted the importance of empowering women and ensuring their inclusion in governance structures within both formal and informal religious bodies to enhance their participation in decision-making processes and advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
Participants, including religious leaders, interfaith advocates, women mediators, youth peace ambassadors, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups, shared strategies for preventing and addressing religious violence. They also explored ways to promote peaceful coexistence in Nigeria in line with the principles of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB).
