EU expresses solidarity with victims of persecution

As the world celebrated the 2022 International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, yesterday, the European Union (EU) pledged solidarity with victims of persecution globally.

The declaration was made on behalf of the organisation by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles.

He stressed the importance of ensuring protection of religious heritage sites and places of worship, especially when groups of people gathered in these places face threats.

EU condemned all acts of unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, often committed during or in the aftermath of armed conflicts across the world or due to terrorist attacks.

Fontelles said religion cannot be used to justify human rights violations and abuses or to fuel violence.

The union reiterated that criticism or beliefs, ideas, religious leaders or practices should not be prohibited or criminally sanctioned, reaffirming that freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing rights.