Virtual event on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the members of religious or belief minorities
23.08.2021
Promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief is of great importance to Poland and constitutes one of our priorities on the international fora – said Ambassador Krzysztof Szczerski in his opening remarks.
The event, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Poland and Brazil to the United Nations in New York, was held on the occasion of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. The choice of the event was made based on the reports and observations pointing to the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the already vulnerable groups, including the religious minorities. Unfortunately, the pandemic only deepened the already dire trends of the ever-rising violence based on religion or belief and exacerbated human rights violations endured by members of religious or belief minorities.
The meaningful discussion gathered numerous participants and panelists representing governments, international organizations and civil society. The event offered an opportunity to talk about everyday work in the field of religious freedom and interfaith dialogue. Participants reflected on how the COVID-19 had affected those already experiencing violence based on their religion or belief and how to prevent such human rights violations in case of future global crises.
22 of August marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. It was introduced by a resolution 73/296 adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly on 28 of May 2019. The idea of a resolution establishing this international day was put forward by Poland.