On this day, the EU pays tribute to all those who suffer, or have suffered from, intolerance, discrimination, hostility, hatred, persecution or violence because of their actual or perceived religion or belief, or lack thereof. Over the past year, the world has continued to witness how millions of people from different religious affiliations, communities or minorities fall victim to violence brought by conflict, terrorism, repression, mob intimidation and hate speech. Intolerance, extremism, authoritarianism and conflict-driven hatred continue to jeopardise the rights and freedoms of all too many people, putting at risk their families, communities, religious sites and places of worship. The EU firmly upholds the right of all individuals to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, and to manifest or change their religion or belief without risk of discrimination, persecution or violence. All individuals have the right to practice their religion or belief alone or in community with others, in private or in public.Religious heritage sites and places of worship must be protected at all times, and especially when groups of people gathering in such places face threats. We call upon all states to take action to combat intolerance, discrimination, hatred and violence based on religion or belief. The international community must promote a culture of religious tolerance, respect for diversity and mutual understanding, and foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue as essential tools for peaceful coexistence. The EU continues working towards this goal, for instance through the award last year of EU funding to two multi-country projects that will run until 2027 in Asia and Africa, with the aim of promoting freedom of religion or belief and protecting people from discrimination, intolerance and violence based on religion or belief. The EU stands ready to help build a world where people of all religions and beliefs, no matter where they are, can fully enjoy their human rights and live side by side without fear, in freedom and in peace.
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