On 28 May 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/73/296, an initiative led by Poland and co-sponsored by countries including Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan and the United States, designating 22 August each year as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. It was first officially observed that same year. The day comes as the world continues to witness attacks on places of worship, religious sites and individuals because of their faith or belief, whether in armed conflict, terrorist acts or hate speech. It aims to condemn all forms of violence based on religion or belief, provide support to victims and their families, and affirm that freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right that must be protected for everyone without discrimination. The day is marked through memorial events and international dialogues bringing together representatives of different faiths and beliefs, awareness campaigns promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue, and legislative and educational initiatives aimed at countering religious hate speech.