Centre for Civic Education (CCE), on the occasion of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, reminds that protecting freedom of religion or belief is not only a matter of individual rights, but one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. Remembering victims is not merely a symbolic act; it is an obligation to recognize and prevent the patterns of intolerance, discrimination and violence that continue to threaten human rights today.
Although freedom of thought, conscience and religion is guaranteed by international standards and the legislation of Montenegro, its effective protection depends on the consistent implementation of these guarantees in practice. In a society increasingly marked by polarization, hate speech and attempts to instrumentalize identity-related issues, preserving mutual respect and dialogue becomes a matter of democratic resilience.
CCE warns that intolerance towards members of different religious communities and people of different beliefs is increasingly spreading through the digital sphere, where hate speech, stereotypes and disinformation can rapidly reach large audiences and further deepen social divisions. This is why it is essential to systematically strengthen media and digital literacy, critical thinking and a culture of human rights, alongside a consistent institutional response to every form of discrimination and incitement to hatred.
As a civic and multi-faith state, Montenegro bears a special responsibility to foster a society in which diversity is not a source of division but a value to be protected. This requires the consistent implementation of the law, responsible action by public institutions, as well as the active contribution of the education system, the media, religious communities and civil society organizations to promoting a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.
The protection of freedom of religion or belief does not end with the adoption of laws. It is reaffirmed every day through the willingness of institutions to protect every individual from discrimination and violence, and through society’s determination to reject hate speech and any misuse of religious or ideological differences for political or other interests.
CCE therefore calls on all social actors to strengthen policies that promote dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for human rights, because only a society that protects diversity can be truly free, democratic and resilient to extremism.
The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed on 22 August and was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.
Alma Hećo, Programme Assistant