A/RES/73/296 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 3 June 2019 Seventy-third session Agenda item 74 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 28 May 2019 [without reference to a Main Committee (A/73/L.85 and A/73/L.85/Add.1)] 73/296. International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief The General Assembly, Reaffirming the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1 in particular the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Seriously concerned at continuing acts of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief against individuals, including against persons belonging to religious communities and religious minorities around the world, and at the increasing number and intensity of such incidents, which are often of a criminal nature and may have international characteristics, Recalling that States have the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the human rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, including their right to exercise their religion or belief freely, Recognizing that the open, constructive and respectful debate of ideas, as well as interreligious, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, at the local, national, regional and international levels, can play a positive role in combating religious hatred, incitement and violence, Reaffirming the positive role that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information can play in strengthening democracy and combating religious intolerance, and reaffirming further that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities, in accordance with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 2 __________________ 1 2 19-08711 (E) Resolution 217 A (III). See resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex. 060619 *1908711*