The European Union used the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief to reaffirm its opposition to persecution, discrimination and violence targeting people because of their faith or beliefs.
The EU stressed that freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief is a universal human right and called for stronger protection of individuals and communities facing religious intolerance.
Brussels also linked the protection of religious freedom to wider commitments on human dignity, equality and fundamental rights.