Victims of Violence Based on Religion & other topics- Daily Briefing (21 August 2019)

Briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
- International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
- Burkina Faso
- Security Council
- WHO
- Rohingya
- First Global Refugee Forum
- OCHA
- Press conferences
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
Today, and for the first time, we observe the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
In his message, the Secretary-General recalls the increasing number of attacks that occurred in the past months against individuals and groups targeted because of their religion or belief.
He highlighted that many assaults, like those in New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the United States, have specifically targeted places of worship. The Secretary-General also points out that in many conflicts around the world, from Syria to the Central African Republic, entire communities have been attacked on the grounds of their faith.
He appeals to resistance and rejection of those who falsely and maliciously invoke religion to build misconceptions, fuel division and spread fear and hatred. 
The full message is online.

Burkina Faso
Also, yesterday afternoon a statement was issued to condemn an attack that took place on 19 August at the military camp of Koutougou, in Burkina Faso.
According to official reports, this was one of the deadliest attacks in the country since the beginning of the year.
The Secretary-General expressed his deep condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to the people and Government of Burkina Faso, and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured.
In the statement, the Secretary-General further condemned the ongoing indiscriminate attacks against civilian populations. He calls on the authorities to ensure perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice, and for all military actions to be conducted in accordance with international human rights and international humanitarian law.
The Secretary-General reiterates his solidarity with the Government and people of Burkina Faso.
Full Highlights: