August is a big month for peace. At least on the calendar.
The “world” (loosely defined, if defined at all) collectively recognizes August as “International Peace Month.” This observation originated in August 1926 at the Fifth International Democratic Peace Conference in France, following the devastation of World War I. It was enacted to reflect on peace efforts and actively work to prevent future conflicts. Today, communities worldwide use this period to champion equality, practice peacemaking and foster global understanding.
Within August, two days receive special prominence. The “International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism” is observed annually on August 21. This day of remembrance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 (UN Resolution 72/165), to honor survivors, promote human rights, and raise global awareness about the enduring physical, psychological, and social impacts of terrorism.
The official language of the resolution commits to long-term multidimensional support for victims who struggle to have their voices heard once the immediate aftermath of an attack fades. Key aspects of the day include honoring survivors, advocating for rights, and advancing global solidarity.
The second day of special prominence is the “International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief,” which is observed annually on Aug. 22. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019 (UN resolution A/RES/73/296), the day strongly condemns acts of violence, intolerance, and terrorism targeting religious individuals and minorities, while emphasizing the importance of providing support to victims and their families.
The resolution language underscores that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or ethnic group. The day serves as a call to action for Member States and international organizations to promote religious tolerance, protect human rights, and hold perpetrators of religious-based crimes accountable. It also aligns with broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly regarding Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
I spent a considerable amount of time looking online for either United Nations- or United States-sanctioned events around these days on the 2026 calendar, and found none. Rather, Google returned a response that “the United States does not typically host large-scale official national ceremonies for these observances, but instead recognizes them through official statements from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Missions to the UN. These diplomatic messages reaffirm American solidarity with victims, advocate for religious freedom, and support global counter-terrorism efforts.”
That led me to a simple question: What does solidarity actually accomplish if it never moves beyond words?
That question is difficult to ask from the comfort of a peaceful country. It is far easier to ask from a village in Northern Nigeria where Christians bury loved ones, oftentimes en masse, who were alive just days before.
There, the calendar looks very different.
There is no pause in the violence because the United Nations has designated a day of remembrance. Armed militants do not consult the international calendar before deciding whether to attack another farming community. Mothers do not grieve less because diplomats issued a statement expressing concern. Children who have watched their homes burn do not sleep more soundly because another resolution has reaffirmed the world’s commitment to religious freedom.
As someone who spends half the year working alongside persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria, I have seen firsthand the courage of survivors. I have also seen how quickly the world’s attention moves on. The headlines disappear. The cameras leave. The statements are archived. Yet the families remain, trying to rebuild homes, bury loved ones, comfort traumatized children, and simply survive until tomorrow.
None of this is meant to dismiss international observances. They exist for good reason. Memory matters. Honoring victims matters. Public recognition reminds us that evil should never become ordinary or acceptable.
But remembrance was never intended to be the destination. It was supposed to be the beginning.
If an International Day of Remembrance does not strengthen support for survivors, pressure governments to protect vulnerable communities, or hold perpetrators accountable, then it risks becoming an annual exercise in acknowledging suffering while accepting its continuation.
Likewise, commemorating victims of religious violence should compel more than carefully worded declarations. It should challenge governments, faith leaders, humanitarian organizations, and ordinary citizens to ask what they can do; not simply what they can say.
The persecuted Christians I know are not asking the world for sympathy. They are asking not to be forgotten once Aug. 23 arrives. They need security, justice, humanitarian assistance, and the freedom to worship without fearing that the next Sunday service could be their last.
That is the true measure of solidarity. Not whether we observe a date on the calendar, but whether our observance changes the lives of people whose suffering continues long after the day has passed.
Peace is not created because we dedicate a month to it. Terrorism is not defeated because we designate a day to remember its victims. Religious persecution does not end because another resolution passes overwhelmingly at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Peace is built when remembrance produces resolve, when sympathy becomes sacrifice, and when solidarity finally becomes action.
Brad Brandon is the founder and CEO of Across Nigeria. Since 2018, he has been actively serving in the foreign mission field. He serves predominantly in high-risk, highly persecuted areas like Northern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. Through Pastor Brad and theAcross Nigeria team, ground-breaking work is being done to bring the Gospel into areas with the most intense opposition. His passion is to reach people in these areas with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help persecuted Christians who live under the constant threat of violence because of their faith in Christ.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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