Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, who was appointed in July as the Prime Minister's special envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, also praised those who stand up for the right to exercise faith freely.
He said: "I am committed and I shall continue to push for a world where people of all faiths and none can live their lives free of discrimination, free of fear, free of persecution."
In a video released by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office - where he serves as a minister of state - Lord Ahmad said it was right to remember those "who have suffered and continue to suffer" for their faith.
He added: "We salute those who stand courageously for these rights, who promote tolerance and respect between communities, different faiths and religions."
Today is International #ReligiousFreedom day. As PM @Theresa_May Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, I continue to push for a world where people of all faiths & none, can live their lives, free of discrimination, free of fear, & free of persecution pic.twitter.com/3W94iwU7Yw
— Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) October 27, 2018
It is estimated 75-per-cent of the world's population live in countries where freedom of faith is not guaranteed.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a charity which highlights incidents of religiously-motivated persecution around the world, encouraged Christians to pray about the issue.
Today is International Religious Freedom Day! The United States reaffirms its support for religious tolerance and freedom of religion for all people. Since 2017, the U.S. has provided nearly $300 million in support to ethnic and religious minorities in #Iraq. #ReligiousFreedom pic.twitter.com/TjQAbLSkKe
— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) October 27, 2018
Chief executive, Mervyn Thomas told Premier: "It's a huge issue in the world. So, it's very important that we have a day that remembers that, to raise awareness but, more importantly... make a difference to people.
"Prayer is the number one action that people can take. We always talk at CSW about prayer and protest together. The two of them can make a big difference."
Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Mervyn Thomas at Christian Solidarity Worldwide:
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