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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Search for Common Ground has said freedom of religion and belief should be a uniting factor against the divisive tendencies playing out in the country.
Its Country Director, Fatima Abubakar Madaki, who spoke recently, at the National Conference on Freedom of Religion or Beliefs convened by the ‘Protecting and Promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief in Nigeria Project,’ and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom, said dialogue and tolerance should be the watchword in the face crisis.
According to her, the rights of all Nigerians to freely practice their religion or belief hinged on their fundamental human rights that should not be violated.
Madaki said the organisation would continue to promote peace and collaboration
“We are building a future where collaboration in the face of conflict is the norm- where our difference stimulates social progress rather than precipitates violence.
“At Search for Common Ground, we are a dedicated peace-building organisation and are not affiliated to any particular religion or belief.
“To this end, our FoRB stand promotes the rights of all Nigerians to freely practice their religion or belief hinged on their fundamental human rights.
“We have been doing the talking all this while, this is time to walk the talk as we hit the road today with our toll-free lines, meant to track violations and abuses based on religion and belief in all the geo-political zones of Nigeria.
“The project titled ‘Protecting and Promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief’ aims at establishing effective Early Warning/Early Response (EWER) and referral mechanisms for addressing FoRB violations and violence along religious lines in Nigeria, strengthen support mechanisms for individuals at risk of FoRB violations, and enhance public understanding of interfaith conflict and the importance of FoRB.
“Consequently, The PP-FORB Nigeria project is designed to empower actors (human rights defenders, journalists, CSOs, and critical stakeholders) to address and prevent conflicts along religious lines and advance Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria.
“This is anticipated to be accomplished through fortifying support systems for those at risk of FoRB violations, expanding public awareness of interfaith conflict and the significance of FoRB, and establishing an efficient Early Warning/Early Response (EWER) and referral mechanisms for addressing FoRB violations and violence along religious lines in Nigeria.”
Also, the Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Joseph Ochogwu said: “This diversity is a source of strength and richness, but also a potential cause of conflict and violence, as we have witnessed in recent years.
“The escalation of religious intolerance, hatred, and discrimination has resulted in the violation of human rights, the disruption of social cohesion, and the threat to peace and security.
“In a nation as diverse and culturally rich as ours, the principles of tolerance, understanding, and respect for varying beliefs are not just ideals but fundamental pillars upon which our society stands.
“We recognise that religious freedom is not just a matter of law but a reflection of our collective humanity.
“It is the recognition that each person, regardless of their faith or belief system, is entitled to dignity, respect, and the freedom to worship or not to worship according to their conscience.
“It is about creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and dialogue flourishes, fostering understanding and cooperation among all faith communities.”
