Search for Common Ground, an international, non-profit organization that promotes peacful transformation of conflict has engaged stakeholders in developing a case management protocol with the of aim finding a solution to tensions concerning religious freedom and belief across the Country.
Acting Country Director, Search for Common Ground, Fatima Madaki, said the move is part of effort to bridge differences and foster a culture of respect and religious tolerance.
Madaki who spoke during a two- day workshop on Monday, in Abuja, for Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion and Belief in Nigeria, PP-FORB, said, this is a novel protocol, that will support the early warning, early response mechanism in Nigeria.
According to her, Search did a study and discovered that there was no case management protocol in targeting violations of freedom religion of belief Nigeria.
Therefore, the tool that is crafted
by Search is going to serve as a guide for responding violations to freedom of religion. She added, “the project is on-going in six geological zone of Nigeria”.
Furthermore, the group will examine innovative approaches in case management, which involves creative solutions noting that “The protocols is not just going to identify violations to individuals but also identify issues and concerns that communities need to be aware of.
She said “we will explore best practices, innovative approaches, and the latest advancements in case management. Our role is bringing actors to the room to dialogue, identify and address solutions to conflict from a non- adversarial approach that are more collaborative and sustainable”.
“After the two day workshop the protocol would be developed then validated by participants to ensure that it is in line with best practices. Then there will be a validation workshop to ensure that the legal component is in line with best practices”, Madaki said.
Also speaking, Founder of Islamic Research and Da’awah Foundation, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru, said that people should create a sense of tolerance towards other religious beliefs
“It is there in our law the declaration of international human right articles 18, stipulates that every person has the right to live and practice any religion of his choice and has the right to change his religion.”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Human Rights Commission, who was represented by Deputy Director, Legal and Civil Rights Political Department, said, “the case management protocol for handling religious conflicts, when developed will have a positive impact on the rights of populace and furher avert unjust prosecution and discrimination in Nigeria”
On his part, Reverend Father, Anslem Ologunna said, “the best way to stop violations in Nigeria, is to first of all look at what has gone wrong, reorientate people on how not to take religion to the extreme. We are first of all humans created by God and we are here to educate ourselves to go back and teach our people”
The event received widespread acclamation from attendees representing diverse backgrounds, who acknowledged that this gathering was a crucial step toward curbing discrimination and fostering unity among different religious communities.
