The Non-Governmental Organisation, Search for Common Ground, has unveiled a toll-free line, “08000002233”, designed to track incidents of violations and religious-based abuses across the nation’s six geo-political zones.
Ms. Fatima Abubakar, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground, announced this groundbreaking initiative during a national conference on Freedom of Religion or Beliefs held in Abuja. The conference, convened by “Protecting and Promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FORB) in Nigeria,” and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, aims to address and mitigate violent conflicts in the religious space.
The project, titled “Protecting and Promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FORB),” focuses on establishing effective Early Warning/Early Response (EWER) and referral mechanisms to address violence. Additionally, it aims to strengthen support mechanisms for individuals at risk of FORB violations and enhance public understanding of interfaith conflict and the importance of FORB.
Ms. Abubakar emphasized that the initiative seeks to empower major stakeholders to prevent conflicts along religious lines and advance FORB in Nigeria. She highlighted the importance of fortifying support systems for those at risk of FORB violations and expanding public awareness of interfaith conflict.
The Common Ground Approach, the organization’s core methodology, facilitates trust-building among adversaries, fosters collaboration, and generates breakthroughs for peace. The FORB stand of Search for Common Ground promotes the rights of all Nigerians to freely practice their religion or belief based on their fundamental human rights.
The conference served as a platform for developing actionable strategies and recommendations to sustain advocacy efforts in the long run. Stakeholders stressed the need for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence for Nigeria’s progress.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, highlighted the timeliness of the conference amidst Nigeria’s challenges in respecting and protecting the right to FORB. He emphasized the importance of religious freedom as a reflection of collective humanity, urging Nigerians to celebrate diversity and foster understanding among religious groups.
Ambassador Wouter Plomp of the Netherlands in Nigeria emphasized the economic benefits of embracing diversity, urging steps towards a more inclusive society free from religious discrimination and violence.
Religious leaders and security agencies present at the event pledged their commitment to preaching peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance for a better Nigeria. The introduction of the toll-free line marks a significant stride towards combatting religious-based abuses and promoting freedom of religion or belief across Nigeria.
