The 2024 International Day Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was marked with a significant conference held at the Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, on August 22, 2024. The event, which sought to recognize the importance of providing victims of religious violence and their families with appropriate support, attracted participants from various sectors across Nigeria. Among the attendees were FoRB (Freedom of Religion or Belief) advocates, academics, representatives from UN agencies, INGOs, CSOs, Media, and religious and traditional leaders.
Delivering a keynote address delivered by Samuel Ameh on behalf of the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Peter Ryan. Ameh reflected on Ireland’s history of religious division and the transformative steps that led to its current state of peace and acceptance. He emphasized the need for political leaders in Nigeria to avoid using religion as a tool for division, urging them to focus on unity and shared humanity.
Ameh’s address resonated deeply with the audience, as he highlighted the responsibility of religious leaders to act in accordance with their faiths’ teachings, promoting peace rather than division. He also called on Nigerians to hold their politicians accountable, ensuring that religion is not exploited for political gain. “Listen to your religious leaders,” he urged, “and let peace reign in Nigeria. Nothing is too difficult to resolve when people agree to speak together.”
Earlier the Chairperson of the JISRA (Joint Initiatives for Strategic Religious Action) Country Steering Committee, Bolanle Oyebola, who also serves as the Acting Country Director for Tearfund NG, delivered the welcome address. Oyebola emphasized JISRA’s mission to empower religious actors to effect change within their communities, acknowledging the profound influence of religion on societal norms and behaviors.
She called for the day to be one of remembrance and reflection, urging attendees to reaffirm their commitment to building a society free from fear and victimization due to religious beliefs. “Let today be a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that no one suffers because of their faith,” Oyebola stated.
The conference featured two significant panel discussions. The first, titled “FoRB and Security,” was moderated by Mr. Istifanus Gimba, the Pioneer JISRA Country Coordinator in Nigeria. This panel brought together representatives from various faith institutions and belief systems, who discussed the current state of FoRB in Nigeria. The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities in promoting religious freedom and the need for stronger collaboration among religious groups.
The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of The Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam, represented by Rev Polycarp Gbaja, A religious Leader and Partner of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation emphasized the critical need for security and the right to life for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, highlighting that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect lives and property, which they have failed in. He called for urgent action to be taken so citizens don’t feel compelled to resort to self-defense by any means necessary.
The second panel, focused on “Policy and Advocacy,” was moderated by Tida Leo, CAFOD’s Project Lead. Discussions centered on policy frameworks for safeguarding FoRB rights and the role of religious actors in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Panelists underscored the importance of creating inclusive policies that respect religious diversity and protect individuals’ rights to freedom of belief.
A poignant moment in the conference was the unveiling of plaques in memory of victims of religious violence in Nigeria, particularly those in Kaduna and Plateau States. JISRA Country Coordinator, Jude Likita, led this segment, speaking on the significance of the tribute. He emphasized the impactful work JISRA has accomplished over the years and pledged the organization’s ongoing commitment to building bridges among communities and fostering an environment where everyone can live freely, despite religious diversity.
“Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the recent tragedies in Kaduna and Plateau States,” Likita said. “These plaques are more than mere markers; they represent a collective stand against the forces of division and violence that seek to undermine our shared humanity. Let us honor the victims by building a future where peace prevails, and where every individual’s right to live in dignity and safety is upheld.”
The conference concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding FoRB advocates who have played exemplary roles as champions of change within their communities. Some individuals were also recognized posthumously for their contributions to peace and inter-religious tolerance.
The Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) is a collaborative program aimed at promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue across various regions, including Indonesia, Iraq, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda. The initiative involves multiple stakeholders, including religious organizations and NGOs, and focuses on addressing issues related to Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB).
Currently, JISRA is implemented in two Nigerian states—Kaduna and Plateau—across ten Local Government Areas and 25 communities. Through its work, JISRA continues to build a foundation for peace and tolerance in regions that have been deeply affected by religious violence.
