A new guide to foster interfaith cooperation
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is proud to launch its latest publication, “Belief, Dialogue and Security: Fostering Dialogue and Common Action Across Religious and Cultural Borders.” belief “. This guide aims to provide practical advice and resources to States and non-State actors to promote dialogue and cooperation between diverse religious and belief communities, thereby strengthening social trust and security in the OSCE region.
On its website, it says that “The ODIHR has developed this guide in response to calls from participating States to provide them with practical advice and tools to help them create an environment conducive to fruitful dialogue and joint action in – beyond religious and belief boundaries. The guide does not offer a “one size fits all” model, but rather offers guidance on the issues and factors states should consider when approaching the topic. It explains how to select initiatives and support them in practice. It includes examples of good practice and interviews with actors engaged in dialogue and joint action initiatives in a wide range of contexts. »
The need for dialogue
In a world marked by growing religious and belief pluralism, the need for constructive dialogue has never been more pressing. The foreword by ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci highlights that while diversity enriches societies, it can also lead to fragmentation if not managed properly. The guide highlights the importance of fostering high levels of tolerance and social trust, which are essential for peaceful coexistence.
The publication is structured into several chapters, each addressing essential aspects of promoting dialogue:
Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion or Belief (FoRB): The guide addresses the fundamental human right of FoRB, its limitations and the reasons for these limitations, providing a comprehensive legal framework. Dialogue and joint action: It emphasizes the role of states in facilitating, rather than leading, dialogue initiatives. Trust and voluntary participation are highlighted as essential elements of successful interfaith dialogue. The role of the state: The guide describes how states can support dialogue initiatives while ensuring respect for human rights, impartiality and transparency. Projects and Funding Calls: Practical guidance is provided on designing funding calls and evaluating applications to effectively support dialogue initiatives. Checklist for States: A practical checklist is included to guide States in their efforts to promote dialogue and joint action.
Methodology and contributions
The guide is the result of extensive consultations with experts from various fields, including representatives of civil society, academics and government officials. Notable contributions came from members of the ODIHR Expert Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, who provided valuable insights and recommendations.
“Belief, Dialogue and Security” is a vital resource for policy makers, religious leaders and civil society actors committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation. By promoting respect for FoRB and other human rights, the guide aims to contribute to the creation of peaceful and pluralistic societies around the world. OSCE region. As the world grapples with the challenges of diversity, this publication provides a beacon of hope for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
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