The #FaithforRights Peer Learning Experience program gathered 25 participants at the Ius Gentium Center for Human Rights, at the University of Coimbra. This initiative, based on the toolkit created by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, aims to explore the intersection of faith and human rights, promoting the respect for individual freedom of choice, dialogue, and understanding among diverse communities.
Organized by the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty (AIDLR), with Secretary-General Paulo Macedo and the Portuguese Chapter—led by Secretary Ezequiel Duarte—the program provided a platform for participants to engage in in-depth discussions and workshops on various human rights issues. The event was moderated by distinguished UN officers Ambassador Ibrahim Salama and Michael Wiener, both of whom brought extensive experience in the field of human rights advocacy.
Throughout the week, participants attended workshops that emphasized the significance of fostering a culture of freedom, tolerance, and respect for differences, based on eighteen commitments issued on the Declaration of Beirut. One of the program highlights was a series of visits to places of worship across Portugal, designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the role that faith can play in promoting human rights. These visits facilitated direct engagement with leaders from different religious communities, allowing participants to witness firsthand the values of inclusivity and mutual respect.
The program's emphasis on dialogue was particularly timely in an era marked by increasing polarization and discrimination. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, the #FaithforRights initiative encouraged meaningful conversations about the ways in which faith can contribute to the advancement of human rights. Particularly of value was the presence of the AIDLR Chapters of France, Italy, and Spain, aiming at the expansion of the project to those countries.
The event culminated in the AIDLR's biannual dinner, where key contributions to human rights advocacy were celebrated. Ambassador Ibrahim Salama was awarded the AIDLR Award of Excellence in recognition of his lifelong dedication to promoting human rights at national and international levels. His work has significantly influenced policies and initiatives aimed at protecting and advancing the rights of marginalized communities.
Additionally, Reto Mayer received a recognition from AIDLR Portugal, acknowledging the vital role of the Association in fostering the development of the Chapter in the country. AIDLR Board's efforts have been instrumental in strengthening the organization's presence and impact in the country, enabling it to advocate more effectively for human rights.
AIDLR, founded to promote religious liberty, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between legal frameworks and the lived experiences of individuals. The organization strives to create a collaborative space for legal professionals, academics, and human rights advocates to exchange ideas and strategies, ensuring that the principles of justice and equality are upheld in all corners of the globe.
The #FaithforRights program in Portugal not only reinforced the importance of understanding and respecting diverse beliefs but also highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts in the pursuit of human rights. As participants left Coimbra and Lisbon, they carried with them new insights and commitments to championing the cause of human rights in their respective communities, embodying the spirit of the program's goals.
More About the AIDLR
AIDLR is a non-governmental and non-political organization, with UN status granted in 1978. It was founded in 1946 in Paris by the Franco-Swiss physician Jean Nussbaum to defend the religious freedom of all people throughout the world. Since 1985, it has had consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in New York and Geneva, and with the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Since 1966 it has been headquartered in Bern. Macedo has been secretary-general since the organization’s General Assembly appointed him on November 8, 2021.
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