Fostering Dialogue and Action: The first International Parliamentarians Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Africa
The Nairobi Declaration was delivered to the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB. Left to Right: Abid Raja (MP Norway/IPPFoRB CHairperson), Dr. Stefanie Rothenberger (Director, KAS Rule of Law Program Sub-Saharan Africa), Fernanda San Martin Carrasco (IPPFoRB Director), Nazila Ghanea (UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB), Hon. Hermann Gröhe (KAS Deputy Chairman) and Hon. Nqabayomzi Kwankwa (MP South Africa/IPPFoRB SG member).
The ‘Nairobi Declaration of Freedom of Religion or Belief’ was adopted at an international parliamentarians conference in Nairobi.
On 2-4 May, the ‘Leave No One Behind: The Role of Freedom of Religion or Belief in Advancing Human Rights Flourishing and Just Societies’ Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference, hosted by the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and the Freedom of Religion or Belief Leadership Network (FoRB LN), brought together 55 MPs and former MPs from 35 countries to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations surrounding the nexus between Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally. The Conference also saw the attendance of experts and relevant stakeholders.
Left to Right: Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei (Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya), Abid Rafa (IPPFoRB Chairperson) and Fernanda San Martin Carrasco (IPPFoRB Director)
Honorable Gladys Boss Shollei, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, attended the Conference as the Guest of Honour and delivered the welcome address. She underscored the importance of choosing Nairobi as the premier African city to host our human rights conference, preceding its previous editions in Singapore, New York, and Berlin.
The conference was aired on KBC, the national broadcasting channel of Kenya. During the press briefing, Abid Raja, Chairperson of IPPFoRB, issued a resounding call to action, urging parliamentarians to proactively address the pressing need for a paradigm shift in global approaches to safeguarding this fundamental human right: “85% of the world population lives in countries with high restrictions to freedom of religion or belief.”
Another conference highlight was the distinguished privilege granted to IPPFoRB in organizing a consultative breakfast exclusively for parliamentarians with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on FoRB, Nazila Ghanea. The session delved into a broad spectrum of relevant topics, underscoring the vital role of parliamentarians in upholding public participation and safeguarding FoRB worldwide.
IPPFoRB New Director
Amidst the energetic atmosphere of the International Parliamentarians Conference in Nairobi, the announcement of Fernanda San Martin Carrasco as the new director of IPPFoRB resonated with excitement. Fernanda's journey within IPPFoRB began as a distinguished Steering Group (SG) member, where her valuable contributions showcased her deep commitment to human rights and FoRB. Her subsequent role as Coordinator in Latin America further solidified her expertise and dedication to advancing the IPPFoRB's mission. Her appointment as director is met with great enthusiasm, setting the stage for a dynamic and impactful tenure that promises to shape the future of FoRB.
Fernanda San Martin Carrasco, IPPFoRB Director, welcomes the participants of the International Parliamentarians Conference, in Nairobi.
Reinforcing the importance of having human rights framework guiding parliamentarians' work, Fernanda San Martin, IPPFoRB Director, stated that: “In our work with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, we are committed to three core values: diversity, equality, and non-discrimination.”
parliamentarianS' future commitment
During the conference, parliamentarians and former parliamentarians signed the Nairobi Declaration. This pivotal act symbolized the profound significance of the document and illuminated the proceedings with its unwavering commitment. The collective endorsement of the Nairobi Declaration by parliamentarians and former parliamentarians is an extraordinary milestone in promoting and protecting FoRB for everyone, everywhere. As an invaluable framework, the Nairobi Declaration will guide future advocacy efforts and collaborative initiatives that IPPFoRB and its esteemed partners undertake.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the parliamentarians and former parliamentarians who wholeheartedly embraced the Nairobi Declaration, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to upholding and safeguarding this fundamental human right. The reception of the document by the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB further underscores its vital importance in advancing this critical cause.
We extend a special invitation to parliamentarians and former parliamentarians who could not attend the event in Kenya to endorse the Nairobi Declaration. Your endorsement holds immense value and will further strengthen the collective commitment to promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief. By adding your support to the Nairobi Declaration, you contribute to the vital cause of advancing human rights globally.
Left to Right: Hon. Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, Hon.Asiya Nasir and Abid Raja.
“We, from the African perspective, will do our part to make sure that FoRB does not die in Africa. That we continue to promote and encourage people to respect the right to freedom of religion or belief in our context and do our bit toward contributing to building a better world.” Hon. Nqabayomzi Kwankwa MP from South Africa and IPPFoRB SG member said while delivering his closing remarks.
“I, therefore, challenge you all to utilize the valuable experiences gained here, the exchange of knowledge and network established in this conference, not to only advance the discourse on the right to freedom of religion or belief but to extend the effort to all other fundamental human rights and liberties that guarantee human dignity and all-inclusive development agenda for the benefit of an every human being.” said Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi Jeffah, Speaker of the Kenyan Senate, while closing the conference.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Sara Machado, Communication and Advocacy Advisor, International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB), Norwegian Helsinki Committee (NHC) +47 453 80822 / sm@nhc.no