Follow-up Oxford Academy 2022: The Learning Path Workshops
IPPFoRB Secretariat and Dr. Mine Yildirim engaging with ASEAN parliamentarians during the workshop "Freedom of Religion or Belief and Gender Equality."
THE LEARNING PATH SERIES - Building Competence and Sharing Experiences for Freedom of Religion or Belief
In September 2022, the IPPFoRB Academy took place in the historic city of Oxford, where a select group of parliamentarians from Indonesia, Malaysia, Ghana, and Malawi gathered for an intensive three-day training program. During this engaging event, participants had the opportunity to delve into critical discussions surrounding the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and its correlation with other fundamental rights, including the right to education and women's rights. These deliberations identified practical tools and strategies MPs could adopt in their respective countries. Action plans were also drafted, reflecting their commitment to advancing freedom of religion or belief.
Building on this experience, IPPFoRB convened a digital workshop with the participation of a broader group of parliamentarians from Southeast Asia and Africa. The workshop series “The Learning Path” aims to accomplish multiple objectives, including introducing new Members of Parliament (MPs) to the competence-building activities organized by IPPFoRB. Additionally, participants will be able to share their experiences and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies devised during their time in Oxford.
The initial workshops provided a platform for in-depth exploration of the challenges faced by MPs in advancing freedom of religion or belief. Parliamentarians gained valuable insights and lessons by engaging in insightful discussions and drawing upon examples from other MPs. The workshops culminated as participants collaboratively developed a comprehensive plan, mapping out future steps to ensure religious freedom's sustained advancement and protection. Building on the success of these workshops, IPPFoRB is actively planning an upcoming event that will invite MPs from Ghana to join the impactful dialogue. This upcoming workshop aims to expand the initiative’s reach, fostering collaboration among parliamentarians and furthering the cause of promoting and protecting FoRB for everyone, everywhere.
SOUTHEAST ASIA REGION: Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines
On the 22nd of March, in collaboration with our esteemed ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) partners, we organized the first Learning Path workshop focusing on freedom of religion or belief through the gender lens. Parliamentarians from Southeast Asia came together to delve into this critical intersection, aiming to improve human rights and FoRB competence. Dr. Mine Yildrim, from the Freedom of Religion or Belief Initiative (FOBI), expertly facilitated the workshop with Mr. Trevor Penton from the Flourish Academy. During the seminar, MPs strategized action plans, exchanging ideas and expanding their network for collective progress in promoting freedom of religion or belief in the region.
AFRICA REGION: Malawi
In April 2023, IPPFoRB, in collaboration with the African Parliamentarians Association for Human Rights (AfriPAHR) and the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), organized two exclusive workshops for parliamentarians from Malawi. The first workshop, held on the 17th of April and facilitated by Dr. Mine Yildirim, focused on the vital connection between freedom of religion or belief and the right to education.
The participating MPs were warmly welcomed by Honourable Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, Member of Parliament from South Africa, Vice Chair of IPPFoRB, and Chair of AfriPAHR. Honourable Kwankwa's presence and gracious welcome set a positive tone for the workshop, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared commitment to advancing FoRB for everyone, everywhere. His leadership within IPPFoRB and AfriPAHR exemplified the spirit of cooperation and dedication to human rights, inspiring the participating MPs to actively engage and contribute to the meaningful discussions and outcomes of the workshop.
Continuing the momentum from the first workshop, the second day of the workshop series unfolded on the 19th of April, 2023. Under the expert guidance of Mr. Trevor Penton from the Flourish Academy, participants embarked on a transformative journey to develop a comprehensive plan for future steps. Armed with practical tools and various resources, parliamentarians gained the empowerment necessary to champion and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief within their respective constituencies. This invaluable session gave the MPs the strategic framework and actionable insights needed to navigate the path ahead and advocate for FoRB.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the participating parliamentarians for their active engagement and unwavering commitment to advancing this fundamental right. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and open-minded society.