For many people living in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, their right to FoRB (Freedom of Religion and Belief) is restricted and/or denied. FoRB restrictions include but are not limited to laws and policies restricting religious freedom; government favouritism of religious groups; government limits on religious activities and government harassment of religious groups; restrictions on religions; harassment by individuals and social groups; religious violence by organized groups; and inter-religious tension and violence. 

Over the period of three years, this project will positively influence perceptions of FoRB across the MENA region via the creation of a Regional FoRB Hub, Mapping Report, Charters by religious leaders/activists, and advocacy campaigns. This will lead, by December 2024, to increased action to promote and protect FoRB by the public, religious leaders, and civil society activists.  

The Regional FoRB Hub will highlight the discrimination, restrictions and hostilities related to FoRB that many communities across the MENA face, while also highlighting all the advances being made regarding FoRB in the region. Via dissemination of information and the facilitation of public discourse, the Hub will foster increased support and civic activism in favour of respect for FoRB at the community, policy and legal levels. As well as being a repository of information, the Hub will also create and strengthen national and regional networks in support of FoRB, including journalists, lawyers and parliamentarians, who will use the Hub to increase their understanding of FoRB-related issues.  

At the same time, religious leaders/activists will be supported to jointly develop discourse and positions to promote and protect FoRB within their spheres of influence, and refute the most blatant violations to FoRB in their countries. This will empower them to engage in new ways with diverse communities.