Local ownership as the key to legitimacy
Freedom of religion and belief (FoRB) is firmly embedded in international human rights frameworks. But when presented as a foreign or donor-driven agenda, it often feels distant from the lived experiences of local communities. A new policy brief, Localisation of the Right to Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) and International Activism, published by the University of Groningen together with the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, calls for FoRB to be grounded in local realities. It highlights both the risks of a distant FoRB agenda and the opportunities of localisation as a tool for inclusion, coexistence, and peace. The brief also offers practical recommendations for donors and practitioners to ensure FoRB initiatives resonate with and empower local communities.
The risks of a distant FoRB agenda
Religious discrimination and intolerance continue to fuel violence, extremism, and marginalisation in East Africa. Communities face barriers to education, healthcare, and employment simply because of their beliefs. Political actors sometimes manipulate religion to sow division, creating fertile ground for conflict. Participants of a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya stressed the importance of grounding FoRB in daily life. As one observed: “How does the FoRB discussion fit into our societies? It is a conversation. Literacy and advocacy efforts will play a big role in educating our communities on their rights and how this right enables social cohesion, that we exist under one banner.”
The brief also warns against global North actors imposing their own frames. Donor agendas can unintentionally reinforce Islamophobia or overlook non-religious worldviews. For localisation to succeed, FoRB efforts must recognise the diversity of religious leadership: from traditional elders to women leaders, youth activists, and online influencers who hold credibility within their communities.
Policy recommendations
The policy brief recommends making localisation the starting point for any FoRB initiative. This means tailoring efforts to the needs and priorities of affected communities, rather than applying one-size-fits-all approaches. Strengthening religious engagement is key, as faith actors remain some of the most trusted and influential voices in local peacebuilding.
Donors and international partners are encouraged to invest in long-term, trust-based relationships with civil society and religious organisations. Funding should support context-specific approaches and create space for sensitive issues, including the rights of women, young people, and sexual minorities. Examples such as the Mulika initiative in Kenya demonstrate that when FoRB is embedded in community life – through initiatives on peacebuilding, electoral transparency, or social inclusion – it can deliver lasting results.
To find out more, download the full policy brief here.
The publication draws on insights from the Reimagining the Role of Religion in Building Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies workshop held in Nairobi in November 2024. At this event, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and JISRA partners shared experiences and strategies for embedding FoRB in local contexts. The policy brief was developed by JISRA academic partners at the University of Groningen in collaboration with Mensen met een Missie, the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, and the Technical University of Mombasa.
