A toll-free hotline for reporting of violations of religious freedom, has been launched in Taraba State by the in the State by Search for Common Ground, SFCG.
The initiative was introduced on Saturday during the screening of the movie, ‘Bridging the Abyss’, in Jalingo, the state capital.
DAILY POST reports that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the State Government to promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in the State.
The initiative is geared towards encouraging residents to report violations of religious freedom in Taraba State to the Government.
Launching the project, the Senior Project Officer for Search for Common Ground, SFCG, Habiba Gazali, emphasized the importance of using the platform to report violations. He gave instances where individuals are targeted based on their religious beliefs.
Gazali reassured the public that measures are already in place to protect the safety of those who report such violations.
She said, “SFCG has trained lawyers and human rights defenders to handle these cases effectively.”
The Senior Project Officer added that the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen early warning systems for religious freedom violations. She said not only in Taraba but across Nigeria.
Gazali also highlighted the organization’s ongoing work is to raise awareness about the right to freedom of religion and belief. She, therefore, urged stakeholders to work extra miles to protect these rights.
Gazali also warned that violations would not be tolerated by the organization. She gave the hotline as 080-0000-2233.
In his submission, the Taraba State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Yakubu Musa, calls for religious freedom in the State.
Musa, therefore, urged law enforcement agencies to uphold Section 38 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. He stated that Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to freely practice their religion.
The Coordinator also emphasized the need for an environment where everyone can worship without fear.
The event, which was organized by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by security personnel, and religious leaders. Also in attendance were media representatives, herders, farmers, civil society organizations and top state government officials.
source: Daily Post
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U
