JISRA – Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action

JISRA is a partnership of 50 civil society organizations based in Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda (with supporting lobby and advocacy in Europe and the USA) implementing a five-year program to further peaceful and just societies where all can enjoy Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB).

JISRA ENGAGEMENTS

Peacemakers Network Hosts Regional Training in Nairobi to Promote Religious Freedom Through Islamic Principles

Group photo of participants at JISRA training in Nairobi, Kenya. 2025.

Eighteen religious actors and peacebuilders from Kenya, Nigeria, and Mali gathered in Nairobi from May 26 to 29, 2025 for a regional training on Islam and Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB), organized by the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers (Peacemakers Network). The week-long workshop deepened participants’ understanding of Islamic theology and its role in advancing FoRB and peaceful coexistence across Africa and globally. Read more.

In recent years, identity-based conflicts, particularly those centered around inter- and intra-faith tensions, have exponentially increased worldwide. JISRA actively works toward shifting power to local actors, enabling communities directly affected by conflict to make their own decisions through dialogue, capacity building, advocacy, and research.

Who We Work With

Our Partners

JISRA leverages the constructive role of religious actors to address harmful norms and narratives within religious communities, stimilate cooperation between religions, and shows that different religious traditions can come together in a common vision for a better and fairer society. The program consortia consists of Mensen met een Missie, Tearfund, Search for Common Ground, Faith to Action, and the Peacemakers Network.

Roadmap: Coexistence in Action for Implementing the Marrakesh Declaration

This is designed to advance freedom of religion or belief in fragile and pluralistic societies and draws on extensive consultations with grassroots actors and religious leaders. Download the roadmap here.

Country Summary Report: Promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief to Advance the Implementation of the Marrakesh Declaration

This report is derived from the second session of the community of practice meeting, reflecting on country case studies which highlight and summarize priority actions building on successes and experiences of JISRA partners working on FoRB in Mali, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Irap, and Indonesia. Download the country summary report here.

Toolkit: Islam and Freedom of Religion or Belief

This is designed for FoRB practitioners, peacebuilders, and policymakers committed to promoting gender equity, mutual respect, and interreligious dialogue in offering a practical guide on engaging with communityes regardling Islam and FoRB. Download the toolkit here.

Policy Brief: The Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief of Minority Communities

Policy efforts on the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) have often been focused on protecting the rights of vulnerable religious minorities around the globe. Yet focusing solely or primarily on religious minorities overlooks the needs of other minorities who are also protected by Article 18. Drawing on recent data collected in Kenya and Indonesia as part of the Joint Initiative on Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) project, this policy paper highlights key findings with regard to the current state of global policy and advocacy on FoRB. Read the policy brief here.

Blogs /
Opinion Pieces

From Ethiopia to Rome: Elevating Women and Youth Voices in Global Interfaith Dialogue

A youth reflection piece by Nejat Mehdi Oumer, Women and Youth Focal Person at the Ethiopian Interfaith Forum for Development, Dialogue, and Action. Read more.

My Experience in the Islam and FoRB Training

A reflection piece by Dr. Sumaye Hamza, National Deputy President of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN). Read more.

Reflections on the Islam and Freedom of Religion or Belief Training

A youth reflection piece by Ustaz Adam Abdulrahman from the Development Initiative of West Africa. Read more.