MENA Consultation on Advancing the Implementation of the Marrakesh Declaration

October 2025

Regional Consultation on Advancing the Implementation of the Marrakech Declaration in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco. October 2025.

The final consultation on advancing the implementation of the Marrakesh Declaration was held in Rabat, Morocco in mid-October. As part of the Dutch-funded ‘Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action’ (JISRA) project, and organized by the Peacemakers Network and Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, this consultation brought together religious leaders, civil society actors, policymakers, and interfaith practitioners from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to determine how to effectively implement the Marrakesh Declaration.

The Marrakesh Declaration, issued in 2016 by more than 300 Muslim scholars, activists, and interfaith observers, underscores the compatibility of Islamic traditions with universal human rights and advocates for inclusive societies where all individuals, regardless of religion or ethnicity, can enjoy equal rights. While its adoption has faced challenges, including limited dissemination, vague actionable steps, and insufficient local ownership, the Declaration remains a cornerstone for protecting minorities and fostering interfaith coexistence.

H.E. Sheikh Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah, President of the Abu Dhabi Forum of Peace sharking remarks at the Regional Consultation on Advancing the Implementation of the Marrakech Declaration in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco. October 2025.

Building upon previous regional consultations for Africa and Asia, held in Ethiopia and Indonesia respectively, this consultation affirmed the concrete recommendations for implementing the Marrakesh Declaration in MENA countries, including:

  • Translate the Marrakesh Declaration into as many languages as possible, especially minority languages.
  • Include minority groups, especially religious minorities, in advocacy efforts at all levels, and provide them with the necessary tools and resources.
  • Integrate the principles and values of the Marrakesh Declaration into school and university curricula.
  • Elevate the discussion on the Marrakesh Declaration and its implementation to the parliamentary and ministerial levels.
  • Involve lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals in implementing the Marrakesh Declaration through their work on protecting religious minorities.

The consultation underscored the importance of inclusve dialogue, collaboration across faiths, and local ownership in advancing human rights and peaceful coexistence. By intentionally including women leaders and youth, the event addressed historic imbalances in traditional and religious spaces, ensuring diverse voices shape the future of FoRB implementation.

Regional Consultation on Advancing the Implementation of the Marrakech Declaration in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco. October 2025.

Roadmap the Advancing the Marrakesh Declaration

The consultation led to the finalization of the Roadmap to Advancing the Marrakesh Declaration and the accompanying Country Summary Report. Building on the Marrakesh Declaration, this Roadmap aims to translate its vision into concrete theological, policy, and community-based strategies, restoring faith as a force for cohesion, compassion, and coexistence. It is a call to remember who we are, reclaim the prothetic legacy, and reimagine Muslim societies as beacons of justice and sanctuaries for all.

About the JISRA Project

The 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). This international, inter religious partnership is implementing a five-year program (2021-2025) in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to further peaceful and just societies where all enjoy Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB).

The program is coordinated by four international consortium partners: Mensen met een Missie Tearfund UK, Tearfund the Netherlands, Faith to Action Network, Search for Common Ground, and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.

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