OSCE-ODIHR launched book “Belief, Dialogue, and Security”

A New Guide for Fostering Interfaith Cooperation

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has proudly launched its latest publication, “Belief, Dialogue, and Security: Fostering Dialogue and Joint Action Across Religious and Belief Boundaries.” This guide aims to provide practical advice and resources for states and non-state actors to promote dialogue and cooperation among diverse religious and belief communities, enhancing social trust and security across the OSCE region.

In its website, it says that “ODIHR has developed this guide in response to calls from participating States to give them guidance and practical tools to help them create an environment that enables fruitful dialogue and joint action across religious and belief boundaries. The guide does not push a ‘one‑size‑fits‑all’ model, instead offering guidance about the questions and factors states should consider when approaching the subject. It discusses how to select initiatives and support them in practice. It includes examples of good practice and interviews with actors engaged in dialogue and joint action initiatives across a broad range of contexts.“

The Need for Dialogue

In a world marked by increasing religious and belief pluralism, the need for constructive dialogue has never been more pressing. The foreword by ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci emphasizes that while diversity enriches societies, it can also lead to fragmentation if not managed properly. The guide outlines the importance of fostering high levels of tolerance and social trust, which are essential for peaceful coexistence.

The publication is structured into several chapters, each addressing critical aspects of fostering dialogue:

1. Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion, or Belief (FoRB): The guide discusses the fundamental human right of FoRB, its limitations, and the grounds for these limitations, providing a comprehensive legal framework.
2. Dialogue and Joint Action: It emphasizes the role of states in enabling, rather than leading, dialogue initiatives. Trust and voluntary participation are highlighted as essential components for successful interfaith dialogue.
3. The Role of the State: The guide outlines how states can support dialogue initiatives while ensuring respect for human rights, even-handedness, and transparency.
4. Projects and Funding Calls: Practical advice is provided on designing funding calls and assessing applications to support dialogue initiatives effectively.
5. Checklist for States: A practical checklist is included to guide states in their efforts to promote dialogue and joint action.

Methodology and Contributions

The guide is the result of extensive consultations with experts from various fields, including civil society representatives, academics, and government officials. Notable contributions came from members of the ODIHR panel of experts on freedom of religion or belief, who provided valuable insights and recommendations.

“Belief, Dialogue, and Security” serves as a vital resource for policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society actors committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation. By promoting respect for FoRB and other human rights, the guide aims to contribute to the creation of peaceful, pluralistic societies across the OSCE region. As the world grapples with the challenges of diversity, this publication stands as a beacon of hope for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.