We believe that freedom of religion or belief is essential for people living in poverty to achieve their potential, live in dignity, free from stigma and exclusion.

We provide research and practical programmes to: redress the impact of discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief; tackle poverty and exclusion; promote empowerment and wellbeing.

We are working on:

Mainstreaming awareness of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in development to ensure that policies and programmes are sensitive and responsive to inequalities resulting from religion or belief.

Investing in opportunities for interfaith service delivery in communities where there are poverty and religious tensions.

Monitoring and analysing hate speech to understand and respond to the mobilization of online and offline hatred towards minority religious communities.

Building local and national coalitions of different minority groups to support campaigns and practical initiatives which tackle inequalities and promote freedom of religion or belief.

Bringing about collaboration between humanitarian organisations, faith leaders, rights activists and development practitioners, fostering cross fertilisation across sectors to support inclusivity based on freedom of religion or belief.

Redefining Development

DOWNLOAD NOW

Latest news, analysis and publications

Analysis
Whose realities count as targets of religious otherisation?

Participatory methodology is key to make visible the invisible survivors and victims of violence based on religion or belief. Here is why, writes CREID Director, Mariz Tadros. This week on the 22 August, the UN commemorates the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or…

VIEW THIS RESOURCE
Publication
Using Participatory Methods to Explore Freedom of Religion and Belief: Whose Reality Counts?

Examining countries where religious pluralism is in decline, including Iraq, India, Pakistan and Nigeria, this book brings together reflections, knowledge and learning about the daily experiences of religiously marginalized groups, generated using participatory research methods. It also showcases the participatory methodologies implemented by its international…

VIEW THIS RESOURCE
Analysis
The power of heritage to make a life worth living

At a conference in Beirut earlier this month participants gave evidence of the power of heritage to make life worth living for groups and communities that have experienced acute marginalisation and life-transforming ruptures. https://youtu.be/bQn4_TePHss Sharing experiences of intangible heritage and wellbeing What does a young…

VIEW THIS RESOURCE
Analysis
Taking a Stance on Feminists’ Prejudice Against Religious Minority Women

Since researching the experiences of gender discrimination against women in poverty who belong to religious minorities, many fellow feminists have turned their back on me. The inherent assumption among some of my feminist critics is that by defending women who are targeted on account of…

VIEW THIS RESOURCE
Publication
Understanding Intersecting Threats and Vulnerabilities Facing Christian Women and Men in Ungwan Bawa and Saminaka, Kaduna State, Nigeria

This research by Funmi Para-Mallam, Philip Hayab John, Chikas Danfulani Tsilpi, Katung John Kwasau and Christine Samuel aims to comprehend the interconnecting threats and vulnerabilities facing underprivileged women from marginalised religious groups in Nigeria from the angle of gender discrimination from their neighbouring communities as…

VIEW THIS RESOURCE
Analysis
Nigeria’s election: how will it affect women abused because of their religion?

On the 25 February Nigeria will experience its seventh consecutive general election – the longest streak of democracy the country has witnessed in over 60 years. What could the election campaigns and results mean for women in Nigeria who face discrimination and violence just because…

VIEW THIS RESOURCE