Gathering The Evidence of Persecution: The Importance of Documentation and Launch of the “International Protocol On Documenting Violations Of Religious Freedom”

EVENT SUMMARY

With violations of religious freedom impacting individuals and communities across the globe, gathering and preserving evidence of violations is critical. For perpetrators to be held to account, for advocacy efforts to be launched, for the world to be made aware, reliable documentation is vital. This event brings together voices on the frontlines of protecting the fundamental right of religious freedom and holding to account those responsible for its violation and serves to launch the International Protocol On Documenting Violations Of Religious Freedom.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE

• Naomi Kikoler, Director, Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, US Holocaust Memorial Museum

• Nadine Maenza, Former Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom

• Gloria Leccese, Senior Advocacy Officer, Open Doors

• Najib Bajali, Human Rights Consultant

• Jeremy Barker, Director, Middle East Action Team, Religious Freedom Institute

• Naomi Prodeau, Editor, International Protocol On Documenting Violations Of Religious Freedom and Legal Consultant

• Pari Ibrahim, Executive Director, Free Yezidi Foundation

• Jacqueline Isaac, Vice President, Roads of Success

• Yohanna Towaya, Director, Humanitarian Nineveh Relief Organization (HNRO)

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL ON DOCUMENTING VIOLATIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM:

Crafted in response to requests from civil society partners who have suffered severe violations of their religious freedom, the Protocol seeks to fill a gap by providing a thorough and accessible resource for human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and others looking for guidance on how to document serious violations of religious freedom in their local contexts.

The International Protocol On Documenting Violations Of Religious Freedom is a joint publication of Open Doors International (ODI) and the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI). Led by ODI and RFI, the project was crafted with contributors including lawyers, human rights investigators, former diplomats, and religious freedom researchers.

It is a tool designed for NGOs, lawyers, human rights activists as well as national and international institutions to provide an evidentiary standard and documentation of evidence that would be acceptable in most judicial or advocacy institutions, particularly at the international level.

The core of the Protocol provides a set of guidelines detailing the best practices on how to document violations of religious freedom as per international standards, combined with an articulation of the right and its protected dimensions under international law.

Learn more about the International Protocol On Documenting Violations Of Religious Freedom