"Empowering Bauchi Students: Search for Common Ground Promotes Human Rights and Religious Freedom"

By Khalid Doya Idris 

A non-governmental organisation, Search for Common Ground, has trained students from various higher institutions in Bauchi State on the promotion of human rights, with a focus on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). The training aims to create an environment where everyone respects each other's faith and protects one another regardless of their religion.

Mr. Gaius Dachet, Project Manager of the Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief (PP-FORB) initiative, emphasized that many religious tensions in Nigeria stem from a lack of respect for the beliefs of others. "Nigerians are deeply religious, and we want to create an environment where everyone respects each other's faith. Our hope is to see people protecting one another regardless of their religion," he said. Dachet explained that Search for Common Ground has established community-based platforms that train individuals to monitor and report potential religious-based marginalisation or abuse.

The organisation is committed to raising awareness on inter-religious harmony and mutual respect. "The film screening in Bauchi highlights the role of 'folk champions' - ordinary people who take action to protect others," Dachet added. He urged the participating students to become ambassadors of religious freedom in their schools, classrooms, and communities.

Katlong Dasat, Senior Media Officer at Search for Common Ground, said the film was presented to help students understand human rights, particularly the right to religious tolerance, as guaranteed by section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution and the universal declaration of human rights. "Human rights are inherent by virtue of being human. Understanding this helps individuals not only protect their rights but also uphold the rights of others," she noted.

Dasat further explained that the project seeks to promote inter-state advocacy for FoRB and peaceful coexistence through education, community engagement, and dialogue. She emphasizes the effectiveness of film as a tool for awareness, "People quickly understand concepts when they see them acted out. That's why we chose this medium. We want students to carry the message forward and serve as ambassadors of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in their schools."

The project manager and senior media officer both stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue, collaboration, and community involvement in reducing misunderstandings and fostering harmony across religious divides.