Strategies in Reducing Religious Sectarianism: Voices from the Field

On Friday, October 2, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly hosted an event that looked to offer concrete strategies in reducing religious sectarianism through the lens of Libyan and Kenyan case studies.

This high level event in New York was organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, the United States Department of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, and Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) together with the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. It brought together decision makers, policy experts, religious leaders, tribal leaders, and civil society stakeholders to discuss the drivers of sectarianism and ways it impacts conflicts and mediation efforts.

The event, "Strategies in Reducing Religious Sectarianism: Voices from the Field," started with opening remarks from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Timo Soini. He stressed the importance of religious and traditional leaders in the pursuit of sustainable peace and complimented the efforts of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers in enhancing inclusive mediation. Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Mandani set the context for sectarianism by demonstrating that the current century is the century of identity that follows times characterised by ideologies. He called for taking seriously the tendency of people to emphasize identities and for developing positive strategies that take into account the role of religion. Spain emphasized the importance of synergy between different tracks of diplomacy and the US Department of State highlighted that collaboration between religious communities and leaders is necessary for determining the causes of violent sectarianism.  

I was fortunate and very honored to be a part of this event and in my presentation, I looked at the important role of religious leaders and actors, not only in mitigating conflicts but also in restorative justice responses. I further stressed that in Libya, it is Muslims who are killing Muslims and this dimension needs adequate understanding in determining responses to violent extremism.

The moderator of the panel, Pekka Haavisto, the Special Representative on Mediation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, stressed the importance of understanding the complexity of the issues surrounding sectarianism and the multiple identities that need due attention.

The meeting was also supported by a consultative meeting between the panelists from Kenya and Libya that will feed future developments in concrete responses to sectarianism. The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers will follow up on these efforts.