Religions for Peace and Interreligious Council of Albania Recognized in OSCE/ODIHR Report

The latest report by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) has highlighted the significant contributions of Religions for Peace and the Interreligious Council of Albania in promoting interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in the region.

The Belief, Dialogue, and Security report, which examines religious engagement in fostering security and coexistence, recognizes the proactive role of these organizations in countering religious discrimination and promoting peaceful cooperation among faith communities. One of the key contributors to this report is Prof. Genti Kruja, an expert on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) at OSCE/ODIHR, President of Religions for Peace Europe, and Secretary General of Religions for Peace Europe.

A Milestone for Religious Cooperation

The Interreligious Council of Albania (IRCA), founded in 2007, has been instrumental in fostering interfaith understanding among Albania’s major religious communities, including Sunni Muslims, Christian Orthodox, Catholics, and Bektashi Muslims. The Council actively works on initiatives to combat misinformation, encourage interfaith cooperation, and provide humanitarian assistance, including aid to earthquake victims and reintegration programs for Albanian returnees from Syria.

Similarly, Religions for Peace, a global interfaith coalition present in over 90 countries, has been acknowledged for its efforts in conflict resolution, social harmony, and human rights advocacy. Its Interfaith Youth Network and Global Women of Faith Network have played key roles in empowering young religious leaders and promoting gender-inclusive religious leadership.

OSCE’s Acknowledgment

OSCE/ODIHR recognizes these organizations as exemplary models of how interfaith dialogue can contribute to social stability and peace. According to the report, their involvement in peacebuilding efforts demonstrates how faith-based initiatives can counter religious intolerance and extremist narratives while fostering inclusive societies.

“The inclusion of Religions for Peace and the Interreligious Council of Albania in this report is a testament to the power of interfaith collaboration,” said an OSCE representative. “Their work highlights the essential role religious communities play in promoting security, tolerance, and mutual understanding.”

Looking Forward

The recognition of these organizations underscores the growing importance of faith-based diplomacy in global peace efforts. With the support of international bodies such as OSCE/ODIHR, religious institutions continue to be valuable allies in promoting human rights, countering extremism, and fostering inclusive societies.

As religious cooperation gains increasing attention in global governance, the contributions of Religions for Peace and the Interreligious Council of Albania stand as vital examples of how faith communities can work together to build a more peaceful and tolerant world.

To download the report, please click the link below:

https://www.osce.org/odihr/571789