Introduction

In recent years Ethiopia has witnessed an increase in inter-faith violence, a rise in intra-faith intolerance and the use of historical and political narratives to attack religious minorities.

The JISRA programme will take an approach focusing on building the capacity of the main influencers and opinion leaders within different faith groups to promote peaceful interactions both within their own faiths and with other faith groups.

This will be achieved through the facilitation of theological reflection within each faith group on intra- and inter-faith diversity and inclusion.

Intra-, inter- and extra-faith relationships will also be supported with training on secular topics such as mediation, non-violent communication, leadership, media and communication.

The programme will facilitate constructive inter-faith dialogue spaces and build social relations across religious divide.

Activities such as collective risk management and other locally designed innovative actions will contribute to making Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) a reality, contributing to the promotion of harmonious relationships among the various social groups in Ethiopia.

The JISRA programme in Ethiopia is managed by the Ethiopian Core Group (ECG), a consortium of 11 national and international organizations.

JISRA Project Value and Principles
We commit to actively participate and collaborate internally at JISRA consortium (country) level and externally with different existing players.

We acknowledge that we all learn from each other and approach our relationships with a spirit of equity, valuing each organization’s contribution.

We ensure meaningful equal participation of women and young people at every step of programme implementation, from start of the process to advocacy and policy development level.

We make sure that our programme implementation is environment-friendly.

We take on a pro-active, shared and common approach to risk management.

Without burdening each other with internal decision making, we maintain an effective, robust management structure that is as light as possible.

We ensure that JISRA is safe for all stakeholders/partners involved in the programme.

We commit ourselves to cooperate in line with the JISRA programme and to adhere to future developed policies and procedures, including a locally adapted communication strategy, reporting schedule and formats, operational manual, safe and secure data management etc.

Project Goals

Ultimate GoalPeaceful and just societies where all enjoy Freedom of Religion and Belief
Long term impactResilient and inclusive communities in which religious actors are sustainable advocates of FoRB and interfaith peace
Intra-religious pathwayInclusive, open and constructive religious communities
Inter-religious pathwayPeaceful interaction between religious communities
Extra-religious pathwayContext and religion-sensitive FoRB policies and practices

EKHCDC JISRA Project Implementation Location/Areas


EKHC StructureGovernment structure
RegionsZonesWeredas
Central South KetenaSidamaHawassa ZuriaHawassa Zuria
Arsi S.HibretArsiOromiaWest ArsiArsi Negele District, Shashemen Zuria District , Shashamene Town,
South East Shewa KetenaHalabaSNNPRHalabaHalaba Kulito town Zuria&  Wera distict
South Shewa KetenaSilteSNNPRSilteM/Azernet & Sankura District

Project Target groups

  1. Religious leaders
  2. Women
  3. Youths

Project Activities

EKHCDC JISRA has four pillars. There are activities under each.

  1. Pathway I – Intrareligious
  2. Pathway II-Interreligious
  3. Pathway III-Extra religious
  4. Crosscutting issues

EKHCDC JISRA strategies

1.      Capacity Building

2.      Dialogues

3.      Lobby and Advocacy

4.      Research based

Project Duration

The project will implement in the next five years from 2021-2025. Project Budget

The total budget of EKHCDC JISRA is € 286, 740.