Nahar Ash Shabab and Safadi Foundation in a Akkar Workshop
                                                    "Common denominators in the human rights perspective"


The “Common denominators in the human rights perspective” workshop within the framework of the Young Journalists Activists To Promote Dialogue Between Religions project concluded that the common denominators in the view of Islam and Christianity towards the rights to life, education, learning, and expression of opinion are more numerous than the differences which appeared. 


                                 

The workshop was held at the Safadi Center for Agricultural Development in Deir Dalloum, Akkar, upon invitation from Nahar Ash Shabab and Safadi Foundation, within the framework of the AFKAR II project that is funded by EU and managed by OMSAR. It witnessed the participation of 45 3rd secondary students from: Qobayyat for Girls School, Al Ouyoun Official School, and the National Orthodox School in Akkar.

The workshop was attended by Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud Ismail and Father Khaled Fakhr, project manager Dr. Jean Karam, Safadi Foundation representative Nahla Al Munir, as well as representatives from the participating schools and workshop managers.

During the first phase, students were divided into 3 groups of 15 students each, and debates in each group were facilitated by Al Munir and the trainee journalists in religious dialogue workshops, in addition to teachers from the schools, under the supervision of Sheikh Ismail and Father Fakhr. In this phase, the three groups reached the common denominators and differences between Islamic and Christian points of views pertaining to the subjects discussed.


                                    

As to the second phase, it included a discussion of these denominators and differences, as well as a common conclusion. Among the conclusions regarding the freedom of expression:
- Respecting the other’s opinion within the limits of ethics
- Focusing on the importance of education at home in freedom of expression and the respect of the opinion of others
- Conformity between the legislation in the two religions regarding freedom of expression    
- Non-conflict of politics with religion, without damage to the opinion of others
- Respect of freedom of creed and freedom of practice of religion, without damage to others
- Interaction and living together in society are at the core of the teachings of religions