On a recent day in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Kyle Wisdom of the International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) presented the groundbreaking Violent Incidents Database (VID) at the Religious Liberty Partnership event. This innovative tool provides religious freedom advocates with comprehensive, real-time data on violent incidents and violations across the globe, making it an essential resource in the fight for human rights and religious liberty.
A Comprehensive Repository for Religious Freedom Data
The Violent Incidents Database (VID) is an open-source, dynamic repository that collects, records, and analyzes violent incidents affecting religious freedom on all five continents. Operating on an events-based framework, the database is continuously updated and corrected to ensure users have access to accurate and up-to-date information. Originally initiated with a focus on Latin America—with incidents dating back to 2002 and support from the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Latin America (OLIRE)—the VID has since expanded its scope.
Global Expansion Supported by Collaboration and Funding
Collaboration has been key to the success of the VID. In Nigeria, data collection efforts are further enhanced through the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA). In addition, strategic support and funding from Global Christian Relief have enabled the database to broaden its coverage worldwide, encompassing incidents from 2021 to 2024. This global expansion is crucial in offering a holistic view of how religious freedoms are being challenged in diverse geopolitical climates.
How the VID Empowers Advocates
By providing a detailed account of religious violence, the VID helps advocates, policymakers, and civil society organizations understand trends and patterns in persecution. Although the database does not claim to capture every incident—many events remain unreported or underreported—it serves as a critical tool in:
- Tracking Violations: Keeping a record of violent events that impact religious freedom.
- Data Analysis: Enabling researchers to identify trends and inform advocacy efforts.
- Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring that false or incorrect reports are flagged and corrected through a rigorous quality control process.
For anyone interested in accessing the VID in full-screen mode or learning more about its methodology, please visit the Violent Incidents Database.
How You Can Contribute
The IIRF encourages those who are aware of incidents to use the online reporting form to submit cases. The Incident Reporting Guide is available to help users detail information clearly, enhancing the quality and accuracy of the database. If you believe an incident is missing or has been erroneously reported, you are invited to contact IIRF for corrections.
Final Thoughts
The presentation by Dr. Kyle Wisdom in Nairobi highlights the urgent need for reliable data on religious freedom violations, as these incidents continue to threaten communities worldwide. With the VID, religious freedom advocates are now better equipped to raise awareness, push for accountability, and work towards a world where religious liberty is respected. This tool is a beacon of hope for those fighting for justice in an increasingly complex global landscape.
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