Islamic thugs attack academic debate on liberal Islam - and university backs down

That Irshad Manji was denied permission to set foot for the second  time on the grounds of Gadjah Mada University (May 9, 2012) must make  us, especially those of us in academia, think again. There is no need to  hide the fact that the cancellation of this event was precipitated by  threats from some mass organizations, although it is not always clear  exactly who they are.  Doesn’t this make us think about the future of the academic environment here at Gadjah Ma...

New research may hold key to Indonesia’s church-building controversy

The  tensions around of Yasmin Church in Bogor are troubling, but not representative of the status of churches across the country. Research by the Pluralism Knowledge Programme illustrates what is needed to overcome religious tensions in communities.

Nairobi graffiti mobilizes Kenyans for change – or not…

Kenyans these days wake up to biting graffiti about the country’s corrupt politicians. Largely anonymous artists are calling on the people to use their vote in the next elections to bring about change. Kenyans talk about it, on the street, on the internet, radio and on TV. But Kenyans always talk, talk, talk.  Will the citizen led “WanjikũRevolution” (through the ballot) finally challenge ‘The Way Things Have Always Been Done Around Here’?

Adversaries of religious tolerance not just radical religious groups, but also local authorities

Improving peaceful coexistence between majority and minority religious  groups in contemporary Indonesia remains an uphill challenge for the  country’s commitment to religious freedom. The role of the state is  crucial in nurturing this relationship.

Apply now! International Summer School on Pluralism and Development

As part of the Pluralism Knowledge Programme, Hivos supports  this Summer School for young academics and civil society activists from India, Indonesia and Uganda. Are you interested in learning more about human development theories? Did you always lack the time to reflect on your own work in development? Are you curious how you can contribute to the Pluralism Knowledge Programme? Apply now for participation  in the Kosmopolis Summer School!

LGBT activists oppose cutting of aid to enforce sexual rights

The British government’s threat to withhold aid from countries with  homophobic policies has received critical responses from LGBT activists themselves. In a public statement, more than 150 African social justice activists argue that aid conditionality does not result – in and of  itself – in improved protection of the rights of LGBT people.

Limitations of a 'purist' approach to human rights

Rebecca Adamson’s critique in the June issue of Alliance of the traditional philanthropic paradigm (‘one gives, the other receives’) and the concomitant lack of agency on the part of the recipient may be relevant beyond the field of support to indigenous peoples. Cultural values and traditional mechanisms for decision-making play a role in matters of conflict and justice in many local communities, whether indigenous or not.

Weak State Helps Extremism in Indonesia

What can the Indonesian state do to counter radicalization? The government does not have to  return to the past authoritarianism by banning radical organizations.  What matters more for a strong state is consistent law enforcement  against extreme activities. These include both physical activities such  as violence against minorities and non-physical activities such as  speeches or publications that fuel sectarian hatred.

Pluralism, Civil Society and Subaltern Counterpublics

This new Pluralism Working Paper reflects on the concerns of pluralism in India, from the vantage point of the ‘new’ subaltern counterpublics. It presents a case for civil society organizations (CSOs) that might facilitate a reconsideration of their conceptual frames and strategies for intervention in the light of recent developments.

Individualism not necessary point of departure for pluralism

`Pluralism is based on the principle of individualism, while the African concept of family is premised on the collective, on convergence rather than divergence` quotes a recent Pluralism Working Paper ´The Family: At the heart of managing cultural diversity’. How are differences managed then, in the ‘ typical’  African family? Some pointers for engagement, learned through conversations with urban and rural families.