The Coalition for Religious Equality and Inclusive Development (CREID) is an international initiative dedicated to promoting religious tolerance, social cohesion, and inclusive development. The project, led by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), is a collaboration between the University of Duhok (UoD), the University of Mosul, and global research partners. CREID operates across multiple regions to tackle discrimination based on religion or belief, ensuring that all individuals can access fundamental rights and opportunities.

Through research, policy advocacy, and practical interventions, CREID addresses the pressing challenges faced by religious minorities, particularly in post-conflict areas such as Iraq. This initiative aligns with the University of Duhok’s commitment to peace-building, interfaith dialogue, and sustainable development, reinforcing its role as a leader in fostering inclusivity in the Kurdistan Region and beyond.

Project Goals and Objectives

The CREID project seeks to:

• Strengthen interfaith dialogue and promote religious tolerance in Iraq and globally.

• Enhance access to education, health, and economic opportunities for marginalized religious communities.

• Monitor and combat hate speech, particularly in digital spaces.

• Empower local coalitions to advocate for religious freedoms and inclusive development policies.

• Encourage collaboration between humanitarian organizations, academic institutions, and faith leaders to foster peace and development.

Key Areas of Impact

1. Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Development

CREID works to mainstream Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) within development programs, ensuring that policies tackling poverty, exclusion, and inequality are sensitive to religious diversity.

2. Interfaith Service Delivery

The project facilitates interfaith cooperation in education, healthcare, and community services, supporting local development efforts while reducing sectarian tensions.

3. Countering Hate Speech & Social Media Monitoring

By analyzing digital hate speech trends, CREID develops awareness campaigns and policy interventions to curb the spread of religiously motivated discrimination and violence.

4. Strengthening Policy & Legal Frameworks

The initiative works with government institutions, NGOs, and advocacy groups to influence national policies that safeguard religious minorities’ rights and freedoms.

5. Research & Knowledge Exchange

Through academic collaboration, CREID generates research-based insights into religious discrimination, informing global strategies for promoting tolerance and inclusivity.

CREID and the University of Duhok

The University of Duhok (UoD) is a key partner in implementing CREID’s activities in Iraq. UoD researchers and faculty members actively contribute to:

• Field research and policy recommendations for protecting religious minorities.

• Capacity-building initiatives that train local leaders, educators, and activists in conflict resolution and interfaith cooperation.

• Workshops and academic conferences on religious tolerance and inclusive development.

• Community outreach programs that engage youth and marginalized groups in discussions on religious harmony.

Partnerships & Global Collaboration

The CREID project at UoD collaborates with various international partners, including:

• Institute of Development Studies (IDS) – UK

• University of Mosu – Iraq

• Global development agencies & NGOs

These partnerships strengthen UoD’s role in shaping policy, promoting tolerance, and enhancing global engagement in religious inclusion efforts.

Join the Movement

CREID is more than a project—it is a commitment to building a just and inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their religious background, have equal opportunities. We invite students, researchers, policymakers, and organizations to collaborate with us in advancing religious equality and inclusive development.

For more information on CREID and how to get involved, visit the Institute of Development Studies website or explore our research and projects at University of Duhok’s DOIR Website.

Together, we can foster a future where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is a reality.