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Description
According to 2012 and 2019 public survey respondents, the media was a medium in which members of religious minorities often face discrimination as texts and images constructed by the media were often stereotypical, biased in their presentation of religious communities, and thus did not guarantee the rights of freedom of religion. Therefore, journalists were the target group that could ethically present information about religious minorities in the media. Support from the Active Citizens'' Fund (APF) program focused on ensuring human rights and equality in the fight against all forms of discrimination. The purpose of this project was to provide correct information for the public on religious diversity in Lithuania, thus securing human rights, particularly religious freedom and the right to practice one''s religion, promoting the principle of equal treatment of people of diverse beliefs and raising awareness on these topics.
The project addressed journalists, provided workshops for them on religious diversity and encourage them to write and picture religious diversity and thus inform public and increase religious tolerance and non-discrimination. This was be done by organizing trainings for journalists on the correct provision of information on religion and beliefs, involving religious minorities in activities, giving residents of cities in different regions the opportunity to get acquainted with the exhibition of religious diversity photographs and religious communities operating in Lithuania. New Religions Research and Information Center (NRTIC) in cooperation with the Lithuanian Journalists'' Union, dissemination of information on religious diversity and freedom of religion encouraged critical public attitudes towards stigmatization of religious minorities. This helped to reduce discrimination against members of religious communities and increase tolerance for religion and belief in the society.
Summary of project results
Religious minorities operating in Lithuania feel discriminated against because of their religion and beliefs. Media - a medium in which members of religious minorities often face discrimination, the texts and images constructed by the media are often stereotypical, presenting religious communities in an unobjective manner. Journalists - a target group, could ethically present information about religious minorities in the media. The project aimed at providing the public with correct information about religious diversity in Lithuania, thereby emphasizing freedom of religion and the right to profess one''s faith, promoting adherence to the principle of equal treatment, and increasing awareness of these topics.
Society was made aware of religious diversity and emerging discrimination, people''s attention was drawn to human rights related to faith and diversity of viewpoints. This was done by organizing training for journalists on the correct presentation of information on the topics of religion and beliefs, including religious minorities in the activities, by giving the opportunity to residents of towns in different regions to get acquainted with the photo exhibition on religious diversity and religious communities operating in Lithuania, and by organizing competitions of articles and photos on the topics. A publication was also published with the works of journalists and photographers.
The project laid ground for the reduction of discrimination against members of religious communities and the growth of tolerance for religion and beliefs in society .The dissemination of information about religious diversity and freedom of religion led to more critical public attitude towards the stigmatization of religious minorities, the affixing of negative "labels", freedom of religion.