David Mueller
Committed to religious freedom and social peace in Iraq
David Mueller works full-time for the ojcos foundation as a Political Advocate for Religious Freedom in Iraq. He is committed to ensuring that religious minorities in Iraq can live in peace, dignity and security. To this end, he brings together stakeholders from politics, religious communities and civil society – in Germany and in Iraq.
Through regular travel and direct contact with those affected, he knows the situation on the ground inside out and gives them a voice in German politics and public life.
What I do
I have been working for the ojcos foundation since 2018 with the aim of strengthening religious freedom in Iraq. I accompany and initiate talks with Iraqi politicians, religious leaders, civil society actors as well as German MPs and ministries.
To this end, I regularly travel to Iraq, meet people from different religious and ethnic communities who are committed to peace and reconciliation and translate their concerns into political language. I bring this into discussions with the German Parliament, the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
What drives me
Religious freedom is a human right that protects the dignity of every human being. Where people are persecuted or disadvantaged because of their faith or beliefs, I am committed to ensuring that their voice is heard – and that concrete steps are taken.
I believe in the power of meeting people, listening and courageous conversations – in Baghdad as well as in Berlin. Politics is created where trust grows and people see each other not as opponents, but as counterparts.
Stations and commitment
– Working for the ojcos foundation for religious freedom and social peace in Iraq since 2018
– More than 25 trips to numerous cities and regions in Iraq
– Strategic dialogues and roundtables at the German Bundestag, the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
– Lectures and panels on religious freedom and social cohesion in Germany and Iraq
– Cooperation with Iraqi decision-makers, religious figures, civil society organizations and academics
– Member of the international network PaRD (International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development) and the thematic team “Religion and Development” of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
– Consultation and networking with the Central Council of Oriental Christians, the Central Council of Yazidis in Germany, the Protestant Church in Germany, the Evangelical Alliance in Germany and other partners
More insights into my work
If you would like to find out more about my work, I recommend these articles, which give an insight into my motivation and the practice of my work:
• Building bridges from heart to heart – Insights into over five years of engagement in Iraq
• For a Stable Future of Religious Diversity in Iraq – Delegation from the Region Kurdistan-Iraq in Berlin, Germany
• Peace & Advocacy in Iraq – Tea with princes, bishops and ministers
Contact
I look forward to hearing from you if you have any questions about consulting or joint projects.
📧 mueller (at) ojcos-stiftung (dot) de