Panel: COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS BETWEEN AL-AZHAR OBSERVATORY FOR COMBATTING EXTREMISM AND THE DOMINICAN INSTITUTE FOR ORIENTAL STUDIES IN EGYPT



255.2 - HUMAN FRATERNITY DOCUMENT: A GLOBAL CALL FOR PEACE AND COEXISTENCE

AUTHORS:
Abdeen A. (al-Azhar Observatory ~ Cairo ~ Egypt)
Text:
On February 4, 2019, Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb signed the "Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together" document in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in interreligious dialogue. This declaration is a global call to promote peace and fraternity, as these values are inherent to human nature and should replace the culture of war. The Document underscores essential principles such as justice, inclusion, and the defense of rights and freedoms as foundations for peace. It expresses concern for environmental issues and calls for the eradication of slavery in all forms, while highlighting the positive roles of youth and women in fostering fraternity. It acknowledges the strong ties between Christians and Muslims, encouraging other religious institutions to follow same path. Inspired by divine values and historical precedents like the Constitution of Medina, the Document aims to address contemporary challenges posed by violence and exclusion rooted in religious differences, and advocates for a new era where religions contribute solutions to humanity's problems. Core Principles of the Document The Document calls for mutual understanding among all people, and that religion should not be a source of conflict but rather a means of support and salvation. The signatories hope to awaken consciences towards key values of peace and mercy, ensuring future generations can live free from war. Moreover, the document emphasizes freedom of belief and expression as key rights while rejecting discrimination based on religion or culture. The Document promotes the concept of full citizenship to combat feelings of isolation. It has been recognized for its ethical and humanitarian impact, establishing February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity by the United Nations.