Abu Dhabi Forum For Peace Participates In Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference To Discuss Religious Minorities' Rights

Shaikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayyah, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference at the Italian Parliament in Rome. His speech was part of a session titled "Lessons from the Marrakesh Declaration (2016): Supporting the Rights of Religious Minorities." This event was organised by global parliaments with Religions for Peace, the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.

The UAE's participation highlights its dedication to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence globally. The Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace's involvement in this international setting underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cultural understanding. This aligns with its efforts to address challenges related to religious freedom and minority rights through intellectual and institutional initiatives.

Shaikh Al Mahfoudh emphasised the Marrakesh Declaration's historical importance in establishing full citizenship and religious pluralism within modern nation-states. Issued in 2016 through a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and Morocco’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, it marked a turning point in state–minority relations. The declaration is based on Islamic legal texts and inspired by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ's constitutional legacy.

The Marrakesh Declaration is seen as a revival of the Covenant of Medina, which regulated relations among diverse communities based on cooperation, justice, and civil peace. It provides a legal framework for protecting religious minorities in Muslim societies. Shaikh Al Mahfoudh highlighted King Mohammed VI's message at the original Marrakesh conference: "Religion must not be used to justify any infringement on the rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries."

Shaikh Al Mahfoudh noted that what makes the Marrakesh Declaration significant is its origin from high-level cooperation between respected religious authorities and moderate governments. This collaboration gives it credibility, attracting attention from international organisations and human rights institutions. The declaration has been adopted as a reference in several global initiatives related to freedom of religion.

The declaration emerged during a time when extremist groups distorted the image of the Islamic world. It offered an ethical response reflecting true Islamic values—tolerance and coexistence. Shaikh Al Mahfoudh stated: "When leaders and scholars rise together—not as a reaction to war, nor under pressure—but out of moral conviction, we witness a turning point in our shared human conscience."

Call for Action

In his conclusion, Shaikh Al Mahfoudh urged moving from declaration to implementation, advocating stronger cooperation between parliaments, religious leaders, and civil society. He called for translating these values into practical legislation and social practice. He expressed hope that this gathering might represent another step toward building a global alliance for religious freedom grounded in universal values.

The session was moderated by Dr Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. Participants included Irene Yusiana Roba Putri from Indonesia’s Parliament; Najat Mehdi Omar from Ethiopia’s Interfaith Forum; Dr Katherine Marshall from Georgetown University’s Berkley Center; among others.

The Marrakesh Declaration exemplifies cooperative approaches rooted in authentic Islamic values aimed at strengthening civil peace in diverse societies. Since its founding in Abu Dhabi, this vision has been carried to various international platforms through high-level meetings involving policymakers and global religious leaders.

With inputs from WAM