Muslim Council Of Elders Urges Global Efforts To Eradicate Human Trafficking

The Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has highlighted human trafficking as a significant global challenge. This issue involves exploiting individuals for forced labour, crime, and begging, among other purposes. The MCE stressed the need for unified international efforts to combat this violation of human dignity.

On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30th, the MCE emphasised that all divine religions advocate for respecting human rights and preserving dignity regardless of gender, religion, or race. The Qur’an states: "Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures" (Al-Isra: 70).

The Council urged increased awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. It called for protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, refugees, the displaced, and those without homes. Additionally, it stressed the importance of providing psychological, social, and legal support to victims to help them reintegrate into society with dignity.

The Document on Human Fraternity was signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis. This document asserts that Allah created all humans equal in rights, duties, and dignity. It calls for living as brothers to build a peaceful world filled with goodness and amity.

This document also advocates for protecting the rights of migrants, displaced persons, war victims, persecuted individuals, and those suffering from injustice. It emphasises supporting the weak, frightened, prisoners, and tortured without any form of exclusion or discrimination.

The MCE's statement underscores the necessity of global cooperation to address human trafficking effectively. By uniting efforts worldwide, we can work towards eradicating this grave violation of human rights and ensuring a dignified life for all affected individuals.

With inputs from WAM