Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Receives the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights to Discuss Strengthening Mutual Cooperation
His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar has received Kaisa Ollongren, the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, to explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation.
The Grand Imam stated, "We are among those who believe that a significant portion of human rights has been agreed upon between East and West, and it is incumbent upon all to cultivate it as the foundational elements of human rights. Yet, certain matters remain that the West regards as rights, but which, for us in the East, are not, as they contradict sound innate disposition and clash with religious and moral values—the primary constituents and approved reference for Eastern peoples."
He emphasized that human dignity is not a bestowed privilege but an inherent right that must remain inviolable, while underscoring the Eastern peoples' rejection of attempts to impose the Western human rights framework on Eastern individuals under the guise of freedoms. He stressed the need for the West to recognize that these issues are intricately tied to the Eastern individual's personality, identity, history, civilization, and, foremost, to the system of values and religious teachings.
For her part, Kaisa Ollongren, the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, expressed her appreciation for the Grand Imam's tangible efforts in promoting peace, fraternity, acceptance of others, and equality among all. She expressed her awareness of Al-Azhar's stature and the vital role it plays in safeguarding human rights and dignity worldwide.
She also affirmed readiness towards enhancingcooperation, stemming from the belief in the role of religious institutions and the shared vision while being acutely aware of the necessity to align human rights with religious, moral, and societal values. She further noted Al-Azhar's stature and the important, vital role it plays in protecting human rights and dignity globally.