Muslim Council of Elders calls for urgent protection of global aid workers

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued a formal statement on Wednesday, 19 August, calling for intensified international protection for humanitarian workers and the non-discriminatory delivery of aid. Marking World Humanitarian Day, the Abu Dhabi-based Council emphasized that the current global landscape of escalating armed conflicts and natural disasters requires a prioritisation of human dignity in global policy. The statement specifically addressed the safety of relief personnel, demanding that international laws and conventions guaranteeing their security be strictly respected and that all targeting of humanitarian missions be rejected. Global response to rising crises The Council noted that the frequency of modern crises has created an urgent need for more robust volunteerism and humanitarian service. By promoting these values to younger generations, the Council stated that societies can build the necessary resilience to confront large-scale displacement and disasters. The official call for action follows the Council’s ongoing advocacy based on the Document on Human Fraternity. This landmark document was signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Dr. Al-Tayeb and the late Pope Francis, establishing a framework for interfaith cooperation in assisting vulnerable and marginalized populations globally. Focus on humanitarian security A key focus of the Wednesday announcement was the recognition of humanitarian workers…