The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb, Shaykh Al-Azhar, received Ms Kajsa Ollongren, the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, to discuss ways to strengthen joint cooperation.
The Grand Imam stated that Al-Azhar has a clear position on the issue of human rights, saying:
“I am among those who believe that many human rights are agreed upon between the East and West, and everyone should work to utilise them as principles of fundamental human rights.”
Highlighting the role of Al-Azhar in promoting human rights in Egypt, the Grand Imam explained that when Al-Azhar became aware of attempts to sow discord between Muslims and their Christian brethren at the beginning of the last decade, it joined with the Egyptian churches to establish the Egyptian Family House. This initiative has played a key role in eliminating extremism and sectarian strife and now has branches and offices in many governorates across the Republic. The guiding principle of Al-Azhar has been the affirmation of full citizenship for all, regardless of religion. Al-Azhar has also rejected the term “minorities” due to its negative implications for rights and freedoms.
The Grand Imam further emphasised Al-Azhar’s commitment to rights and freedoms, reflected in the issuance of the Al-Azhar Document on Fundamental Freedoms. The document affirms that human dignity is not a gift bestowed, but an inherent and inviolable right. At the same time, he expressed concerns within Eastern societies regarding attempts to impose Western models under the guise of freedoms in traditional communities. He stressed the need for the West to understand that societal norms and values are deeply connected to the identity, history, civilisation, and religious value systems of Eastern peoples.
For her part, Ms Kajsa Ollongren, former Dutch minister and appointed European Union Special Representative for Human Rights in June 2025, expressed her pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam and her appreciation for his tangible efforts to promote peace, fraternity, acceptance of others, and equality. She stated:
“We are well aware of the role of Al-Azhar and the vital role it plays in protecting human rights and human dignity, not only in Egypt but throughout the world.”
She added:
“We seek to strengthen cooperation with you, based on our belief in the role of religious institutions. We share your vision that the human rights framework we have in common outweighs our differences, and we fully recognise the necessity of respecting religious, moral, and societal values in relation to human rights.”
