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Multi-Religious Council of Leaders

Faith communities have long offered sanctuary to refugees in their journey to safety, as first responders meeting protection or service delivery needs and supporting communities to find solutions such as private sponsorship programmes. This commitment comes from religious teachings, as well as a long-term commitment to upholding human rights.

The Multi-Religious Council of Leaders, brought together by UNHCR and Religions for Peace, strengthens collective efforts across regions and faiths to address root causes by supporting global advocacy, conflict prevention, reconciliation, peacebuilding and social cohesion initiatives.

Read the Religious Leaders Statement from the 2023 Global Refugee Forum

The Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) describes faith-based actors and organizations as contributors to good relations and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities. It emphasizes their potential role in addressing root causes through supporting conflict prevention, reconciliation, peacebuilding and social cohesion.  

The GCR aims to strengthen the international response to large movements of refugees and protracted refugee situations. It recognizes faith leaders and faith-based organizations as contributors to good relations and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.  

Members of the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders commit to mobilizing action for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and internally displaced people addressing root causes of forced displacement, and facilitating the meaningful participation of forcibly displaced women and girls in peacebuilding processes.  

“As wars, conflict, and persecution continue to force people to flee their homes, we seek the support of faith leaders and their communities. They are key in not only standing with and supporting refugees during their displacement but in addressing the root causes that gave rise to their flight.” UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi 

(link is external)Religions for PeaceLink is external is a key UNHCR partner in strengthening commitments from religious leaders, faith representatives and institutions. Religions for Peace is the largest religious leadership coalition representing all the world’s faith traditions through inter-religious platforms at regional and country/national levels. 

Members of the Council

The Council comprises a group of religious and spiritual leaders, and their mandate extends until the third Global Refugee Forum in 2027, where they will present progress on pledges made at the 2023 GRF and seek further commitments to action from a broader range of religious actors and institutions. 

Members of the Council were identified based on having served as strong advocates for conflict prevention, reconciliation and peacebuilding in humanitarian and forced displacement contexts. 

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(link is external)H.E. Judge Mohamed ABDELSALAMLink is external
Secretary-General of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity; Co-President, Religions for Peace

“Islam calls upon us to support and stand by refugees. Prophet Mohammed helped and stood by those who sought his refuge until their rights and homes were returned. Islam has many provisions for the well-treatment, backing, and hosting of refugees.”

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(link is external)H.E. Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad ABUBAKAR IIILink is external
Sultan of Sokoto, Sultanate of Sokoto; Co-President, Religions for Peace

“We pray for peace, stability and progress for the whole world. As one of the co-presidents of Religions Peace, I am committed to tackling forced displacement and promoting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria and in the world.”

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Mr. Azhar AZEEZ
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) 

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Together, across faiths and nations, we can build bridges and break barriers to support displaced communities.”

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Mr. Hussein AL DAOUDI 
Advisor to the SG and Member of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. He is also a Member of the World Council of Muslim Communities, and the Chairman of the (link is external)Scandinavian Council for RelationsLink is external.

“I am ready to work together to help alleviate the pain and hardships refugees face everywhere. This Council of Leaders holds a strategic role in addressing crises and promoting initiatives for sustainable development, peace, and coexistence, especially in nations with diverse communities.”

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(link is external)H.E. Cardinal Charles BOLink is external
Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar; President, Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference; Co-President, Religions for Peace

“We pray for a new world, where truly every human being has an equal status, equal rights and basic freedoms, where ethnic and religious diversity is celebrated and where we enjoy real peace.”

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Dr. Alhagi Manta DRAMMEH
Head of International Cooperation and External Relations
International Islamic Fiqh Academy

“Human dignity, respect for the rule of law, and the empowerment of women are the cornerstones of our efforts to support refugees worldwide.”

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Rt. Rev. Mark EDINGTON
Bishop in Charge
Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe

“Faith communities have a crucial role both in standing with the most vulnerable in our midst and in seeking constructive, nonviolent solutions to the interlocking causes of forced displacement.”

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(link is external)H.E. Metropolitan EMMANUELLink is external
Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon; Co-Moderator, Religions for Peace

“Religious leaders have a sacred duty to protect the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, and advocate for sustainable solutions to displacement. When faith traditions unite in humanitarian efforts, we multiply our effectiveness and bring hope to those forced from their homes.”

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(link is external)Ms. Emina FRLJAKLink is external
Program Coordinator, Youth for Peace; Member, Religions for Peace International Youth Committee

“From raising awareness to combating hate speech, young people are leading interfaith efforts to foster inclusion and support for migrants and refugees. If not now, when? If not us, who? Together, through interfaith collaboration and action, we can create a more welcoming world.”

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Rabbi Diana S. GERSON
Vice-President and Board Member
New York Board of Rabbis, Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities and Children, Global Advocacy Hub for Children and Families

“Everyone deserves a home. No one deserves to be stateless. Let’s step up as religious leaders and better protect the rights of children on the move. Working with refugees and not for them, teaches us the power of collaboration and shared humanity. Together, we can create lasting change.”

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(link is external)Ms. Nageeba HASSAN TEGULWALink is external
Member, International Women's Coordinating Committee of Religions for Peace; Executive Member of African Women of Faith Network; Board Member, Religions for Peace’s African Council of Religious Leaders.

“Tensions between refugees and host communities arise from misconceptions like xenophobia, Islamophobia, and a lack of understanding of refugee rights. To foster harmony and resilience, there is need to sensitize the public while engaging in transformative peacebuilding for youth and women, emphasizing diversity and meaningful participation.”

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(link is external)Rabbi Rick JACOBSLink is external
President, Union for Reform Judaism; Honorary President, Religions for Peace

“We need to say ‘humanity first’, loudly and clearly. We have to raise our religious voices together. The job of religious leaders is to act together and to act globally. We must work collectively to change one heart at a time.”

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Rev. Dr. Taesung KIM
Secretary-General, Korean Conference of Religions for Peace, Korea

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The Venerable Phra MEDHIVAJIRODOM
UNHCR Patron for Peace and Compassion, Founder of Vimuttayalaya Institute

“I commit to promote the idea of “We are One, We are World” to create solidarity, loving, kindness, and to prevent polarization and discrimination among refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and stateless people. We belong to the same family, which is a family of humanity.”

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Archbishop Maimbo MNDOLWA
Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Tanzania
Anglican Communion

“It’s vital that religious leaders work with governments to address this humanitarian crisis and help people find routes to safety and a more hopeful future.”

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(link is external)Rev. Kosho NIWANOLink is external
President-Designate, Rissho Kosei-Kai & Co-Moderator, Religions for Peace

“Buddhism teaches us that our existence is sustained by the existence of other We are all interconnected. If refugees are suffering, then we Buddhists are suffering too.”

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Imam Muhammad NURAYN ASHAFA
Co-director 
Interfaith Mediation Centre of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue

“No more seeing strangers, only neighbours. Together, religious leaders can transform divides into bridges of hope and unity.”

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(link is external)Grand-Father Dominique RANKINLink is external
Algonquin Hereditary Grand Chief; Co-President, Religions for Peace 

“Refugees, similarly to my people, were forced to leave their homes and now hope to find peace again. We should welcome our neighbours, as the only solution to wars and suffering is to live and work together as one.”

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(link is external)Imam Dr. Sayed RAZAWILink is external
Director-General and Chief Imam, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society; European Council of Religious Leaders, International Trustee, Religions for Peace

“Our vision together is that women, children and men are protected, find safety and support, have their human rights and dignity respected and achieve their full potential.”

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Priestess Beatriz SCHULTHESS
President, Indigenous Peoples Ancestral Spiritual Council
Honorary President, Religions for Peace

“We are witnessing growing social, political, economic, and environmental conflicts that lead to the displacement of entire populations. Refugee often face negative perceptions instead of the dignity and respect they deserve. It’s essential to reverse these biases, remembering that Indigenous Peoples, the first inhabitants of the Americas, once welcomed others to their territories with openness and hospitality.”

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(link is external)Bhai Sahib Mohinder SINGH AHLUWALIA, OBE KSGLink is external
Chairman, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha; Co-President and Trustee, Religions for Peace

“Every person is infinitely precious and must be protected unconditionally. It’s time we balance human rights with human responsibilities for a better world.”

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(link is external)H.H. Shri Shri SUGUNENDRA TEERTHA SWAMIJILink is external
Sri Putige Matha Monastery Chairman, Somaiya Vidyaviha, Co-President of Religions for Peace

“It is said, Guests are like God. God will come as a guest. If we treat them like God then God is going to bless us. In the form of refugees God is coming to us.”

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(link is external)Prof. Dr. Nayla TABBARALink is external
Co-Founder and President, Adyan Foundation; Co-President, Religions for Peace

“Religious leaders need to contribute, given their social and religious responsibility, to an honest description of the asylum situation in Lebanon and build their narratives on human dignity and other common humanitarian factors.”

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(link is external)H.E. Archbishop Buti TLHAGALELink is external
UNHCR high-level supporter, Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Liaison Bishop of Migrants and Refugees; First Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg

“Welcoming people means showing the best values which we have embraced. We welcome people because we too would like to be welcomed if we were in a different situation. Welcoming is a blessing we can always give to others.”

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Rev. Dr. James Movel WUYE
Co-director 
Interfaith Mediation Centre of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue

“Let's build a world where words inspire peace, not violence. My commitment is to train more Christian leaders to take on the responsibility of helping people who are forcefully displaced by man-made and climate catastrophes using faith-based practices.”

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Further information