Islamic Human Rights Commission

Islamic Human Rights Commission. The Islamic Human Rights Commission is an NGO based in London, United Kingdom, that focuses on human rights issues related to Muslims worldwide, often in collaboration with organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Founded by Massoud Shadjareh and other activists, the commission works to promote the rights of Muslims in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, frequently referencing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. The commission's work is often informed by the principles of Sharia law and the Quran, as well as international human rights law, including the Geneva Conventions and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Introduction

The Islamic Human Rights Commission is a non-governmental organization that aims to promote and protect the human rights of Muslims globally, often working with organizations like the Muslim Council of Britain, Muslim Association of Britain, and the Federation of Student Islamic Societies. The commission's work is guided by the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity, as enshrined in the Quran and the Sunnah, as well as international human rights law, including the Convention against Torture and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The commission's activities are often influenced by the work of prominent Muslim scholars and human rights activists, such as Malala Yousafzai, Tariq Ramadan, and Yusuf al-Qaradawi, as well as international organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League. The commission also engages with governments and international organizations, including the European Union, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe, to promote the rights of Muslims and address issues like Islamophobia and discrimination, often referencing the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

History

The Islamic Human Rights Commission was founded in 1997 by a group of Muslim activists and scholars, including Massoud Shadjareh and Saied Reza Ameli, who were concerned about the human rights of Muslims in the United Kingdom and around the world, often citing the Bosnian War and the Rwandan Genocide as examples of human rights crises. The commission's early work focused on issues like racial discrimination, police brutality, and prison conditions, often in collaboration with organizations like the Prison Reform Trust and the Howard League for Penal Reform. The commission also worked to promote interfaith dialogue and community cohesion, often engaging with organizations like the Church of England and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, as well as international organizations like the World Council of Churches and the World Jewish Congress. Over time, the commission's work has expanded to include issues like counter-terrorism, surveillance, and online censorship, often referencing the USA PATRIOT Act and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Objectives and Activities

The Islamic Human Rights Commission's objectives include promoting and protecting the human rights of Muslims globally, as well as promoting social justice and human dignity, often citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. The commission's activities include research and advocacy, as well as community outreach and education, often in collaboration with organizations like the Muslim Welfare House and the Federation of Student Islamic Societies. The commission also provides support and advice to victims of human rights abuses, often working with organizations like the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, as well as international organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The commission's work is often informed by the principles of Sharia law and the Quran, as well as international human rights law, including the Geneva Conventions and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Criticisms and Controversies

The Islamic Human Rights Commission has faced criticisms and controversies over the years, including allegations of extremism and anti-Semitism, often referencing the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Gaza War. Some critics have accused the commission of promoting a radical Islamist agenda, often citing the commission's support for Palestinian rights and its criticism of Western foreign policy, including the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. The commission has also faced criticism for its stance on issues like free speech and blasphemy, often referencing the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy and the Charlie Hebdo shooting. However, the commission has consistently denied these allegations, arguing that its work is focused on promoting human rights and social justice for all, often citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Notable Campaigns and Events

The Islamic Human Rights Commission has been involved in several notable campaigns and events over the years, including the Stop the War Coalition and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, often working with organizations like the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Anti-Apartheid Movement. The commission has also organized conferences and seminars on issues like Islamophobia and counter-terrorism, often featuring speakers like Tariq Ramadan, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, and Malala Yousafzai, as well as international organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League. The commission has also worked to promote interfaith dialogue and community cohesion, often engaging with organizations like the Church of England and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, as well as international organizations like the World Council of Churches and the World Jewish Congress. The commission's work has been recognized by organizations like the United Nations and the European Union, and has been praised by human rights activists and scholars around the world, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.