GENEVA, 29th April, 2019 (WAM) -- Shaikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council and President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, has been awarded the International Award of Excellence Ambassador for Liberty and Peace by the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty.

The prize is one of the key recognitions awarded annually for international personalities who contribute effectively to promoting religious freedom and tolerance.

This came as part of the Second global Summit organised by the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty, held here on April 29th - May 1st.

The Summit, which is co-organised by the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty (AIDLR) and the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OGPRtoP), focuses on promoting and protecting the human rights of religious minorities, refugees and migrants, particularly in countries where they have been or are targeted as a result of the discourse of ultra-nationalist political parties and leaders.

The award comes in recognition of the eminent role played by Shaikh Bin Bayyah in promoting peace through successful fora and initiatives, such as Marrakesh Declaration, Peace Caravan, Hilf al-Fudul (Alliance of Virtue) and his support for reconciliation efforts in a number of countries plagued by civil wars and acts of terrorism.