A research study issued by TRENDS Research & Advisory emphasized that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, in February 2019, remains a global ethical reference for fostering values of coexistence and peace.

The study, released on the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity under the title “Human Fraternity on its Fifth Anniversary: Key Enhancement Approaches and Major Challenges”, highlighted that the document aims to promote solidarity among people regardless of their religious, cultural or ethnic differences.

Key principles include upholding peace and shared living by rejecting hatred and extremism in all forms, affirming the principle of equal citizenship where all individuals enjoy rights and duties regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations, and rejecting the misuse of religion for political or ideological purposes, which hinders peaceful coexistence. The document also calls for empowering women, protecting the rights of children and vulnerable groups, and fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue to achieve common understanding and strengthen global peace.

The study, prepared by the Political Islam Studies Section at TRENDS, also examined the challenges hindering the implementation of the document. Despite its significant importance, the study pointed to several obstacles, including extremist groups exploiting religion to achieve political goals, thereby deepening divisions within societies. The study highlighted Islamist groups that refuse the idea of coexistence with those who hold differing views, seeing them instead as enemies, which fuels polarization and hostility.

It also noted that the increase in global conflicts and regional wars has led to international relations being governed more by political and economic interests than by shared ethical values.

The rise of nationalist and far-right movements in some countries has strengthened exclusionary and isolationist policies, weakening opportunities for cooperation and coexistence. The influence of digital media and misinformation campaigns was also mentioned as a significant challenge.

To address these challenges, the study proposed several solutions to promote the principles of human fraternity at various levels. These include enhancing education based on values of tolerance and pluralism by incorporating concepts of human fraternity into school curricula and encouraging activities that foster a spirit of coexistence among students from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

The study emphasized the need for media and artistic campaigns that highlight success stories in peaceful coexistence and demonstrate the role of shared human values in building societies.

It also called for religious institutions to play a more active role in combating extremist ideas and spreading values of tolerance and mutual respect.

Furthermore, the study recommended reforming legislation and strengthening international humanitarian law by providing legal frameworks that protect human rights, reinforce the concept of equal citizenship, and combat discrimination in all its forms.

The study concluded that promoting the principles of human fraternity has become an urgent necessity to address divisions and build a more just and stable future for all. It affirmed that human fraternity remains a true hope for a more peaceful and tolerant future, emphasizing that achieving this goal requires collective efforts at both the local and international levels through education, media, legal reforms, and enhanced interfaith and intercultural dialogue.