Garowe 3rd October 2009(AllPuntland)- A well organized symposium discussion on the right to asylum between Islamic Sharia and International Law has been held in Garowe on 3rd October at Garowe Public Library.
The debate, which was organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Security & DDR, was funded by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office.
The debate invited more than 40 religious leaders from different villages and regions of Puntland. The objective of the discussion was to debate on the comparative study of Prof. Ahmed Abu Al-Wafaa.
“The discussion was very fruitful and at the conclusion Puntland Religious leaders certified the comparative study” said by Mr. Abdirisak Yasin Geesood, the Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs.
“We, the government have endorsed the study to be further published and disseminated inside Puntland” Mr. Abdirisak adds.
The study describes how Islam and Arab tradition respect to refugees, other persons of concern to UNHCR, including non-Muslims and forbids forcing them to change their beliefs; avoids compromising their rights; seeks to reunite families; and guarantees the protection of their lives and property.
The study outlines Islam's 1,400-year-old tradition of generosity toward people fleeing persecution has had more influence on modern-day international refugee law than any other historical source.
Religious leaders have a strong influence in many societies and guide the thinking and action of millions of believers.
