Abdul Wahab Rafeqi Elected as a Member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Moroccan researcher and thinker Abdul Wahab Rafeqi has been elected as a member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during elections held in Istanbul on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of member states.
This appointment reflects the growing presence of Moroccan expertise in international institutions and highlights the increasing interest in Rafeqi’s experience in issues of extremism, religious transformation, and intellectual reform. Formerly known as “Abu Hafs,” Rafeqi is regarded as one of the leading innovative intellectual voices in the Islamic world.
Currently serving as an advisor at the Ministry of Justice, he directs the “Wai” Centre for Studies, Mediation, and Reflection. He also heads the Scientific Research Committee of the World Organisation for Information Technology and Security based in Barcelona and is a member of the regional experts network affiliated with the Berghof Foundation in Germany.
Born in Casablanca in 1974, Rafeqi earned a degree in Sharia from the University of Medina and a Master’s in Philosophy from the Faculty of Arts in Fez. He is currently preparing a doctoral thesis in sociology. He has published dozens of articles in Arab and foreign newspapers in three languages, addressing issues of religious reform, freedom of belief, and combating extremism.
His personal experience carries special significance, having transitioned from a prominent position within the Salafi movement at the beginning of the millennium to becoming one of the foremost advocates for human rights and tolerance, following a nine-year prison term before being pardoned by royal decree.
His membership in the Islamic Human Rights Commission is expected to represent a qualitative addition and strengthen the presence of the Moroccan moderate model within the Islamic space.
