DEARBORN — A new local civil rights organization was announced on Thursday, June 5. The newly-formed American Human Rights Council (AHRC) is “a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting and defending human rights,” according to a statement by the group.

Imam Mohammad Mardini will serve as the Interim AHRC President. Civil rights attorney Shereef Akeel will serve as AHRC Advisory Board Chairman.

Imad Hamad, the former Michigan director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), who left his post last year after several woman accused him of sexual harassment, will be “a volunteer and an advisor” to the new organization, according to Mardini. 

The Michigan-based organization said it will work beyond the borders of the state and the country.

“Although the AHRC will primarily focus on the United States, we will work in conjunction with any organization which can help us achieve our mission of protecting human rights around the world, regardless of geographical or other boundaries,” read a statement by AHRC.

“Human rights are precious to all of us,” Mardini said. “I have accepted a leadership role with the AHRC to fulfill my strong commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals, and with the support of our members, along with the community-at-large, I sincerely believe that we will be successful in protecting and restoring human rights wherever they are threatened or denied.”

Mardini told The Arab American News that the group is looking to hold its inaugural gala soon.

He said AHCR will focus on new issues that are not covered by other civil rights groups, such as helping inmates in the state’s prisons and their families.

He explained that the group will look to visit, rehabilitate and reduce the sentences of people in prison. He said the new group has been a project in the making for a few years, and that he is reaching out to community leaders and religious scholars to broaden the base of support for the organization.

He said AHCR’s slogan is to never leave prisoners behind, adding that Arab American civil rights organizations have not given enough attention to Arab and Muslim inmates. 

The telephone number of the Michigan Office is 313-914-3251 and the fax number is 313-914-3284. The AHRC website is  AHRCUSA.org. The contact email is info@AHRCUSA.org.