National Order of the Cedar
Awarded Lebanon’s National Order of the Cedar in recognition of his humanitarian and civic contributions.
Founder and President
Dr. Kamel Mohanna
A physician, humanitarian leader and lifelong advocate for dignity, justice and solidarity, Dr. Kamel Mohanna founded Amel Association International in 1979 and helped shape it into a leading force in humanitarian and development action.
A life of commitment
Standing against oppression and defending human dignity.
Dr. Kamel Mohanna was born in 1943 in Khiyam, South Lebanon. From an early age, he stood against oppression in all its forms. His journey later took him to France, where he laid the foundations for his pioneering humanitarian work and dedicated his life to defending human dignity and advocating for just causes.
In the 1970s, he played a key role in establishing the Najdeh Association. In 1979, he founded Amel Association International, developing it into a major civil, non-sectarian organization working in humanitarian response, health, education, social development and human rights.
His vision combines service to vulnerable communities with a wider struggle for citizenship, equality and social justice. He has consistently promoted humanitarian action based on genuine partnership between the Global South and the Global North.
“Positive thinking and permanent optimism.”
Honors and distinctions
1998
3×
2009
2023
Recognition for a lifetime of humanitarian action.
Nobel Peace Prize
Nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of Amel’s humanitarian work and commitment to solidarity.
French Legion of Honour
Appointed an Officer of the French Legion of Honour for his humanitarian leadership and service.
Order of the Crown
Appointed Commander of Belgium’s Order of the Crown, one of the country’s highest royal distinctions.
Intellectual legacy
A codified legacy and a life beyond languages.
Dr. Mohanna has authored several books, including his autobiography, which has been published in Arabic, French and English. The Arabic edition reached its fifth edition through Al-Farabi Publications, while the French and English editions were published by L’Harmattan.
His writings address major humanitarian and intellectual questions arising from decades of field experience, public engagement and advocacy.
Volunteering and the role of civil society
Globalization and humanitarian action
Health from a human-centered perspective
North–South relations and equal partnership
Citizenship, dignity and social justice
Two of his more recent books, focusing on the origins and role of civil society and on the health sector, have also been prepared for publication in English.
A continuing journey
More than five decades dedicated to a common humanitarian future.
Dr. Kamel Mohanna’s work continues to unite humanitarian service, intellectual engagement and civic action around one central principle: every person has the right to dignity, health, freedom and equal opportunity.
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license
