Jeddah (UNA) – The 26th regular session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) commenced today, Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah. The session, themed “Youth Development in OIC Member States: Challenges and Opportunities from a Human Rights Perspective,” will continue until December 18. In his welcoming remarks, the Executive Director of the IPHRC, Dr. Hadi bin Ali Al-Yami, affirmed that the session represents a significant contribution to the advancement of human rights in member states and strengthens the approach of partnership and joint institutional action. He commended the efforts of the IPHRC Chair, Dr. Haji Ali Acıklül, during his tenure and his role in developing the Commission’s work. He also announced that Dr. Saido Dogon Guida will assume the chairmanship for 2026. Al-Yami explained that the IPHRC has continued to engage with pressing human rights issues and convened an emergency session to address serious humanitarian crises, underscoring its readiness and responsibility. For his part, Dr. Ajikul expressed the Commission's gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the facilities and services it provided, which contributed to supporting its work. He also expressed his appreciation for the support he received during his tenure. Dr. Awatif bint Fahd Al-Harthi, a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, affirmed that youth constitute an active force in building the future, noting that empowering them and enhancing their participation in various fields represents an investment in the stability and development of societies. In turn, the Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Turkey, Niyazi Akar, stated that discussing youth and human rights issues is of particular importance. He pointed to the violations suffered by young people in the Gaza Strip, which affect their rights, opportunities, and hopes for the future, and stressed the necessity of addressing these violations. In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ambassador Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Dubaie, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation affirmed that youth represent one of the most important elements of strength and change within the organization, in a world witnessing rapid transformations encompassing technological advancements, economic challenges, and social and environmental shifts. The program for the first day included an official opening ceremony, plenary sessions, keynote speeches, as well as thematic panel discussions with the participation of international observers and specialists from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
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