Jeddah (UNA) – The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in cooperation with the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA), held an online seminar on March 5, 2026, entitled “Humanitarian Action as a Tool for Promoting Human Rights and the Values of Coexistence and Tolerance.” This event was organized during the holy month of Ramadan, a blessed month that embodies the universal values of compassion, solidarity, generosity, and peaceful coexistence.
At the outset, the participants extended their warmest greetings and best wishes to Muslims around the world and to all of humanity, expressing their hope that the holy month of Ramadan would inspire a renewed commitment to the values of human dignity, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and mutual understanding among nations and societies.
The online seminar was part of ongoing efforts within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to highlight the close relationship between humanitarian work and the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in cases of crises, disasters and humanitarian need.
The participants expressed their appreciation to the organizers for holding this timely dialogue and commended the joint initiative of His Excellency Dr. Hadi bin Ali Al-Yami, Executive Director of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, and His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Abdul Rabbo Al-Yami, Director General of the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA), for bringing together stakeholders from the humanitarian, diplomatic, media, and academic fields to discuss this important topic. The symposium benefited from the valuable contributions of prominent speakers, including: His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Fawzan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Secretary General of the King Abdulaziz Center for Intercultural Dialogue; His Excellency Ambassador Diaa El-Din Said Bamakhrama, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Suleiman Aba Al-Khail, Executive Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; His Excellency Dr. Samer Al-Jutaili, Director of Resources and Investment and Spokesperson for the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre; and Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Arwa Hassan Al-Sayed, Member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The participants in the seminar affirmed the following:
They affirmed that the principles of humanitarian action and human rights are deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam, which emphasize compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity. They pointed to Islamic principles stating that humanity was created in diverse nations and societies so that they may know one another, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance among people of different faiths and cultures. The participants also noted that the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by institutions of OIC member states reflect these deeply held Islamic values by providing assistance to all vulnerable communities without discrimination, thus demonstrating the tolerant image of Islam and promoting tolerance and coexistence among peoples.
They reaffirmed that humanitarian action and the protection of human rights reinforce each other, and that humanitarian responses must be based on human rights principles such as respect for dignity, equality, non-discrimination and accountability.
They stressed the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure during crises, highlighting the obligation of all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
They explained that humanitarian initiatives are a form of soft diplomacy, helping to build bridges of cooperation and understanding between societies and promoting intercultural dialogue and solidarity. They also emphasized the role of humanitarian work in encouraging collective responsibility and social solidarity, which helps combat intolerance, discrimination, and social disintegration.
They stressed the need to strengthen humanitarian governance frameworks and ensure that humanitarian assistance is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, neutrality, and respect for international humanitarian and human rights standards.
They emphasized that humanitarian initiatives, when implemented fairly and comprehensively, can contribute to building trust between communities and promote social cohesion, thereby strengthening the values of coexistence and tolerance.
They expressed their appreciation for the important humanitarian contributions of the institutions and initiatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, particularly the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, whose global humanitarian activities have provided assistance in many countries and sectors without discrimination.
They emphasized the need to shift from the concept of “Material charity“To the frame”human rights“To ensure the sustainability of aid and protect it from politicization through accountability and legal frameworks, and to ensure that relief efforts contribute to the long-term protection of rights and the empowerment of affected populations.”
They emphasized that sustainable humanitarian responses must also address the root causes of crises, including armed conflict, discrimination, poverty and exclusion.
They stressed that addressing the rise of Islamophobia and negative stereotypes about Islam requires enhanced dialogue between civilizations, conscious media engagement, and the promotion of accurate narratives that reflect the ethical and humanitarian principles of Islamic civilization.
They called for enhanced cooperation between international organizations, regional human rights mechanisms, humanitarian actors, and civil society to improve coordination and the effectiveness of humanitarian responses.
They emphasized the importance of responsible media coverage in highlighting humanitarian efforts, combating hate speech, and promoting narratives of solidarity, tolerance, and respect for human dignity. They also underscored the crucial role of institutions such as the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission and the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) in raising awareness of humanitarian needs, promoting a culture of human rights, building the capacity of journalists in the field of human rights, and highlighting positive initiatives that foster tolerance and coexistence.
They also stressed the crucial role of women and youth as agents of peace, resilience and social transformation in humanitarian responses, and called for their greater involvement in decision-making and program implementation.
They acknowledged the potential of digital technology and innovation to improve the delivery of humanitarian services, enhance early warning systems, and strengthen protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations.
They highlighted the importance of integrating mental health and psychosocial support services into humanitarian programs to address trauma and contribute to reconciliation, social resilience and peaceful coexistence.
They stressed the importance of adequate, predictable, and non-discriminatory financing mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of humanitarian responses and the equitable delivery of assistance to the most vulnerable populations. They also encouraged the development of innovative and inclusive financing models, including humanitarian funds, concessional financing, public-private partnerships, and solidarity mechanisms within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to enhance humanitarian assistance while ensuring transparency and accountability and building the long-term resilience of affected communities.
They agreed to continue dialogue and collaborative initiatives, including capacity-building programs, knowledge sharing, and joint research, to further strengthen the link between humanitarian work and the promotion of human rights, peace, and tolerance.
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