Jeddah (UNA) – Dr. Awatif bint Fahd Al-Harthi, a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressed her deep appreciation for the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its pivotal role in promoting human rights and consolidating principles that contribute to building more aware, just, and stable societies. The Commission's initiatives and continuous follow-up on pressing issues underscore its position as a key partner in supporting regional and international efforts to protect human rights and preserve human dignity.
During the opening of the 26th session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission on Sunday, December 14, 2025, she emphasized that young people today are not merely an age group, but rather a renewable resource, a creative force, and a source of innovative visions capable of shaping the future. She explained that empowering them and activating their participation in various fields of work, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship represents an investment in human capital and in the stability of societies, and a fundamental pillar for achieving development and prosperity.
She added, “This dialogue provides a platform to enhance youth leadership, empowering them to actively participate in supporting the resilience of local communities, especially in conflict-affected areas, and helping them rebuild bridges of trust and cooperation among community members and develop innovative solutions to problems. It is also an opportunity to exchange experiences and share successful practices in the fields of relief, education, and social innovation, enriching the development process and strengthening cooperation between member states and successful humanitarian organizations in these areas.”
She emphasized that supporting youth is not merely a development option, but a strategic investment in the future of societies. Their energy, vision, and passion are fundamental to social peace and sustainable development, and every effort to empower them is a step towards a more stable, creative, and humane society.
She said that youth rights are an integral part of the system of basic rights that should include the right to education, health, work, community participation, and the protection of youth from all forms of exploitation and violence, and that Islamic reference and international principles provide a strong basis for building national policies that promote youth participation, protect their rights, and enable them to contribute to the development of their societies, especially in countries facing post-conflict challenges.
The challenges facing young people were summarized as limited opportunities for education and employment, the effects of conflicts on mental and social health, weak platforms for participation and decision-making, and the need for environments that encourage innovation and creativity.
However, she stressed that these challenges highlight real opportunities to enhance the role of youth by developing capacity-building programs, raising the level of participation in national councils and bodies, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, and creating effective pathways for volunteer work and youth initiatives.
She reiterated three key points:
First: The need to build national policies that support young people, involve them in decision-making, provide them with opportunities for empowerment, and invest in their capabilities.
Second: Integrating young people into humanitarian response systems, not as beneficiaries, but as field leaders, initiators, and influential members of society.
Third: Strengthening partnerships at the regional and international levels, as humanitarian work and peacebuilding cannot be achieved without integrated cooperation between governments, regional and international institutions, the private sector and civil society.
She indicated that human rights institutions have a vital role in promoting a culture of rights, monitoring violations, and supporting national policies aimed at protecting youth. She pointed out that professional and responsible media is an essential partner in protecting youth, whether through combating hate speech and extremism, spreading awareness of human rights, providing safe platforms for youth to express their opinions, or promoting a positive image of their role in society. She explained that from this standpoint, the importance of strengthening cooperation between human rights institutions and the media is evident, in order to ensure the unification of efforts, enhance transparency, and enable youth to access information in a safe and responsible manner.
She stressed that today’s discussions go beyond simply reviewing the challenges; they are a call to renew the commitment to young people, as a generation capable of leading change if given the opportunity. They are the force closest to the affected communities, and the most capable of rebuilding trust, restoring social ties, and creating solutions that respond to the needs of reality.
She added, “It is impossible to talk about the post-conflict phase without stopping at Gaza, where the Israeli aggression led to the killing of more than 70,000 martyrs, 180,000 wounded, the displacement of nearly two million people, and the complete destruction of the infrastructure.”
Dr. Awatif noted the outstanding work undertaken by the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, and its continuous efforts in supporting and empowering youth rights, and strengthening cooperation among member states to address current challenges and capitalize on future opportunities in order to build a future in which our youth play an active role in development, peace and prosperity.
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