GCC Secretary General Highlights Commitment To Promoting Human Rights And Tolerance

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasised the importance GCC leaders place on human rights. He highlighted their commitment to protecting basic rights and ensuring economic, social, and cultural rights. These remarks were made during his participation in the 23rd session of the Independent Permanent Commission for Human Rights of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.

Albudaiwi praised the OIC's significant role in human rights since its establishment in 1969. He noted that this commitment was reflected in the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in 1990, which affirmed adherence to protecting human rights according to tolerant Islamic Sharia. He also expressed a desire to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GCC's Human Rights Office and the OIC.

During his speech, Albudaiwi discussed cooperation between the GCC and OIC in human rights protection, rooted in Islamic values. He mentioned a 2008 cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and combating terrorism, occupation, and Zionism. Additionally, he referred to an executive work program for 2021-2022 focused on coordinating efforts in human rights and political coordination to resolve crises.

Albudaiwi also highlighted cultural, media, and human rights cooperation between the GCC and OIC. This collaboration aims to combat hatred and intolerance while promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He reiterated that these efforts are crucial for fostering a culture of understanding among different communities.

The Secretary-General pointed out current and future challenges to human rights, including technological advancements like artificial intelligence impacting privacy and digital rights. He stressed the need for collective efforts to address these challenges by enacting appropriate legislation that balances protecting rights with technological progress.

Albudaiwi also addressed issues related to combating discrimination, empowering women, and protecting vulnerable groups such as children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. He reaffirmed the GCC's commitment to tolerance, coexistence, and human rights through legal frameworks and specific initiatives.

Condemning Violations Against Palestinians

In his concluding remarks, Albudaiwi condemned ongoing human rights violations by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians. He highlighted daily systematic crimes in Gaza Strip as evidence of international community's failure to protect those in need. He called on international officials to convey true situations on ground and hold perpetrators accountable.

He criticised international agreements related to human rights as mere ink on paper due to their ineffectiveness. Albudaiwi stressed importance of having an impartial international law that guarantees protection for those whose rights are violated while holding violators accountable.

The Secretary-General also acknowledged aspirations for signing an MoU between GCC General Secretariat’s Human Rights Office and OIC’s Independent Permanent Commission for Human Rights. This MoU aims at formalising cooperation aligning interests fostering collaboration between entities ensuring mutual goals are achieved effectively.

Albudaiwi concluded by reiterating that it is crucial for all involved parties to work together towards achieving fair balance between advancing technology while safeguarding fundamental human rights ensuring sustainable development without compromising individual freedoms or privacy concerns.

With inputs from SPA