OIC IPHRC Engagement Bolsters Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Collaboration

Saudi Arabia’s support for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission is reaffirmed as officials review how to strengthen its role, with discussions focused on strategic plans, partnerships and the commission’s ability to respond to humanitarian issues affecting OIC member states.

The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Saleh Suhaibani, met Executive Director of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, Dr. Hadi Al-Yami, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Makkah Region to discuss these matters in detail.

During the meeting, officials examined the commission’s strategic plans for the upcoming phase, aiming to help the body deliver its mission, fulfil its objectives and respond to the expectations of member states. The plans include clarifying the commission’s mandate, improving governance and developing mechanisms that support more effective and coordinated work.

Participants also discussed the need to engage with all OIC member states in parallel, benchmark IPHRC practices against comparable human rights institutions and widen partnerships with relevant regional and international organisations, with a view to strengthening the practical impact of the commission’s programmes and improving communication with member states.

The talks highlighted the continued and generous support provided by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the commission, including hosting its headquarters in Jeddah, which reflects the Kingdom’s established commitment to strengthening the human rights system within the OIC and advancing joint Islamic institutional action.

Discussion covered ways to deepen the commission’s institutional partnerships, including cooperation with different OIC bodies, specialised institutions and related entities, so that the human rights agenda is addressed through coordinated efforts, shared expertise and improved channels for consultation among the organisation’s various components.

OIC human rights commission humanitarian role and media cooperation

The meeting addressed the commission’s role in responding to the humanitarian consequences of current crises and issues facing OIC member states, emphasising the importance of developing its tools and partnerships so that responses consider both human rights standards and the specific needs of affected communities.

Officials underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation with unions of news agencies to support accurate professional media coverage, raise human rights awareness, exchange content and expertise and improve communication with member states, while also highlighting priority human rights issues across the OIC and supporting the commission’s expanding responsibilities.

Both sides stressed that the commission’s strategic plans should align with the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action, ensuring that human rights work remains integrated with the organisation’s wider goals and that expanded participation and coordination continue to serve the peoples of OIC member states through clear, practical and well-governed initiatives.

With inputs from SPA