Jeddah – Highlighting a rapidly worsening crisis, officials from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and national human rights bodies have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in both Gaza and the West Bank. Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) of Qatar, HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, emphasized the severity of conditions during recent meetings in Jeddah, calling for immediate international action to protect civilians.
The discussions, occurring as part of the 26th regular session of the IPHRC, focused on the escalating violence, widespread shortages of essential resources, and the collapse of healthcare and other vital infrastructure in the Palestinian territories and the ongoing conflict in Syria. Al Attiyah’s remarks underscore the growing international pressure to address the immediate and long-term consequences of the crises.
Gaza and West Bank: A Deteriorating Human Rights Landscape
According to HE Al Attiyah, the current situation constitutes grave violations of international humanitarian law. She specifically cited the collective punishment of civilians and the deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools as deeply troubling trends. These actions are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis, leaving vulnerable populations without access to basic necessities.
The meetings served as a platform for the OIC to unify its stance and strengthen its approach based on international law and human rights principles. Participants stressed the need for safe, unconditional, and sustained humanitarian access as a prerequisite for any potential resolution. Additionally, Al Attiyah emphasized that reconstruction efforts must address the root causes of the conflict and ensure accountability for past transgressions.
The Need for Accountability
A central theme from the Jeddah discussions was the importance of holding perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable. Al Attiyah affirmed support for international investigations and cooperation with the International Criminal Court and relevant United Nations mechanisms. She noted the necessity of meticulously documenting violations according to international standards.
Strengthening the role of civil society organizations in monitoring and reporting on the situation was also highlighted. The NHRC believes that collective action within the OIC is essential to ensure that those responsible for serious crimes are brought to justice, contributing to a culture of respect for human rights.
Beyond Immediate Relief
Al Attiyah stressed that addressing the humanitarian crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Beyond providing immediate aid—including food, water, and medical supplies—she underscored the vital importance of mental health and psychosocial support, especially for children and women profoundly affected by the ongoing violence. Protecting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, was also identified as a priority.
Furthermore, discussions extended to the human rights situation in Syria, where the prolonged conflict continues to fuel immense suffering. Al Attiyah called for the IPHRC to enhance its monitoring role, producing unbiased reports on the conditions on the ground in cooperation with UN agencies and national institutions.
The meetings also addressed challenges related to women, children, and violent extremism within OIC member states. Participants recognized the crucial role of women in preventing extremism and emphasized the need to safeguard girls’ right to education, even in conflict zones. Also noted was the growing threat of digital violence and exploitation against children and the need for comprehensive national policies to address these issues.
Looking ahead, sustained diplomatic engagement, capitalizing on recent international gatherings like the Saudi-French conference and the proposed 2025 Peace Summit in New York, is seen as a vital avenue for building consensus and advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. The IPHRC will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for adherence to international humanitarian law. The next steps involve disseminating the outcomes of the meetings to relevant stakeholders and working towards the implementation of the recommendations made during the session; however, the success of these efforts remains contingent on the willingness of all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and uphold human rights.
