Jeddah 8th July 2024: The 23rd Regular Session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held from 30 June- 4 July 2024 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It was attended by OIC Member and Observer States, including their National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), experts from relevant international and regional organizations, and senior officials of the OIC General Secretariat and media representatives.
The Session was jointly inaugurated by the OIC Secretary General H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) H.E. Mr. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, OIC-IPHRC Chairperson H.E. Ambassador Talal Khalid Saad Al Mutairi, OIC-IPHRC Executive Director H.E. Prof. Noura Zaid Alrshoud in a graceful inaugural ceremony on 30th June 2024, which was well attended by the OIC Member and Observer States. Minister of Justice of the Republic of Gabon, H.E. Mr. Paul Marie GOUNDJOUT, Assistant Secretary General of the League of Arab States, H.E. Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, and OIC-IPHRC Executive Director Prof. Noura Zaid Alrshoud also made statements during the inaugural ceremony.
On the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony, the IPHRC signed a MoU of Technical Collaboration with the League of Arab States. The MoU was signed by the IPHRC Chairperson, representing the IPHRC, and the Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Social Affairs sector at LAS, representing the League of Arab States. This MoU is the first of its kind that IPHRC signs with an international organization. Prior to this, IPHRC has signed the MoUs with the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Uzbekistan. This partnership aims to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations, enhancing their efforts to promote and protect human rights within the Member States. The collaboration will facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and resources, fostering a more unified approach to addressing regional human rights challenges.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a thematic debate on the topic of ‘The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Rights: Challenges and Opportunities’ in which international experts from UN, OIC specialized institutions, academia, public policy and representatives of OIC Member and Observer States, including their NHRIs, participated and contributed extensively in a day-long discussion. The debate carried an in-depth review of the (a) basic concepts and principles governing various AI technologies and ongoing international efforts to create normative and legal frameworks for its governance; (b) ongoing international, regional, and OIC initiatives related to AI, including the need to develop an Islamic ethical framework for AI; (c) OIC Member States efforts to assess the risks and human rights implications of the AI systems, including sharing best practices and recommendations to harness the beneficial potential and mitigate the risks; (d) key mechanisms employed by governments, businesses, and civil society to ensure respect for human rights in the context of the emerging AI technologies. Based on comprehensive discussion, the Commission adopted an outcome document of thematic debate titled “Jeddah Declaration on the Guiding Principles on Artificial Intelligence Governance and Protection of Human Rights”, issued separately which is available at IPHRC website:www.oic-iphrc.org
The ‘Jeddah Declaration on the Guiding Principles on Artificial Intelligence Governance and Protection of Human Rights’ stands out as a milestone for the OIC Member States, offering coherent and comprehensive guidance in the lead-up to their negotiations at the upcoming Summit for the Future for the finalization of the Global Digital Compact. This declaration underscores the necessity of integrating human rights considerations into AI governance, ensuring that technological advancements are aligned with ethical and universal human rights standards and respects the cultural particularities of diverse societies. By providing a comprehensive framework, the Jeddah Declaration helps Member States to navigate the complex intersection of AI development and human rights, promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. This foundational document not only reinforces the collective commitment to responsible AI deployment but also positions the OIC as a proactive contributor and leader in global digital governance dialogues. It shall be instrumental in shaping the strategies and positions of Member States in their efforts to achieve a balanced and rights-respecting Global Digital Compact.
Besides the thematic debate, the Commission also held a High-level Event on 1st July 2024, titled “International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judgement on Gaza: Implications for Future and Possible Way Forward”. The event analyzed the ICJ’s judgment on Gaza and its role in implementing provisional measures to bring an end to human rights and humanitarian crisis and advocating for justice and accountability concerning human rights violations against Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly in Gaza. The event was attended by diplomats, human rights experts, international law experts and humanitarian experts. The outcome of the discussion is likely to amplify international pressure and scrutiny on Israeli occupation regime to comply with the ICJ’s judgement, fostering greater accountability. It shall also lead to renewed diplomatic initiatives by the OIC Member States in collaboration with international community aimed at ensuring accountability of human rights violations against Palestinians in Gaza and other Occupation Territories leading to cessation of Israeli hostilities. The deliberations have provided diplomatic support to the ICJ judgement for its implementation and accountability of Israeli forces under UN Genocide Convention. A statement incorporating the outcome of the deliberations of the high-level event is issued separately and is available at IPHRC website:www.oic-iphrc.org
The Commission, as per practice, held Closed Meetings of its different Working Groups from 2nd- 4th July 2024 at the IPHRC Headquarters in Al Hamrah District, Jeddah, KSA. The Commission had in-depth discussion on all items on its agenda including continued Israeli human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT); civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC Member States as well as specific mandates given to it by OIC-CFM such as Islamophobia; Rights of Women and Children; Right to Development (RtD); Standing Mechanism for monitoring human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK), as well as the human rights situation of Muslim minorities in Myanmar and the Central African Republic (CAR). A Concluding Summary Report of the discussions held during the Closed Meetings is issued and available at IPHRC website: www.oic-iphrc.org
The efforts of the IPHRC Secretariat led by the Executive Director Prof. Noura Zaid Alrshoud and her team were applauded by the dignitaries and participants for excellent organization, comprehensive deliberations and meaningful outcomes. The meticulous planning and execution of the Session arrangements ensured a smooth and efficient conduct of events and meetings, facilitating active participation. The comprehensive deliberations covered a wide range of pressing human rights issues, fostering in-depth discussions and insightful exchanges. These discussions led to the formulation of actionable recommendations reflecting a collective commitment to advancing human rights within OIC Member States. The meaningful outcomes of the session underscored the IPHRC’s role as a pivotal platform for promoting and protecting human rights, setting a positive precedent for future sessions.