Jeddah, August 5th 2025: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on the occasion of the ‘Islamic Day for Human Rights and Human Dignity’, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and human dignity as enshrined in the foundational teachings of Islam. Rooted in justice, compassion, and the inherent worth of every human being, Islamic principles establish a holistic and universal framework for human rights that transcends time and geography. The Commission highlights that Islamic teachings clearly emphasize the sanctity of life, the equality of all individuals, the right to dignity and the obligation to uphold justice without discrimination. These time tested values and principles, which are reaffirmed by the Universal Declaratiuon of Human Righs, OIC Charter and Cairo Declaration of the OIC on Human Rights, provides the normative basis for IPHRC’s mission to support the rights and freedoms of all people, particularly those in the OIC Member States.
As the principal human rights organ of the OIC, IPHRC plays a pivotal role in upholding human rights in accordance with Islamic values. Through its regular sessions, thematic studies, fact finding visits, capacity-building programs and advisory role to OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, IPHRC actively works to bridge the gap between global human rights discourses and the cultural and religious values of Muslim societies. It continues to advocate for an inclusive and respectful international human rights system that recognizes respect for diversity in its interpretations and cultural contexts.
While commemorating this day, IPHRC expresses its deep concern over deteriorating global human rights situation. Conflicts, human rights violations under foreign occupation especially in Occupeied Palestinian Territories and Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, xenophobia, economic disparities, and erosion of fundamental freedoms continues to pose a serious threat to global peace and security. The Commission underscores the urgent need to end double standards in implementation of human rights standards to uphold the universality and impartiality of human rights principles.
The Commission condemns, in the strongest terms, the continued human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces. These include indiscriminate killings of civilians, forced displacement, illegal settlements, denial of basic services, and attacks on places of worship. These grave violations not only undermine human dignity but also erode trust in the credibility of the international human rights system. Accordingly, IPHRC calls on the international community, most urgently, to hold the occupying power, Israel,  accountable for its war crimes and genocide and take meaningful steps to end the occupation, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
The Commission also emphasizes the importance of combating hate speech and incitement to violence, especially those targeting religious beliefs and communities. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must be exercised responsibly and with due regard to the dignity and religious sensitivities of others. As such, IPHRC urges states and international actors to end the practice of double standards and ensure consistent application of human rights principles in all contexts.
The Commission also reaffirms the centrality of the family, founded on the union of a man and a woman in marriage, as the natural and fundamental unit of society, as enshrined in Islamic teachings and universally recognized norms. The Commission expresses deep concern over the propagation of deviant ideologies under the guise of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) as a human rights concept, which undermine the moral, social, and cultural fabric of communities, and challenge the sanctity of marriage and family. Also, the imposition of controversial comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programs, which does promote concepts without due regard for the evolving capacities of the child, the primary role of parents, and the religious and cultural values of Muslim societies. These concepts include gender fluidity, sexual autonomy, and medical procedures for sex reassignment which are dangerous for the health and pyschological well being of the child. The Commission reiterates that such agendas must not be forced upon Member States through conditionalities or politicized interpretations of human rights, and urges the international community to discourage introduction of such concepts as matter of human rights and respect the diversity of social, cultural, and religious traditions in accordance with the principles of international human rights law.
Despite these rising challenges, IPHRC remains steadfast in its efforts and proud of its accomplishments. In recent years, the Commission has expanded its cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, regional organizations, national human rights institutions, and civil society actors. It has provided critical input on issues ranging from the rights of women and children, family values, the right to development, Islamophobia, and the promotion of cultural rights.
Looking forward, the IPHRC expresses its readiness to further strengthen international collaboration, foster constructive dialogue, and support OIC Member States in implementing their human rights commitments. Together, through sincere engagement and mutual respect, we can build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful global human rights order which is anchored in dignity for all.
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