Message of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence
In the context of the global celebration of the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence , which falls on May 16th of each year, the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation renewed its firm commitment to promoting the values of peace and dialogue among civilizations, stressing that achieving global peace requires a genuine international will that goes beyond slogans to the actual application of the principles of justice.
International context and global call
This commemoration is based on UN General Assembly Resolution 72/130, adopted in 2017, which aims to mobilize the international community's efforts to promote peace, tolerance, solidarity, and understanding. In this context, the organization emphasized that this occasion is not merely an annual commemoration, but rather an urgent call to consider effective mechanisms for confronting hate speech and racial discrimination, which are on the rise in many parts of the world. The organization's vision is grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam.
A comprehensive concept of sustainable peace
The organization clarified in its statement that the concept of peace is not limited to the narrow absence of armed conflicts and military disputes, but rather extends to encompass the consolidation of the values of coexistence amidst cultural and religious diversity. It pointed out that true peace is a long-term process requiring active participation and integration among states, institutions, and civil societies to ensure respect for the principles of justice and equality and the preservation of human dignity without discrimination.
Human diversity from an Islamic perspective
In discussing its intellectual framework, the organization noted that the principles of Islam unequivocally emphasize the values of mercy and justice, and call for peaceful coexistence based on respect for human diversity. The organization considered this diversity to be the embodiment of the principle of "unity in diversity," while stressing the complete rejection of all forms of discrimination based on gender, race, language, religion, or culture, which reflects the essence of the civilizational message of the Muslim nation.
The Palestinian issue and the test of international credibility
In connection with current events, the Commission expressed its deep concern regarding the ongoing grave human rights violations and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. It emphasized that the situation constitutes a true test of the international community's commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence, and reiterated its support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
The commission indicated that talk of sustainable peace remains incomplete in the absence of justice and accountability, noting that a just and lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through the full realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the end of the occupation in accordance with relevant international conventions and resolutions.
A call for dialogue and an end to impunity
The organization concluded its statement with a clear call to the international community to promote constructive dialogue instead of policies of division and polarization, and to work diligently to establish justice instead of a culture of impunity. It urged concerted efforts to uphold shared human values and respect religious and cultural diversity, in accordance with international and regional human rights obligations, to ensure a future of security and stability for all the world's peoples.
