OIC Commission Expresses Concern Over Human Rights Violation In Syria

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya JAKARTA, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing human rights violation in certain member states, particularly in Syria. It also expressed concern over the recent burning of copies of the Holy Quran in Afghanistan and the ensuing loss of lives. In a communique at the end of its first formal meeting here late Friday, the 18-member commission also identified the human rights of women and children, the right to development and right to education as well as encouraging research as immediate priority areas of its work. In empowering the OIC with a mechanism to promote and protect human rights in member states, the five-day session had focused mainly on elaborating its Rules of Procedure, but at the same time took note of contemporary issues on the global human rights agenda. The meeting decided that the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC member states, the human rights situation in Palestine and other Arab territories occupied in 1967 and human rights issues on the OIC agenda would be permanent items on the commission’s agenda. Human rights aspects on the OIC agenda, with particular reference to providing technical support for capacity building and the need for institutional networking in member states, also featured among the cross-cutting issues identified by the commission. In its recommendations to the Council of Foreign Ministers, the commission offered to assist member states, upon request, in important areas including, meeting the reporting requirements of human rights mechanisms. The commission also encouraged member states to utilise the full potential of its expertise by referring matters pertaining to human rights and corresponding legislation for advisory opinion. Identification of avenues of interaction between the commission and civil society was also encouraged. The commission also emphasised the contribution of Islamic values to the universally recognised human rights, and recognised the importance of the cooperation between OIC member states including through exchanging good practices. The meeting also discussed ways to assist members states in the implementation of their international human rights obligations. A working group on the Rules of Procedure has been set up to discuss them in the inter-sessional period, with a view to finalising them at the next session. The IPHRC, which was established by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers at its meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, last year, has elected Dr Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin of Indonesia as its interim chairperson. -- BERNAMA