A renewed call for peace in a troubled world
Coinciding with the International Day of Living Together in Peace, observed annually on May 16, the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a strong statement reaffirming its call for strengthening the values of dialogue and peaceful coexistence among nations and peoples. The Commission emphasized that these principles, which form the cornerstone of key international instruments such as the Charter of the United Nations, the Charter of the OIC, and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, are the only way to address the growing global challenges.
Background and importance of International Day
The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Living Together in Peace in December 2017, with the aim of mobilizing the international community to promote peace, tolerance, understanding, and solidarity. This day serves as an annual reminder that peace is not merely the absence of violence and war, but a positive and dynamic process requiring the active participation of all parties and based on upholding the principles of justice, equality, and respect for the human rights of all without discrimination.
The concept of comprehensive peace from an Islamic perspective
The organization explained in its statement that the concept of peace goes beyond simply ending conflicts. It represents a long-term process requiring a firm commitment from states, institutions, and societies. It noted that the principles of Islam emphasize the values of mercy, justice, and the preservation of human dignity, and explicitly call for peaceful coexistence based on respect for human diversity. The organization considered this diversity an embodiment of the principle of “unity in diversity,” stressing its categorical rejection of all forms of discrimination based on gender, race, language, religion, or culture, which fuel hatred and undermine the foundations of global stability.
The Palestinian cause is at the heart of the call for peace
In a related context, the Commission did not overlook the tragic situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. It expressed its deep concern regarding the ongoing grave human rights violations and the unprecedented humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip. The Commission affirmed that achieving sustainable peace in the region and the world is inextricably linked to justice and accountability. It stressed that any just and lasting peace can only be achieved through the full realization of the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state in accordance with relevant international conventions and resolutions.
An appeal to the international community
The commission concluded its statement with an urgent appeal to the international community to adopt dialogue instead of policies of division and polarization, and to uphold the principle of justice instead of a culture of impunity that encourages the recurrence of crimes. It called for concerted efforts to support shared human values and respect religious and cultural diversity, in accordance with international and regional human rights obligations, as an imperative for building a more secure and peaceful future for generations to come.
