Jeddah, 5th August 2026: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins the OIC Member States in commemorating the Islamic Day for Human Rights and Human Dignity, observed annually pursuant to Resolution No. (51/38-S) of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.
This important occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm that Islam places the inherent dignity of every human being at the very heart of its moral, legal and civilizational vision affirming that human dignity is an intrinsic and universal attribute bestowed by the Allah Almighty upon every person, irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender or social status.
Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace, justice, compassion and coexistence. It promotes the sanctity of human life, equality before the law, social solidarity, protection of the vulnerable, and respect for diversity. The Islamic conception of human rights is founded on a balanced framework of ‘rights and responsibilities’, recognizing that the enjoyment of individual rights is inseparable from ethical conduct, accountability, justice and the collective welfare of society. This holistic approach seeks to preserve human dignity while fostering peaceful, cohesive and resilient communities.
The Commission believes that the universal values underpinning international human rights law and the enduring principles of Islamic teachings are mutually reinforcing. Through constructive dialogue, legal scholarship and practical cooperation, the Commission continues to promote a paradigm that demonstrates the complementarity between universal human rights standards and the authentic values and objectives (Maqāṣid) of Islamic law.
The Commission, through its Strategic Framework 2026–2030, is further committed to strengthening institutional effectiveness, enhancing cooperation with Member States and international partners and promoting evidence-based policies that safeguard human dignity in an increasingly complex global environment.
As we commemorate this Day, the Commission also recognizes the profound human rights challenges confronting many parts of the Muslim world. The ongoing grave human rights violations committed by the Israeli occupation regime in Occupied Palestinian Territories violate the human dignity of millions of innocent Palestinian including women and children. Besides, the humanitarian crises affecting several OIC Member States, the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons, the protection of rights of Muslim minorities and increasing manifestations of religious intolerance and anti-Muslim hatred underscore the urgent need for renewed international solidarity and action. The Commission reiterates that the protection of human dignity must remain at the centre of all humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts.
On this occasion, the Commission calls upon OIC Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, educational institutions, civil society organizations, youth and media professionals to commemorate the Islamic Day for Human Rights and Human Dignity through educational programmes, public awareness campaigns, academic discussions and community initiatives that promote a culture of human rights, mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in accordance with Islamic teachings and universally recognized human rights principles.
The Commission further encourages Member States to share brief reports on activities organized in observance of this Day. These contributions will help document and showcase the collective efforts of the OIC family in advancing human dignity and strengthening a culture of human rights across the Muslim world.
The Commission renews its unwavering commitment to promoting justice, safeguarding human dignity, protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, and building societies founded on peace, solidarity, accountability and respect for the inherent dignity of every human being.