OIC Calls for Need to Promote Awareness of International Humanitarian Law

In light of the increasing armed conflicts and their various humanitarian dimensions and repercussions, and in commemoration of the International Day of International Humanitarian Law, which falls on the 9th of May, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) calls for raising global awareness of the need to respect the principles and rules of international humanitarian law. 

These rules aim to provide protection for innocent civilians and victims of wars and conflicts, in alignment with the noble principles of Islam, the OIC Charter, and relevant international laws.

‏By designating May 9 of each year as the International Day of International Humanitarian Law, under Resolution No. 1/42 issued during the 42nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Kuwait in 2015, the Organization reaffirms its strong commitment to promoting and respecting humanitarian rules that aim to protect human beings during armed conflicts and to guarantee their dignity and fundamental rights under all circumstances. 

In this context, the OIC commends the efforts of humanitarian workers and international and regional organizations that continue to defend humanitarian principles under the most difficult conditions.

‏The General Secretariat affirms that respect for international humanitarian law is not optional—it is a humanitarian and moral necessity that helps limit the impact of war and paves the way for achieving just and sustainable peace.

‏On this occasion, the OIC urges its Member States to take advantage of this day to carry out ongoing activities that contribute to strengthening the rules of international humanitarian law and ensuring their implementation on the ground in order to protect civilians—especially children, women, the elderly, refugees, and displaced persons.

‏It also calls on all communities to promote the values of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and acceptance of others, and to take concrete measures to enhance and implement international humanitarian law, many principles of which are deeply rooted in the noble values of Islam.