Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Committee on Accountability (CA) issued an urgent appeal to international leaders and institutions not to turn a blind eye to ongoing humanitarian crises in Palestine and Myanmar’s Rohingya communities. They noted that sustained inaction threatens international law as well as moral responsibility across borders.
At a high-level meeting held in Jeddah, CA members highlighted the urgency of addressing worsening conditions in both regions. They called for intensified diplomatic efforts, accountability for human rights violations and greater humanitarian support to affected populations.
“Palestinians and Rohingya Muslims have suffered for far too long from oppression, displacement and injustice,” stated Dr. Yousuf Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the OIC. “The world cannot remain silent in response to such suffering; justice delayed is justice denied.”
In Palestine, the situation has significantly worsened due to months of violent conflict, airstrikes and blockades targeting Gaza. Civilians remain displaced from their homes, face medical shortages and infrastructure attacks; therefore the CA strongly condemned ongoing occupation and called for immediate cessation of hostilities and blockade; further calling on international communities to support efforts for just and lasting peace based on United Nations Resolutions.
Concerning Rohingya issues, the committee voiced its deep disquiet regarding their ongoing statelessness and vulnerability as refugees from Myanmar who fled a brutal military crackdown in 2017. Despite international condemnation and filing an appeal at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), little progress has been made toward justice or safe repatriation of these Rohingya refugees.
“It is essential that we remember these are human tragedies, not mere political conflicts,” stated CA Spokesperson Ambassador Taher Al-Masri. He further suggested there was an urgent need for international accountability mechanisms and long-term humanitarian support services.
The CA also encouraged the UN Security Council to take swifter action, and called upon member states to support international legal initiatives targeting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
As geopolitical tensions occupy global headlines, the OIC Accountability Committee warned not to allow other crises to fade into obscurity. “Palestine and Rohingya are tests of our collective conscience,” Dr. Al-Othaimeen concluded. The time to act now, before more lives are lost or generations continue without hope for change.