Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 22/08/2021
The Jeddah-based General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) played host on 22 August 2021 to the extraordinary open-ended meeting of the Executive Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the OIC to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the recent events in the country.
Addressing the meeting, Secretary-General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen said, “I am pleased to thank the host country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the current Chair of the Islamic Summit, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for calling this meeting.”
He went on, “the international community and the OIC expect the government in power to establish inclusive dialogue with all segments of society, bring national reconciliation to the country, ensure observance of international covenants and agreements, and commit to the international governing norms of the UN Charter and UN resolutions.”
It is also the international community’s duty, and that of the government in power in Afghanistan, Dr Al-Othaimeen stated, to collectively ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or haven for terrorism and extremism. The OIC expects the protection of and respect for the right to life, security and dignity for the people of Afghanistan, in compliance with the relevant international human rights instruments and with due respect for the international humanitarian law, he further stressed.
On the humanitarian situation, the OIC Secretary General highlighted the urgent need to address the needs resulting from the continuous influx of IDPs and refugees. He urged the Member States, the Islamic financial institutions, and partners to act swiftly to render humanitarian aid to affected areas in the country.
