Marrakesh: The OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA) today adopted the
‘Marrakesh Declaration on the Situation in Gaza’ on the occasion of 11th OICOA Board Meeting held in Marrakesh and hosted by the Office of Mediator of Morocco. This Declaration
was adopted in response to the escalating crisis in Palestine and condemned the severe human rights violations perpetrated by the Israeli Defence Forces.
In his address to the meeting, The Secretary General of OICOA, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah said that the Israeli juggernaut should come to an end and Palestinian people and their lives must be protected. Dr. Jah, who has been a prominent bureaucrat and is philanthropist, currently serving as Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan also urged the global community to raise voice for Palestinian Muslims. OICOA Executive Secretary, Almas Ali Jovindah also participated in the board meeting.
The OICOA being a network of
Ombudsmen from across OIC States is dedicated to upholding the fundamental human rights enshrined in international charters, and is committed to advocating for justice, equity, and the
protection of human dignity without any discrimination to caste, creed, or religion.
The Marrakesh Declaration unequivocally condemns the brutal actions of the Israeli Defense Forces against the people of Gaza, labeling them as grave violations of international human
rights laws and conventions. Expressing unwavering solidarity with the resilient people of Gaza, the OICOA’s Executive Body acknowledges the suffering of Palestinians under
continuous aggression and systematic violations of their fundamental human rights on the hands of Zionist Israeli regime. The OICOA calls upon the international community, including all member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other global stakeholders, to take immediate
and decisive action. This includes demanding that Israel ceases its inhumane actions and complies with international laws regarding the treatment of Palestinians. Furthermore, the
OICOA urges the provision of extensive humanitarian assistance to rebuild homes and restore communities in Gaza, and support for the Palestinian cause by advocating for their right to
peaceful existence with dignity.
The declaration commends the steadfast stance of the Heads of Islamic Member States on the Palestinian cause and praises the humanitarian efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, for deploying aid to the populations of Gaza and the Holy City of Al Quds. The OICOA calls on all relevant international bodies to intensify their monitoring and reporting of human rights violations in Gaza and to hold accountable those responsible for these egregious acts. Reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights for all, the OICOA vows to continue its tireless work towards a world where such atrocities are not only condemned but prevented. The association urges all Member Institutions of OICOA to communicate this call to the international community, advocating for immediate action to address the Gaza crisis and protect the Palestinian people.
