OIC Secretary-General Renews Call to Support Orphans

Jeddah, March 14, 2025 – Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), renewed his call to raise awareness of orphans’ issues and urged greater efforts to support comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphaned children across the Islamic world. The appeal came on the occasion of Orphan’s Day in the Islamic World, observed annually on the 15th of Ramadan, highlighting the OIC’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable children.

Context and Background

Orphan’s Day in the Islamic World was established following a resolution adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, in December 2013. The day aims to raise awareness about the issues and needs of orphans, emphasizing the importance of providing them with care, education, and healthcare. The OIC, as the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, has consistently advocated for the rights of orphans, particularly in regions affected by disasters, conflicts, and climate change.

Secretary-General Taha’s message underscores the Islamic principles of compassion and charity, as enshrined in the Quran and the Sunnah, which emphasize treating orphans with kindness and ensuring their social well-being.

Key Details

In his statement, Secretary-General Taha stressed the need for increased efforts to protect orphans, especially in disaster-stricken, conflict-affected, and climate change-impacted areas where displacement and refugee crises have left many children vulnerable. He reiterated the OIC’s unwavering commitment to supporting millions of orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems. These include orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare, and education.

Taha called upon governments, societies, and institutions to take action to provide sustainable solutions for orphans, ensuring they receive proper upbringing and opportunities to thrive. He highlighted that Islam places strong emphasis on the care and protection of orphans, and that it is a collective responsibility to safeguard their rights.

Implications and Impact

The renewed call by the OIC Secretary-General carries significant implications for the Islamic world and beyond. It reinforces the organization’s role as a leading advocate for vulnerable populations and promotes solidarity among member states. By drawing attention to the plight of orphans in crisis zones, the OIC aims to mobilize resources and encourage policy changes that prioritize child welfare.

This initiative aligns with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty eradication, education, and reduced inequalities. It also strengthens the OIC’s partnerships with international organizations and humanitarian agencies, fostering a coordinated approach to child protection.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia, as a founding member of the OIC and host of its headquarters in Jeddah, plays a pivotal role in supporting orphans and vulnerable children. This aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes social responsibility, quality of life, and the empowerment of all segments of society. Through initiatives like the National Orphans Care Society (INSAN), Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to providing comprehensive care for orphans, reflecting the humanitarian values that are central to Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s global leadership in charitable work.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Orphan’s Day in the Islamic World?

A1. Orphan’s Day in the Islamic World is observed annually on the 15th of Ramadan, established by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in 2013 to raise awareness about orphans’ needs and promote their care.

Q2. Who is the Secretary-General of the OIC?

A2. Hissein Brahim Taha is the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, who renewed the call to support orphans on this occasion.

Q3. Why did the OIC Secretary-General emphasize orphans in crisis zones?

A3. He highlighted that displacement and refugee crises in disaster-stricken and conflict-affected areas have left many children vulnerable, requiring urgent care and protection.

Q4. What are some support systems for orphans mentioned by Taha?

A4. He mentioned orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare, and education as essential components of comprehensive care for orphans.

Q5. How does Islam view the treatment of orphans?

A5. Islam strongly emphasizes kindness, care, education, healthcare, and social well-being for orphans, as guided by the Quran and the Sunnah.

Q6. When was Orphan’s Day established and by whom?

A6. It was established in December 2013 by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.

Q7. What is the role of the OIC in supporting orphans?

A7. The OIC advocates for orphans’ rights and improved support systems, mobilizing resources and encouraging policies that prioritize child welfare across member states.

Q8. How does this initiative align with global goals?

A8. It aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those on poverty eradication, education, and reduced inequalities.

Q9. What is Saudi Arabia’s connection to the OIC?

A9. Saudi Arabia is a founding member of the OIC and hosts its headquarters in Jeddah, actively supporting its humanitarian initiatives.

Q10. How does Vision 2030 support orphans?

A10. Vision 2030 emphasizes social responsibility and quality of life, with initiatives like the National Orphans Care Society (INSAN) providing comprehensive care for orphans.

Q11. What actions did Taha call for?

A11. He called for greater efforts to protect orphans, provide sustainable solutions, and ensure their rights through government and societal action.

Q12. Why is raising awareness about orphans important?

A12. Awareness helps mobilize resources, change policies, and ensure that orphans receive necessary care, education, and healthcare for a better future.

Q13. How many children are affected by orphanhood globally?

A13. Millions of children worldwide are orphaned due to conflict, disasters, and other crises, requiring urgent humanitarian support.

Q14. What is the significance of the 15th of Ramadan?

A14. The 15th of Ramadan is designated as Orphan’s Day in the Islamic World, a time for reflection and action to support orphans.

Q15. How can governments support orphans?

A15. Governments can implement policies for foster care, adoption, education, and healthcare, and partner with organizations to provide sustainable solutions.

Q16. What is the OIC’s commitment to orphans?

A16. The OIC remains committed to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems.

Q17. How does the OIC cooperate internationally?

A17. The OIC partners with international organizations and humanitarian agencies to coordinate child protection efforts and share best practices.

Q18. What are the challenges faced by orphans in conflict zones?

A18. Orphans in conflict zones face displacement, lack of access to basic needs, trauma, and increased vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

Q19. What role do communities play in supporting orphans?

A19. Communities can provide foster care, mentorship, and financial support, and foster an inclusive environment that values and protects orphans.

Q20. How can individuals contribute to orphans’ welfare?

A20. Individuals can donate to reputable charities, volunteer, sponsor an orphan, and raise awareness about orphans’ needs in their communities.

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