Jeddah is where the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) observed International Youth Day 2026 to celebrate the contributions, aspirations, and resilience of young people.
According to SPA, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting youth rights and advancing empowerment, noting that OIC Member States possess one of the world’s largest and most dynamic youth populations. This demographic is described as a vital driver of peace, development, and innovation.
The promotion of youth rights and meaningful participation is a priority in the commission’s 2026–2030 Strategic Framework. The commission stressed the need for high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education, alongside the promotion of digital literacy and skills development. It also called for bridging the digital divide and ensuring artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are used responsibly in a rights-based manner.
Regarding Palestinian youth in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the commission expressed grave concern over the Israeli occupation, citing the destruction of educational opportunities, displacement, denial of basic services, and loss of life. It reaffirmed the rights of Palestinian children and young people to security, dignity, life, equal opportunity, and education under international humanitarian and human rights law.
What are the priorities for youth in the OIC Human Rights Commission’s strategic framework? The commission’s 2026–2030 Strategic Framework identifies the promotion of youth rights, empowerment, and meaningful participation as a distinct priority. To achieve this, the commission emphasizes the importance of ensuring high-quality, equitable, and inclusive education while promoting digital literacy and skills development to bridge the digital divide.
How does the commission view the youth population within OIC Member States? The commission describes the youth population in OIC Member States as one of the largest and most dynamic in the world. It views this group as a vital driver of innovation, peace, and development, though it notes that sustained action is required to remove barriers to their rights and address the needs of those facing deprivation.
What concerns did the commission raise regarding Palestinian youth? The commission expressed grave concern over Palestinian youth in the Gaza Strip and West Bank due to the continuing Israeli occupation. It specifically highlighted the loss of life, displacement, and the destruction of educational opportunities, reaffirming that these young people have inherent rights to security, dignity, and education under international law.