OIC Hosts Expert Group Meeting on Draft Jeddah Convention

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat hosted the fourth open-ended intergovernmental expert group meeting (IGEM) in Jeddah on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to deliberate on the draft OIC Jeddah Convention on the Rights of the Child. The session convened at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, bringing together government experts and legal specialists from across the Muslim world to refine a landmark treaty aimed at protecting children’s rights. The meeting reflects the OIC’s sustained commitment to advancing child welfare through a framework that harmonizes Islamic values with international human rights standards. As the draft convention moves closer to adoption, what does this development signal for the future of child protection across the Islamic world?

The fourth IGEM represents a critical milestone in the OIC’s multi-year effort to establish a binding regional instrument dedicated to children. Since the initiative’s inception, member states have engaged in iterative consultations to ensure the draft text reflects both the diversity of national legal systems and the shared principles of the Islamic faith. The Jeddah Convention, once adopted, is expected to serve as a comprehensive reference for legislative reform, policy development, and cross-border cooperation on issues ranging from education and healthcare to protection from violence and exploitation. The meeting in Jeddah underscores the OIC’s proactive role in shaping international norms that prioritize the most vulnerable members of society.

Context and Background

Why has the OIC chosen this moment to intensify its focus on child rights? The answer lies in both the enduring Islamic tradition of protecting the young and the pressing humanitarian crises affecting children in several OIC member states. The OIC, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Jeddah, is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, representing 57 member states across four continents. Its General Secretariat has long been active in social and cultural affairs, but the Jeddah Convention marks a more structured legal approach to child protection. The initiative builds on previous OIC declarations and resolutions, consolidating them into a single, actionable convention that member states can ratify and implement.

The meeting was chaired by Amina Al-Hajri, Director General of Cultural, Social and Family Affairs at the OIC. In her opening address, Al-Hajri emphasized that the session was taking place amid what she described as a challenging and tough situation for the Muslim world, citing ongoing Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territories. She condemned the violence and its disproportionate impact on civilians, particularly children, women, and the elderly. Her remarks set a somber tone for the proceedings, reminding delegates that the convention’s principles are not abstract but urgently needed in conflict zones where children face grave violations of their fundamental rights.

Al-Hajri reiterated the OIC’s and its member states’ condemnation of the attacks by Israeli occupation forces and called on the international community to expedite the delivery of urgent humanitarian, medical, and relief aid to Gaza. She specifically urged the provision of water and electricity and the immediate opening of safe humanitarian corridors for assistance. These appeals reflect the OIC’s dual approach: advocating for immediate relief while simultaneously building long-term legal frameworks to protect children in all circumstances. The Jeddah Convention thus emerges as both a response to current crises and a preventive instrument for future generations.

Key Details of the Draft Convention

What exactly does the draft OIC Jeddah Convention on the Rights of the Child propose? While the full text remains under negotiation, the convention is expected to enshrine a comprehensive set of rights covering survival, development, protection, and participation. It draws inspiration from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) but adapts its provisions to the cultural and legal contexts of OIC member states. The draft emphasizes the family as the fundamental unit of society, the role of Islamic teachings in nurturing children, and the obligation of states to ensure access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment. Experts at the IGEM are tasked with refining language on issues such as child marriage, child labor, juvenile justice, and protection from online harm.

Al-Hajri underscored that Islam has attached great importance to the rights of children, describing them as the future of the nation and the youth of tomorrow. She called for the adoption of the convention as an international covenant mirroring global human-rights conventions and aligning with the teachings of Islam in harmony with international laws and agreements. This dual alignment is a cornerstone of the OIC’s approach, seeking to demonstrate that Islamic principles and universal human rights are complementary rather than contradictory. The convention aims to provide a unified platform for member states to share best practices, report on progress, and collaborate on cross-border child protection cases.

The fourth IGEM follows three previous rounds of expert discussions, each of which has contributed to the refinement of the draft. Delegates have reportedly debated definitions of childhood, the scope of state obligations, and mechanisms for monitoring and implementation. The open-ended format allows all interested member states to participate, ensuring broad ownership of the final text. Once the expert group finalizes the draft, it will be submitted to the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers for consideration and potential adoption. The Jeddah Convention, if adopted, would become a legally binding treaty for ratifying states, complementing existing international instruments.

International and Regional Impact

How will the Jeddah Convention influence the broader international landscape of child rights? By creating a regional instrument tailored to the Islamic world, the OIC is asserting its role as a norm-setter in global governance. The convention could serve as a model for other regions seeking to contextualize universal rights within their cultural frameworks. It also strengthens the OIC’s voice in international forums, allowing member states to present a unified position on child protection. For international organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children, the convention offers a new avenue for partnership and advocacy. The OIC’s emphasis on humanitarian corridors and aid delivery in Gaza further positions it as a key actor in humanitarian diplomacy.

Regionally, the convention is expected to catalyze legislative and policy reforms across member states. Many OIC countries already have robust child protection laws, but implementation varies widely. The convention provides a common benchmark and a reporting mechanism that can highlight gaps and encourage improvement. It also facilitates cooperation on issues like child trafficking, refugee children, and children in armed conflict, which often transcend national borders. By addressing these challenges collectively, OIC member states can amplify their impact and ensure that no child is left behind. The meeting in Jeddah thus represents more than a drafting exercise; it is a statement of collective responsibility and a step toward a more coordinated Islamic world.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why should the international community pay attention to the economic dimensions of child rights? Protecting children is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. Healthy, educated, and safe children grow into productive adults who contribute to national development. The Jeddah Convention recognizes this link by promoting investments in early childhood development, education, and healthcare. For OIC member states, many of which have young populations, the convention aligns with broader efforts to harness the demographic dividend and drive sustainable growth. By prioritizing children, governments can reduce long-term social costs associated with poverty, crime, and poor health outcomes, while boosting human capital and innovation.

Strategically, the convention enhances the OIC’s soft power and its ability to shape global narratives on human rights. It counters perceptions that Islamic countries are resistant to international norms by demonstrating a proactive, principled approach that is both culturally grounded and universally resonant. The Jeddah Convention also complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes social development, quality of life, and the empowerment of youth. As the host of the OIC and the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in championing this initiative. The Kingdom’s support for the convention reflects its broader commitment to multilateralism and its leadership in humanitarian causes, from Gaza relief to global child protection.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the OIC Jeddah Convention align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is a comprehensive blueprint for diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and enhancing its social fabric. Among its core themes are the empowerment of women and youth, the improvement of healthcare and education, and the promotion of a vibrant society. The convention’s focus on child rights directly supports these goals by ensuring that the youngest Saudis and their counterparts across the Muslim world have the foundations they need to thrive. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the OIC and its active participation in the IGEM underscore its leadership in fostering international cooperation that benefits children everywhere.

Moreover, the convention reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a bridge between the Islamic world and the global community. By advocating for a treaty that harmonizes Islamic teachings with international law, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to moderate, forward-looking Islam and to the universal values of justice and compassion. As the OIC continues its work, the Jeddah Convention stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations unite around a common cause. The meeting in Jeddah is not merely a diplomatic event; it is a promise to future generations that their rights will be protected and their potential unlocked. In a world facing complex challenges, this promise is both timely and enduring.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the OIC Jeddah Convention on the Rights of the Child?

A1. It is a draft treaty being developed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to protect children’s rights across member states, harmonizing Islamic principles with international human rights standards.

Q2. When and where did the fourth expert group meeting take place?

A2. The fourth open-ended intergovernmental expert group meeting was held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Q3. Who chaired the meeting and what was her key message?

A3. Amina Al-Hajri, OIC Director General of Cultural, Social and Family Affairs, chaired the meeting and emphasized the urgent need to protect children, especially in Gaza, and to adopt the convention.

Q4. Why is the convention being developed now?

A4. It responds to ongoing crises affecting children in the Muslim world and builds on the OIC’s long-standing efforts to create a binding regional framework for child protection.

Q5. How does the convention relate to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

A5. It draws inspiration from the UNCRC but adapts its provisions to the cultural and legal contexts of OIC member states, ensuring alignment with Islamic teachings.

Q6. What are some key rights covered in the draft convention?

A6. The draft covers survival, development, protection, and participation rights, including education, healthcare, protection from violence and exploitation, and juvenile justice.

Q7. What did Al-Hajri say about the situation in Gaza?

A7. She condemned Israeli aggression, highlighted the suffering of children and civilians, and urged the international community to expedite humanitarian aid and open safe corridors.

Q8. How does the convention align with Islamic teachings?

A8. Islam places great importance on children’s rights, viewing them as the future of the nation; the convention reflects these values while harmonizing with international laws.

Q9. What is the role of the OIC in child protection?

A9. The OIC provides a platform for member states to collaborate on child rights, develop shared standards, and advocate for children’s welfare globally.

Q10. How many member states does the OIC have?

A10. The OIC represents 57 member states across four continents, making it the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations.

Q11. What happens after the expert group finalizes the draft?

A11. The draft will be submitted to the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers for consideration and potential adoption, after which member states can ratify it.

Q12. How will the convention impact national laws in member states?

A12. It provides a common benchmark and reporting mechanism, encouraging legislative reforms and improved implementation of child protection policies.

Q13. What economic benefits does child protection offer?

A13. Protecting children leads to a healthier, more educated workforce, reducing long-term social costs and boosting human capital and economic growth.

Q14. How does the convention support Saudi Vision 2030?

A14. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of empowering youth, improving education and healthcare, and promoting a vibrant, forward-looking society.

Q15. What is the significance of hosting the meeting in Jeddah?

A15. Jeddah is the OIC’s headquarters and a historic gateway to the Islamic world, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in multilateral and humanitarian initiatives.

Q16. How does the convention address children in armed conflict?

A16. It calls for protection from violence, access to humanitarian aid, and safe corridors, reflecting the OIC’s concern for children in conflict zones like Gaza.

Q17. What role do NGOs and international organizations play?

A17. They can partner with the OIC to advocate for the convention, provide expertise, and support implementation and monitoring efforts.

Q18. How can the public support the convention?

A18. By raising awareness, engaging with policymakers, and supporting organizations that promote child rights and humanitarian relief.

Q19. What makes this convention unique?

A19. It is the first OIC treaty specifically dedicated to child rights, blending Islamic values with universal principles and tailored to the region’s contexts.

Q20. What is the expected timeline for adoption?

A20. The timeline depends on the expert group’s progress and the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ schedule, but momentum is building for adoption in the near future.

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