JEDDAH: An expert panel of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has voiced deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR).
It condemned the recent escalation of violence against civilians in the Central African Republic (CAR), including the attacks at a mosque in Kembe on Oct. 13, killing 26, and at Pombolo, where more than 100 people were massacred on Oct. 18.
The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), an expert body with advisory capacity established by the OIC, has highlighted the rising number of violent attacks carried out by the Anti-Balaka militia against innocent civilians across the country, as well as the grave violations of human rights. They include summary executions, mass killings, torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance, sexual violence, widespread looting of private and public property, and the desecration of places of worship.
“With the restoration of democracy following last year’s successful elections, the international community hoped that the situation in the CAR would finally stabilize with peace and security finally returning to the country,” the IPHRC said.
“Conversely, violence resurged in November 2016, killing and wounding hundreds.”
The IPHRC added: “Tens of thousands were forced to flee from their homes amid escalating hostility, which resulted from clashes between armed groups that continue to control a large part of CAR’s territory.”
UN officials warned of early signs of genocide, including the risk of a full-scale civil war, as state authority remains absent in most parts of the country.
These serious developments are deepening the prevailing humanitarian crisis and may expand the frontiers of insecurity in a region grappling with extremist groups.
IPHRC called on the authorities in the CAR and all relevant regional and international stakeholders, especially the UN Security Council, to take immediate action to bring an end to the ongoing violence and bloodshed in the country, and spare no efforts to bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice.
The IPHRC also appealed to regional and international humanitarian agencies to provide victims and needy people in the CAR with urgent aid.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation seeks urgent relief for victims of Central African Republic violence
Organization of Islamic Cooperation seeks urgent relief for victims of Central African Republic violence
Malaysian minister commends Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs
- Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries, iftar meals in 70 countries
RIYADH: Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has commended Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan programs, saying that the implementation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ iftar and date distribution programs in Kuala Lumpur embodies the deep ties and humanitarian solidarity between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, the minister praised the Kingdom’s historical commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and attending to the affairs of Muslim nations, Saudi Press Agency reported.
He described the initiative as a generous gesture that reflected the values of cooperation, concluding with prayers for the continued security and stability of the Kingdom and its leadership.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ dates distribution program during a ceremony at the Saudi Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, SPA reported.
The total quantity allocated for distribution is five tonnes of premium Saudi dates, benefiting about 15,000 people in various Romanian cities and regions, as part of the ministry’s Ramadan programs implemented outside the Kingdom during the holy month.
A number of attendees and beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom, its leadership and people for the donation.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also launched the iftar program for fasting Muslims in Korea at the Seoul Central Mosque, in the presence of the charge d’affaires at the Kingdom’s embassy in Korea, Fahd Al-Barakah.
Three tonnes of dates will be distributed, benefiting 12,000 people, while about 10,000 will benefit from the iftar program.
This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to promote the values of solidarity and compassion among Muslims worldwide during Ramadan.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program for distributing dates in 120 countries and the program for providing iftar meals in 70 countries.
