OIC and UN stress need to protect civilians, aid workers

On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs renewed their joint commitment to supporting OIC member states affected by humanitarian crises, strengthening the protection of civilians, ensuring the safety of humanitarian and medical workers, and upholding respect for international humanitarian law.

Both organizations noted that the OIC, which comprises 57 member states, has many countries directly impacted by armed conflict, displacement, and humanitarian emergencies, resulting in severe consequences from violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilians, aid workers, healthcare facilities, and vital civilian infrastructure.

The OIC and UN OCHA emphasized the importance of bolstering humanitarian action and protecting the most vulnerable communities, as well as supporting accountability for violations, amid increasingly complex armed conflicts and their humanitarian repercussions.

Rising risks from emerging technologies

The two organizations pointed out that armed conflicts have become more complex with the growing use of emerging technologies, such as armed drones and artificial intelligence, which increase the risks faced by civilians and humanitarian workers.

The OIC and UN OCHA stressed that all parties to conflicts, regardless of the weapons or technologies they employ, are obliged to respect international humanitarian law and take all possible measures to protect civilians and those working in medical and relief fields.

They also underlined that any attack targeting a humanitarian worker not only affects the individual but also threatens those who rely on their services for food, healthcare, protection, and humanitarian assistance.

Call for accountability and civilian protection

The OIC and UN OCHA called on states and parties to conflicts to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law, ensure accountability for violations, and protect humanitarian and medical personnel.

They further urged the responsible use of emerging technologies to minimize harm to civilians, rather than increase it, stressing that human protection must remain a priority as the methods and means of warfare rapidly evolve.

Both organizations affirmed their continued work through their longstanding partnership to enhance humanitarian response, support the most vulnerable populations, and advocate for the protection of civilians and aid workers who risk their lives to help those affected by conflict and crises.

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The OIC and UN OCHA concluded by stressing that humanity must remain at the heart of every response to conflict, emphasizing that advances in warfare should not alter the collective responsibility to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.