Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed that the current global challenges necessitate rethinking the way to strengthen the human rights system, given the failure to enforce these rights effectively and the recurrent flagrant violations of ratified international laws and treaties, especially during armed conflicts, including war crimes, forced displacement and attacks on civilians, which undermine the international system aimed at protecting human rights.

This statement was made in the video address he delivered on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the opening session of the 10th Glion Human Rights Dialogue, organized by the Ministerial Delegation in charge of Human Rights, the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights and the Global Rights Group, with the support of ICESCO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in Marrakech over two days.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of international cooperation in improving the efficiency of the UN human rights system, stressing the importance of national mechanisms in translating international instruments into tangible reality at the local level in such a way as to transform international commitments to human rights into concrete policies and programs that promote human dignity and protect human rights.

Moreover, ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s initiatives and programs to support the efforts of its Member States in promoting inherent rights, including the right to education, cultural, health and digital rights, developing sustainable environmental policies, ensuring women’s rights, as well as issuing the Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World, which includes upholding rights and enriching human values emanating from our noble religion.

Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of ICESCO’s Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, participated in the discussion session on National Implementation, Reporting and Tracking Mechanisms – Key Characteristics, Best Practices and Challenges: Participation/consultation with judicial authorities, civil society, national human rights institutions, UN groups, and local governments.