JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC) Regional Delegation, hosted a vital high-level roundtable. The event, titled ‘Strengthening Responses to Missing Persons During Conflicts and Disasters in OIC Countries,’ marks a crucial step in addressing a pressing humanitarian concern.
This event took place in partnership with the Regional Delegation of the ICRC for the GCC at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah on Thursday with the participation of representatives from OIC Member States.
Ambassador Tareg Ali Bakheet, the OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Social, and Cultural Affairs, expressed his appreciation for the valuable contribution made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.
He specifically recognized the ministry’s participation, represented by Ambassador Eladsani, the Director of the Committee responsible for Missing Persons and Prisoners at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, who was invited by the ICRC. Ambassador Bakheet highlighted Kuwait’s pioneering role in addressing the issue of missing persons during conflicts by co-sponsoring the first-ever resolution on the missing, which was adopted by the UN Security Council.
Ambassador Bakheet emphasized that the matter of missing persons during conflicts and disasters has gained significant international attention. He pointed out that the United Nations Security Council felt compelled to adopt resolution 2474 on June 11, 2019, which was sponsored by Kuwait. This resolution urged the international community to pay greater attention to the fate of missing and disappeared persons, address their situation, and provide assistance to their families.
Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza Highlighted at OIC-ICRC Roundtable
The Assistant Secretary-General acknowledged the importance of raising awareness regarding the discussed issue and deliberating on the best strategies to enhance responses to the phenomenon of missing persons. This is particularly crucial in an increasingly complex world marked by prolonged conflicts, situations of violence, forced displacements, natural disasters, and extensive trans-regional migration. He also commended the efforts of the ICRC in alleviating the humanitarian suffering of people in Gaza, especially during the ongoing crisis.
Mamadou Sow, the ICRC Head of Regional Delegation for the GCC countries, delivered an opening speech at the brainstorming roundtable. He stressed that “each statistic conceals a human story, a family yearning for a loved one, and tackling the missing persons issue is not just a duty but a humanitarian necessity. While our partnerships with nations have illuminated the path, achieving tangible progress requires unwavering political commitment and sufficient resources.” He further noted, “The crisis’s enormity in Gaza is particularly pronounced.” We have been flooded with urgent pleas from those agonizing over the unknown fate of their family members, amplifying the daily horrors they face.”
