Nouakchott: The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent concluded its 39th regular session in the Mauritanian capital, adopting a series of resolutions designed to bolster humanitarian work within member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The measures aim to support the capabilities of national Red Crescent and Red Cross societies.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the committee emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid, the protection of relief and medical workers, and the intensification of urgent support for crisis-affected groups. The regions highlighted include Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Sahel region of Africa, and the Lake Chad Basin.
The Committee ratified reports from its various departments and programs, such as the International Crescent Department and the Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law. It also approved the plans and budgets for 2026 for these departments, which include regional offices and initiatives like the Social Peacebuilding Center and the Irregular Migration Program.
One of the key decisions was the continued documentation of Israeli violations in Palestinian territories. The committee plans to establish a specialized center for this purpose, in collaboration with the Palestinian and Jordanian Red Crescent societies. Furthermore, it urged the opening of safe humanitarian corridors to ensure aid delivery and civilian protection.
Member states were called upon to fulfill their financial obligations to facilitate the committee's expanded humanitarian response. A budget of US$2 million was approved for 2026, alongside the annual work program.
The session concluded with the re-election of Ambassador Ali Mahmoud Bouhadma as Chairman and Ambassador Babiker Ba as Vice-Chairman, each for a two-year term starting July 9, 2026. The Chairman was also tasked with organizing the fortieth session's date and location.