Riyadh: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the continued terrorist cross-border attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the attacks, involving ballistic missiles and UAVs, have targeted populated areas and civilian and vital facilities, resulting in civilian injuries and damage to homes and infrastructure, the commission highlighted.
The IPHRC expressed deep concern over Saudi Arabia's announcement that it had intercepted a UAV south of Makkah. The commission stressed that exposing Makkah, home to the Grand Mosque and holy sites and a city of profound spiritual significance to more than two billion Muslims, to any military threat represents an extremely dangerous escalation. The commission stressed that such escalation endangers civilians and pilgrims and extends beyond Saudi Arabia to affect Muslims and their spiritual security around the world.
The attacks also seriously undermine the enjoyment of the rights to life, security, physical and mental integrity, health, housing, and an adequate standard of living, the commission warned. The continued targeting of energy facilities and critical infrastructure further threatens regional security, maritime navigation, and the stability of energy supplies.
The IPHRC expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people, as well as with the victims of the attacks and their families. It reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's right, under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, to protect its population, territory, and civilian facilities from unlawful attacks.
In light of the repeated attacks and the seriousness of the latest escalation, the commission called for urgent international action to halt attacks on civilians and civilian facilities. The IPHRC stressed that safeguarding the sanctity of Makkah and the security of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors is a responsibility that transcends political and military considerations. It underscored that this responsibility represents a shared religious and humanitarian value that the international community must uphold and protect from any threat or targeting.
