Jeddah: The head of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Haji Asikçikçil, has expressed grave concerns regarding ongoing human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. During a thematic discussion on “The Right to Water: A Human Rights Perspective,” Dr. Asikçikçil highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in the region, emphasizing the targeting of civilians, blockade of humanitarian aid, and destruction of essential infrastructure by Israeli forces.

According to Union of OIC News Agencies, Dr. Haji Ali Asikçikçil, who chairs the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), underscored the significance of his new role as both an honor and a responsibility. He extended gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the Commission’s Secretariat and providing logistical resources, which he believes demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing human rights within the OIC framework.

Dr. Asikçikçil’s discussion at the OIC’s 9th Ordinary Session in Jeddah focused on the right to water as an integral human right. He asserted that access to safe and sufficient water is crucial for realizing other basic human rights and is recognized in international legal instruments. He outlined key elements of the right to water, including availability, quality, acceptability, accessibility, and affordability, emphasizing their importance in ensuring dignity and opportunity for all.

The Human Rights Commission has incorporated the right to water in its review of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights, linking it to the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.