Jeddah, 12 August 2026
The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation joins the international community in observing International Youth Day 2026, celebrating young people’s contributions, aspirations and resilience, and reaffirming its commitment to protecting their rights and advancing their empowerment. The Commission underscores that OIC Member States are home to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic youth populations, representing a significant demographic asset and a vital driver of innovation, development and peace.
Capitalizing on this demographic asset requires sustained action to remove barriers to young people’s rights and address the needs of those facing exclusion and deprivation.
Firmly believing in young people’s capacity to lead change and build a better future, the promotion of youth rights, empowerment and meaningful participation constitutes a distinct priority in the Commission’s 2026–2030 Strategic Framework. In this context, it stresses the importance of ensuring inclusive, equitable and high-quality education; promoting skills development and digital literacy; bridging the digital divide; and ensuring that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are developed and used responsibly, in an inclusive, rights-based manner that ensures the meaningful participation of young people.
The Commission expresses its grave concern over the circumstances confronting Palestinian youth, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, amid the continuing Israeli occupation, including loss of life, displacement, denial of basic services, and destruction of educational opportunities. It reaffirms the inherent rights of Palestinian children and young people to life, dignity, education, security and equal opportunity, emphasizing that they must be protected in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The Commission calls upon Member States to mainstream young people’s priorities and needs across every stage of policymaking, expand investment in education and skills development, bridge digital and gender gaps, and enhance youth participation and representation in decision-making.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to working with Member States and relevant partners to ensure that young people’s voices and aspirations are reflected in inclusive, human rights-based policies and actions that promote dignity, justice, participation and peace across OIC Member States and beyond.