Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, themed “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” concluded in Banjul, The Gambia, with the adoption of the Banjul Declaration. The Declaration, issued by the Kings, Presidents, and Emirs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States, reaffirms their commitment to the OIC Charter’s principles and objectives.

The Declaration, adopted on 25-26 Dhul-Qi’dah 1445 A.H, corresponding to 04 – 05 May 2024, highlights the OIC’s dedication to the noble Islamic values of unity, peace, solidarity, compassion, and justice. It emphasizes the importance of promoting education, human rights, tolerance, moderation, and a middle stance.

One of the key points of the Declaration is the OIC’s solidarity in confronting the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, condemning the Israeli aggression.

The OIC calls on the international community to take action to stop the genocide committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people. The Declaration also calls for the acceleration of humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and rejects any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

The Declaration reiterates the OIC’s solid support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate struggle for their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. It calls on the international community to compel the occupying power to abide by international law and United Nations resolutions regarding Palestine.

Furthermore, the Declaration emphasizes the need to enable the Palestinian people to realize their legitimate national rights, including the recognition of the fully sovereign State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Shareef as its capital.

The OIC Summit also reaffirmed its support for other causes, including the rights of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States, and expressed solidarity with Muslim communities facing persecution and aggression.

The Summit condemned all forms of intolerance, terrorism, violence, extremism, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and discrimination based on ethnicity, tribe, color, or religion.

In conclusion, the Banjul Declaration underscores the OIC’s commitment to fostering tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation among civilizations, religions, cultures, and peoples. It calls for more international efforts to protect human rights, achieve sustainable development goals, and address global challenges such as water scarcity.

The Summit expressed gratitude to The Gambia for hosting the 15th OIC Islamic Summit and commended President Adama Barrow for assuming the Chairmanship of the Organization, pledging unflinching support and prayers for the success of his leadership.