Nouakchott: The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent has adopted a comprehensive set of resolutions to bolster humanitarian initiatives across member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This decision was reached during the committee’s 39th regular session, which took place in Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, on July 9 and 10, 2026. The resolutions aim to fortify the capacities of national Red Crescent and Red Cross societies in these regions.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the committee emphasized the critical need for safe and unobstructed access to humanitarian aid, safeguarding relief and medical personnel, and increasing urgent humanitarian assistance to groups affected by various crises. Specific focus areas include Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Sahel region of Africa, and the Lake Chad Basin.
The Committee has formally approved reports from its diverse departments and programs, such as the International Crescent Department and the Islami
c Forum for International Humanitarian Law. It also sanctioned the work plans and budgets for 2026 from other units, including the Social Peacebuilding Center and the Irregular Migration Program, among others.
The committee reiterated the importance of documenting Israeli violations in Palestinian territories. It proposed the establishment of a specialized center for this purpose, collaborating with the Palestinian and Jordanian Red Crescent societies. Additionally, the committee advocated for the creation of safe humanitarian corridors to ensure the delivery of aid and the protection of civilians.
To expand its humanitarian response, the committee urged member states to fulfill their mandatory financial contributions. A budget of US$2 million for 2026 was adopted, alongside the annual work program for that year.
The session concluded with the re-election of Ambassador Ali Mahmoud Bouhadma as Chairman and Ambassador Babiker Ba as Vice-Chairman for a two-year term starting July 9, 2026. The Committee also t
asked the Chairman with arranging consultations to determine the date and location for its fortieth session.