The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Condemns Israel's Violations of Religious Freedoms in Occupied Jerusalem

SadaNews - The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemns the ongoing restrictions imposed by Israel, the occupying power, on the exercise of religious freedom in occupied Jerusalem. These measures include preventing Muslims from praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque for long periods, and preventing Christians from accessing their places of worship to perform obligatory religious rituals.

The Commission emphasizes that the freedom of religion, including the right to express religion through worship, rituals, practices, and education, is a fundamental human right that is non-negotiable under international human rights law. Imposing arbitrary and discriminatory restrictions on access to places of worship constitutes a severe violation of this right, as well as a violation of the principles of equality and non-discrimination. These unjustified restrictions imposed by Israel, the occupying power, violate international human rights law and international humanitarian law, undermining the dignity of individuals and communities by depriving them of the freedom to practice their religious rites. Any attempt to change the current legal and historical status of the holy sites or to restrict access to them is considered a violation of international legal obligations.

The Commission calls on the international community, including relevant United Nations mechanisms and international human rights bodies, to take appropriate measures to ensure accountability, protect the right to freedom of religion, and guarantee unrestricted and non-discriminatory access to holy sites for all worshippers.