Tehran, May 13, 2025 — In his address at the opening ceremony of the 4th General Assembly of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), H.E. Mehmet Akarca, President of OICOA and Chief Ombudsman of Türkiye, emphasized the central role of ombudsman institutions in upholding justice, human dignity, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Addressing delegations of ombudsman institutions from across the Islamic world, Mr. Akarca highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, stating that ombudsman bodies cannot remain indifferent in the face of systematic violations of international law and basic human rights. He highlighted the need for OICOA member institutions to serve as collective voices for the oppressed and voiceless across the Muslim world.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. As ombudsman institutions, we must amplify the call for dignity, equity, and peace—especially for the people of Palestine, who continue to suffer under occupation and blockade,” he said.
Mr. Akarca also spoke of the evolving responsibilities of ombudsman institutions in an increasingly complex global environment, calling for deeper collaboration among OICOA members to address cross-border human rights challenges, strengthen governance, and build institutional resilience.
The 4th General Assembly, hosted by the General Inspection Organization (GIO) of Iran, gathers representatives from more than 20 OIC member states. The session focuses on sharing institutional experiences, reinforcing public accountability, and promoting unified action in defending citizens’ rights across the Islamic world.
