The 38th Session of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent(ICIC) Tunis, Republic of Tunisia May 26–27, 2025
The (ICIC) concluded its 38th session, which was held in the Tunisian capital on May 26 and 27, 2025. The session was attended by more than 50 participants, including the ICIC President and members, representatives of several National Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies, as well as regional and international humanitarian organizations. The session issued calls to strengthen humanitarian solidarity in the Islamic world.
The session was inaugurated under the chairmanship of H.E. Ambassador Ali Buhedma at the Africa Hotel in Tunis, with the participation of prominent diplomatic and humanitarian figures, among them were H.E. Ambassador Elyes Lakhal, representative of the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Dr. Saleh Al-Suhaibani, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); and Dr. Aisha Al-Ayafi, Director of Humanitarian Affairs at the OIC General Secretariat. Delegations from Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies in Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Turkey, Guinea, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were also present, alongside representatives from the OIC-GS, the Arabic Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Islamic Organization for Food Security, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Over the course of two days, the ICIC session discussed the humanitarian situation in several Islamic countries facing acute crises, notably Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Sahel region, and the Lake Chad Basin. The session concluded with the Tunis Declaration on the Humanitarian Situation in the Islamic World, emphasizing the need to enhance secure access to humanitarian aid and intensify international efforts to protect civilians and support affected communities.
Participants commended the active role of the ICIC in supporting Islamic humanitarian work and called for stronger partnerships with international and regional organizations to address growing humanitarian challenges.
On the sidelines of the ICIC session, held a series of productive bilateral meetings with several delegations, national societies, and international organizations. These meetings focused on exploring avenues for cooperation, coordinating humanitarian efforts, and exchanging expertise in relief work, capacity building, and rapid crisis response.
In conclusion, the ICIC session expressed its deep gratitude to the Republic of Tunisia—its government and people—for hosting the session and providing generous support and facilities. It also appreciated the cooperation of the Tunisian Red Crescent Society in contributing to the success of the event and reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting humanitarian causes in OIC member states.
