Jeddah Declaration reaffirms bolstering Arab unity

Wrapping up their one-day summit in Jeddah on Friday evening, the Arab leaders reaffirmed the need for further cementing their unity to achieve a more secure and stable region with prosperity and welfare for its peoples.

The Jeddah Declaration, approved by the leaders at the end of their 32nd ordinary summit, reiterated that sustainable development, security, stability, and peaceful coexistence are inherent rights of the Arab citizen, and this will only be achieved by complementing efforts, combating crime and corruption decisively and at all levels.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman, chaired the summit, which saw the participation of Syrian President Bashar al Assad for the first time, ending Syria’s decade-long isolation from the 22-member bloc.

The summit discussed major topics on its agenda, including the Palestinian –Israeli conflict, the latest developments in Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Lebanon.

The declaration rejected foreign interferences in the internal affairs of the Arab countries. “We completely reject supporting the formation of armed militias and warn that internal military conflicts will only aggravate people’s suffering,” the declaration read.

The summit reaffirmed centrality of the Palestinian cause to Arab countries as one of the main factors of stability in the region.

The leaders condemned in the strongest terms the hostile practices and violations of Israel that target the Palestinians’ lives. They called for intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement for the Palestinian issue, and to find a settlement to achieve peace on the basis of the two-state solution in accordance with international resolutions and initiatives, notably the Arab Peace Initiative, mooted by Saudi Arabia.

The leaders welcomed Syria’s return to the Arab League fold following years of isolation, and voiced hope that this would contribute to Syria’s stability and unity. “We must intensify Arab efforts to help Syria resolve its crisis,” the declaration stated. The declaration also hailed the decision of the ministerial level meeting to resume participation of Syrian government delegations in its meetings.

The summit rejected foreign interferences that inflame conflict in Sudan, in a way threatening regional security and stability. The leaders called for dialogue and unity among the warring factions.

The declaration reaffirmed support for everything that guarantees security and stability of Yemen and achieves aspirations of the Yemeni people.

The summit also pledged solidarity with Lebanon, and urged all Lebanese parties to engage in dialogue to elect a president who satisfies people’s aspirations to restore regular work of constitutional institutions and conduct required reforms.

The declaration reiterated that during its current presidency, Saudi Arabia will strengthen joint Arab action in various cultural, economic, social and environmental sectors.

“These initiatives include teaching the Arabic language to non-native speakers and sustain the supply chains of basic food commodities for Arab countries,” the declaration read.

Jeddah Declaration: Sudanese rivals agree to protect civilians

Sudan's warring factions have committed to protect civilians and allow the movement of humanitarian aid. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed a document titled "Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan" early Friday.

They reaffirmed their core obligations under International Humanitarian Law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the needs of civilians.

“We affirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty of Sudan and to maintaining its unity and territorial integrity,” according to the joint declaration.

They welcomed the efforts exerted by Sudan’s friends who can use their relationships and good offices to ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law and for international human rights law, including by committing to this Declaration and immediately implementing it.

“We agree that the interests and well-being of the Sudanese people are our top priority and affirm our commitment to ensure that civilians are protected at all times. This includes allowing safe passage for civilians to leave areas of active hostilities on a voluntary basis, in the direction they choose,” the declaration read.

They committed to exert all efforts to ensure that these commitments—and all obligations of International Humanitarian Law—are fully disseminated within their ranks and appoint focal points to engage with humanitarian actors to facilitate their activities.

“We will enable responsible humanitarian actors, such as the Sudanese Red Crescent and/or the International Committee of the Red Cross to collect, register, and bury the deceased in coordination with competent authorities,” the declaration read.

“We will take all necessary measures to ensure that all persons acting on our instructions, direction or control abide by International Humanitarian Law, and in particular the commitments provided for in this Declaration of Commitment.”

They agreed to prioritize discussions to achieve a short-term ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services, and announced their commitment to scheduling subsequent expanded discussions to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities.