COMMUNIQUE: AFRIHEALTH'sInternational Consultation on Global Peace and the Middle East Conflicts: Addressing the Concerns of the Arabs and Israel

 Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA).

 

Communiqué

 

International Consultation on Global Peace and the Middle East Conflicts: Addressing the Concerns of the Arabs and Israel

Convened by Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)
Date: 29^th July 2025

Venue: Zoom/Hybrid

 

PREAMBLE

We, participants at the International Consultation on Global Peace and the Middle East Conflicts: Addressing the Concerns of the Arabs and Israel, convened by Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), comprising civil society representatives, peace advocates, scholars, religious and community leaders, youth and women's groups, and international development actors from across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Asia, having deliberated extensively on the historical and contemporary dimensions of the conflicts in the Middle East, hereby issue this Communiqué:

 

Recognizing the urgent need for lasting peace in the Middle East, especially in light of the continuing violence, humanitarian crises, displacement, and destruction in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and beyond;

Affirming the equal rights of all peoples—Arabs, Israelis, Palestinians, and others—to peace, security, self-determination, dignity, and justice;

Acknowledging the central role of global civil society, faith-based actors, youth, and international institutions in bridging divides and supporting sustainable peace processes;

 

WE DECLARE AND RECOMMEND AS FOLLOWS:

1. Call for Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
   We urgently call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in all areas of armed conflict across the Middle East, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.
2. Condemnation of All Forms of Violence
   We categorically condemn all acts of violence against civilians, including terrorism, military aggression, and collective punishment, regardless of the perpetrator.
3. Support for Two-State Solution and Just Peace
   We reaffirm our support for a peaceful, negotiated two-state solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis, based on internationally recognized borders and United Nations resolutions.
4. Promotion of Inclusive Dialogue and Diplomacy
   We encourage inclusive and sustained dialogue among all parties—state and non-state actors, communities, and civil society—to promote reconciliation, understanding, and political solutions.
5. Upholding Human Rights and International Law
   All stakeholders must uphold international human rights and humanitarian law, ensuring accountability for violations and protection of vulnerable populations, including women, children, and displaced persons.
6. Amplifying Civil Society Voices
   Civil society organizations must be empowered to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding efforts, policy formulation, and grassroots reconciliation, especially through interfaith, intercultural, and youth-led initiatives.
7. Rejection of Hate, Racism, and Disinformation
   We strongly reject all forms of hate speech, antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and incitement to violence, and call for responsible media engagement and peace-oriented education.
8. Solidarity with the Displaced and Affected Populations
   We express deep solidarity with the millions of people displaced and traumatized by the conflicts and call for increased humanitarian assistance, psychosocial support, and long-term development interventions.
9. Appeal to the United Nations and Global Leaders
   We urge the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, the United States, and other global and regional powers to prioritize peace diplomacy over militarization and ensure genuine engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
10. Commitment to Continued Engagement
    We resolve to sustain this dialogue and collaboration beyond this consultation and work through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and other networks to advocate for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and long-term global peace.

 

ABOUT AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHIA)

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a global-level and community-focused Network/Think-tank of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-state actors (NSA) on Health, Human Welfare/Rights, Energy, Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation, Nutrition/Food Security and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 1997 and incorporated in 2003, the AHOA has teams/chapters in the FCT and 36 States of Nigeria. With over 3,000 member/partner-organizations from 120 countries, and a Google Group of over 45,000 members globally, AHOA has become a third-sector global player, partner, project/programme developer, implementer, monitor and reporter on the measures needed to achieve and safeguard them. AHOA’s strategic approaches include Partnerships and collaborations; Advocacy, communication and social/resource mobilization (ACSM); Research/evidence-generation; Capacity Development/Training and Organizational Strengthening; Outreaches and community engagements; and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

 

 

CONCLUSION

We reaffirm our shared humanity and collective responsibility to promote peace, uphold justice, and heal divisions in the Middle East and across the world. Peace is not only possible—it is necessary, and it begins with listening, empathy, and courageous action.

 

Issued this 29^th day of July 2025, by Participants at the International Consultation Organized by Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA).

 

Signed:

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, DDP, FAHOA

CEO, AHOA

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