Genocide is not new to human society and history. The world now needs a new consciousness of the value of human life.

What has happened and will happen stems from the act of dehumanizing individuals from their status and existence as humans. When a person or a group of people are dehumanized, it becomes easier to commit murder. Daily we carry that image in our hands.

On July 24, the rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Prof. Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, declared the Gombak Declaration on the Sanctity and Value of Human Life in the Context of Genocide, in conjunction with the ISTAC-IIUM conference with CENTHRA held at the IIUM campus in Gombak, Selangor.

The conference is critically significant for the effort to unite the global community, societies and organizations in a collective stance against genocide while emphasizing the value of human life.

This is the first conference held in Malaysia, organized by a university, with the cooperation and support of non-governmental organizations.

The rationale behind the conference through the Gombak Declaration is to delve into the philosophical, religious, and ethical foundations supporting the sanctity and value of human life. The conference and the Gombak Declaration aim to remind those who commit genocide that they will be required to pay compensation for each victim.

Although the Gombak Declaration was prompted by the catastrophe occurring in Gaza, it also refers to acts of genocide in other places and countries around the world. The declaration highlights the urgency for organizers to create an international framework that reinforces the sanctity and value of human life.

In this context, perpetrators, such as Israeli soldiers, view Palestinians as “non-humans”, “animal-like humans”, which is amplified by international media. Coverage from CNN and BBC, for example, portrays Palestinian deaths as less significant compared to Israeli, European, or American deaths. Western media considers Palestinians as Arabs and stateless individuals, a portrayal that feeds into media narratives and popular culture.

Genocide by governments in the 21st century is a grave disaster to humanity. While we pride ourselves on technological advancements, it is clear that they are achieved without values.

Through the Gombak Declaration we assert the value of human life cannot be measured and is intrinsic to every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or other characteristics.

The value of human life cannot be calculated based on economic or utilitarian considerations but should be based on the inherent worth of each person—priceless and undeniable.

All countries and relevant actors must take appropriate measures to protect and uphold the right to life for all individuals under their jurisdiction, ensuring that the dignity of each individual is not compromised.

Any action that threatens or violates the right to life through genocide and other similar atrocities must be unequivocally condemned and punished to the fullest extent permissible under international law.

The international community must work together to combat and respond to situations where the value of human life is ignored or devalued, according to the principles of human rights enshrined in international law.

The impact of genocide extends from the immediate loss of life to socioeconomic devastation, loss of homes and prolonged psychological trauma. Therefore, we urge the United Nations to urgently enhance the international legal framework on genocide by incorporating and adopting a “Genocide Costs” section as outlined in this declaration, serving as an effective deterrent against perpetration, support, and promotion of genocide.

All countries must implement effective educational and awareness-raising initiatives, as they are crucial in fostering a culture that respects human life, prevents dehumanization, and promotes lasting peace.

We acknowledge the importance of collective action and solidarity among civil society, nations, and international organizations to create a world where human dignity is upheld, and the sanctity of life is undeniable.

We call on all countries to affirm their commitment to upholding the principles articulated in this declaration and to enhance cooperation in efforts to prevent and respond to acts of cruelty and genocide.

The Gombak Declaration has the potential to shift and transform global awareness in combating genocide by establishing provisions and implementing compensation by perpetrators.

No matter where genocide occurs, its victims are our neighbors. The internet has enabled us to witness the unspeakable nature of genocide. We bear witness to humanity's atrocities and cannot avoid witnessing the disasters that befall our neighbors.

The world needs a new charter on the sanctity and value of human life in the context of genocide. We need to deflect from human rights to human values. Now, 76 years later, the world requires a new charter to ensure the sanctity and value of human life.

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Ahmad Murad Merican is a professor of social and intellectual history at International Institute of Islamic Civilization and Thought, International Islamic University Malaysia (ISTAC-IIUM). Romil Shamsudin is director of advocacy at Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (CENTHRA).