OIC Journal Issue 20 English by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

OUR MESSAGE

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu OIC Secretary General

Africa…untapped potential Africa never ceases to amaze me whenever I get the chance to visit a member state there. With its abundance of natural beauty and resources, its potential for development and economic growth, and its friendly and enterprising people, Africa is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Yet, it is disheartening to see such possibilities laid to waste due to mismanagement or internal conflicts. Last year I was keen to undertake my third African tour since my assumption of office in 2005. The tour took me to seven West African OIC member states, namely, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Senegal and Niger. It was an insightful and fruitful visit where I touched base with the Presidents of these countries on the progress made on the execution of the various OIC development projects in their countries, which are in line with implementing the OIC TenYear Program of Action. Meanwhile, there has been a noticeable increase in the involvement of the African member states in OIC activities and hosting its conferences. The economic cooperation projects and programs such as the Trade Preferential System, the poverty alleviation and micro-finance facilities within both the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund, intervention in the domain of agriculture, food security and rural development, the OIC Cotton Rehabilitation Program, the Special Program for the Development of Africa, West African cross-border parks and the OIC Dakar-Port Sudan Railway project represent the commitment of the entire OIC membership to the socio-economic renewal in Africa. In addition, there are the special funds for Niger and Sierra Leone to help these two key African member states overcome their difficulties caused by drought and a civil war. Recent SESRIC “swot” analysis and IDB economic reports indicate significant positive elements seen across Africa due to four main reasons: strong economic growth; rapid progress of the Millennium Development Goals leading to a drop in poverty across many African countries; increased investments of the private sector and high return on investment as well as robust climate for market-oriented, pro-poor reforms, which has led to prudent economic policies. Nevertheless, despite the progress in implementing the OIC economic projects, Africa faces some acute challenges in the fields of health services, education, and, most importantly and dangerously, security, where some countries are facing a constant threat. OIC member states are well placed to assist in bringing peace, stability and prosperity to its African member states. The OIC African member states, meanwhile, should endeavour to look inward, support OIC causes and initiatives, foster intra-OIC cooperation and scale up ownership of the various OIC projects in order to enhance sustainable South-South cooperation and objectives of the OIC Ten Year Programme of Action. These inclusive measures would obviously establish and guarantee sound political and economic systems that ensure an optimal economic growth and social development and augment solidarity among the member states.

OIC Journal

A WORD

Issued by The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Editor - in - Chief Isam Salim Shanti

Water should not be taken for granted

General Supervisor & Managing Editor Maha Mostafa Akeel Editors Ahmed Salem Abdelhamid Salhi Layout & Design Mohammed Abdelqader Qalaba Advisory Board Ali Abolhassani Shahreza Hasan Oker Gurler Address: Madinah Road, P.O. Box 178, Jeddah-21411 Saudi Arabia Tel: 6515222 Fax: 6512288 Telx.: 601366 Islami SJ. Website: www.oic-oci.org @OIC_OCI Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) For comments, enquiries and advertisement E-mail: journal@oic-oci.org OIC Permanent Observer to the UN New York Office 320 East - 51st Street New York 10022 New York - U.S.A. www.oicun.org oic@un.int OIC Permanent Observer to the UN Geneva Office ICC-20 Route Pre-BoisCase Postal 1818 CH 1215 Geneve - SUISSE www.oic-un.org oic@oic - un.org The views expressed by the writers/ authors of the articles published in OIC Journal do not necessarily represent the views of the OIC, but are the personal views

However,

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OIC

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discretion to amend, revise, edit, delete or scrutinize any part or portion of the text as and wherever deemed necessary.

“We have made every living thing out of water.” (Sura 21 The Prophets, ayat 30) Without water, there is no life. This is a fact; yet we seem to be taking water for granted and not realizing the importance of better water management and preservation. The problem is not only water security, the effects of climate change and handling water disasters; the problem extends to health conditions, food security, energy and economic development. Many theories expect the next major wars to be over water, but things don’t have to reach that point. In March, the OIC Ministers Responsible for Water adopted the OIC Water Vision, another important achievement in the course of Islamic solidarity and implementation of the Ten-Year Program of Action. The Vision outlines the different water related challenges faced by the member states and the means for addressing them, particularly in terms of collaborative efforts. The OIC Water Vision recommends exchange and sharing of knowledge; research, policy and management support amongst OIC knowledge centers on water; capacity building and outreach development; and technology transfer, water governance and institutional reforms. It also underscores the need for coordination and synergies with ongoing international water-related initiatives and programs and international cooperation in terms of technology transfer and best practices. The recently issued UN World Water Development Report sounds the alarm on the uncertainties and risks involved in managing water. It underlines the imperativeness of how we use and manage water to sustainable growth and development. It is a point that needs to be kept in mind for the short and long term plans.

Maha Akeel

In Focus UN urged to probe Jewish expansion in Jerusalem

World Affairs Somalia’s political process to get more international support

OIC, Australia agree on a framework of cooperation

Media OIC organizes media workshop on Islamophobia

A Year after the Arab Uprisings

12 OIC Human Rights Commission holds its First Session

Culture Australia to get its first Islamic Museum

OIC, UN celebrate Islamic arts in NY

Health OIC preparing Strategic Health Program

OIC Water Vision adopted by Ministers

Economy Food exporting countries urged to observe Halal norms IDB signs MoU with Palestinian Authority to aid 12000 families

OIC Related Links

OIC Calendar: April – June 2012

Subsidiary Organs

3- 4 April: 37th Session of the Council of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) www.fiqhacademy.org

(IDB) – Khartoum, Sudan.

The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic

3 -4 April: Regional Organizations Conference on Mediation – OIC Headquarters,

Countries (SESRIC) www.sesrtcic.org

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) www.ircica.org The Islamic Center for the Development of Trade (CIDC) www.icdt-oic.org The Islamic University of Technology (UIT) www.iutoic-dhaka.edu

9- 11 April: 28th General Assembly of the ICCI – Istanbul, Turkey. 14 -15 April: Workshop on Partnership, Coordination and Capacity Building for NGOs – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 17 -20 April: 9th Session of the OIC Information Ministers Conference – Libreville,

Specialized Institutions and Organs

Gabon.

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) www.isdb.org

28 -30 April: 18th Meeting of the Committee for Coordination of Joint Islamic Action

International Islamic News Agency (IINA) www.islamicnews.org.sa

– Tehran, Iran.

The Islamic States Broadcasting Organization (ISBO) www.isboo.org

1 -3 May: OIC-UN Biennial Coordination Meeting – Geneva, Switzerland.

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Rabat

2 -3 May: 6th Meeting of the Consultative Council for the Implementation of the

(ISESCO)www.isesco.org.ma

Strategy for Development of Science, Technology and Innovation in Islamic Countries

Affiliated Institutions Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) www.icci-oic.org Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC) www.oicc.org Organization of the Islamic Shipowners Association (OISA) www.oisaonline.com

– Rabat, Morocco. 3- 5 May: 3rd General Assembly and 4th Board of Directors Meeting of SMIIC – Istanbul, Turkey. 10 -11 May: Ministerial Conference to Address the Problem of Refugees in the Muslim World – Turkmenistan.

World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools

13 -15 May: 2nd Session of the OIC Statistical Commission – Izmir, Turkey.

(WFAIS) www.wfais.org

28 -29 May: Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers – Astana, Kazakhstan.

Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation

18 -20 June: 35th Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and

(ICYF-DC) www.icyf.com

Social Affairs (ICECS) – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) www.ias-worldwide.org

27 -30 June: 1st OIC Congress on China and the Muslim World – Beijing, China.

IN FOCUS International Conference on Jerusalem: UN urged to probe Jewish expansion

Ihsanoglu calls on Islamic States to give more to Jerusalem

(L-R) Robert Serry UN special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nabil Al Arabi Secretary General of the Arab League, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Abdelilah Benkirane Prime Minister of Morocco and Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu Secretary General of OIC (epa).

Doha, Qatar – At the International Conference on Palestinians’ resistance in Jerusalem by supporting health, Jerusalem, Qatar urged the United Nations to investigate Jewish education, housing, infrastructure, religious sites and settlement expansion in annexed Arab East Jerusalem. Qatar’s economy.” The East Jerusalem question must become the main Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani warned that Israel’s and the basic point in the Arab, Islamic political and economic occupation of the Palestinian territories was unacceptable. He relations with the world. He added that the annexation of East said the Arab identity in Jerusalem is threatened by the Israeli Jerusalem legislation, which was passed by Israel in 1967, is settlement expansion around the city. invalid and East Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine. “We must act quickly to stop the Judaization of Jerusalem,” Abbas stressed the importance to support and reinforce the said Sheikh Hamad in his opening remarks at the International infrastructure in East Jerusalem through adopting projects to Conference for the Defense of Occupied Jerusalem held in Doha support institutions in Jerusalem and maintain connections on February 26 -27, 2012. He called on the UN to “investigate with Palestinians in Jerusalem to break the siege. the measures Israel has taken to Judaize Jerusalem since its The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic occupation in 1967.” He said such Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin an investigation would constitute Ihsanoglu, stressed in his speech the first step toward “forcing Israel Abbas: We reached an agreement with that the challenges created by Israeli to reverse those measures.” practices in Jerusalem, which are the OIC to work together in order to The conference, which brought at variance with international law, reinforce Palestinians’ resistance in together international and regional should be challenged in Jerusalem Jerusalem experts and officials, was intended itself, by helping the people to to address what the Palestinians be steadfast, paying attention to warn is an Israeli push to cement critical sectors and assisting them to its control over the occupied eastern sector of the city. confront attempts to Judaize their city. The Secretary General President Mahmoud Abbas supported the presenting of the however stated that what was being given to Jerusalem by Jerusalem question to the United Nations Security Council. Islamic states was very small and negligible in view of what Abbas said, during the Conference, that Israel is using all sorts the city requires to confront the colossal, systematic and wellof heinous methods and policies to execute its agenda aiming funded Israeli project. to erase the Arab, Islamic and Christian character of East Ihsanoglu called on capable Islamic states and financial Jerusalem. He clarified that Israel aims to Judaize the old city institutions to give whatever was possible to support Jerusalem. through changing the landscape, carrying out ethnic cleansing He announced that the OIC had concluded the implementation against Palestinians and destroying Jerusalem’s infrastructure of a project to develop the youth sector in Al-Quds Al-Shareef and economic resources. He said that all concerned over (Jerusalem). He added that the Islamic Development Bank Jerusalem must adopt policies and provide facilities to (IDB) continues to finance numerous projects in various guarantee protecting Jerusalem and maintain its characteristics. sectors of the Holy City, in addition to its other projects aimed Abbas said that it is essential to support Palestinian residents at developing the health and education sectors. Furthermore, of Jerusalem and their resistance. he stated that the Islamic Solidarity Fund continues to finance He said: “We reached an agreement with the Organization the construction and rehabilitation of several schools in of Islamic Cooperation to work together in order to reinforce Jerusalem. 4

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Meanwhile, the Secretary General stated that he informed the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the OIC considered the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque a red line for the Islamic Ummah, and demanded that Israeli violations in Al Quds must be stopped immediately. He reiterated that the AlAqsa issue was and remains the pivot of OIC’s political activities with various world’s leaders and officials, particularly during the OIC Secretary General’s meetings with the European Union, specifically with the chairman-in-office of the EU and its foreign relations commissioner. Ihsanoglu explained that he had written many letters to EU foreign ministers calling on them to implement the recommendations contained in the reports of heads of European diplomatic missions in Palestine on Al-Quds. A declaration was adopted at the end of the conference which supported the proposal made by Sheikh Hamad for resorting to the Security Council in order to obtain a resolution entailing setting up an international committee to examine all measures taken by Israel since 1967 occupation in Arab Al Quds intended to eradicate its Islamic and Arab features. It also welcomed the call by the Emir for developing a comprehensive and extended strategy on the different sectors and projects needed for Al Quds. Qatar is ready to contribute all its potentials to achieving the said strategy as well as putting it into force. The declaration called upon the international powers that are silent about Israeli violations to assume their responsibilities and oblige Israel for implementing all international resolutions relevant to Al Quds. Additionally, the participants called upon

all relevant agencies of the UN to assume their responsibility towards Al Quds and its population, ensuring their enjoyment of their city, and complete civic, economic, and social rights, preserving its sanctities, historical landmarks and human heritage. They called upon the Swiss Government, depositary state of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, to hasten calling for the resumption of the Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 in enforcement to the UN General Assembly Resolutions thereto. It is intended to take the necessary measures for bringing the Israeli violations to an end, protecting Al Quds, its people and sanctities. The declaration also called upon the Israeli authorities to put an end to the unilateral policies, and measures of imposing the status quo in Al Quds including the immediate stopping of all settlement activities, removing the Israeli West Bank Barrier in accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), preserving Islamic and Christian sanctities, securing the accessibility thereto, and refraining from changing the city’s geographic, political and demographic status for the purpose of implementing its Judaization plans. The participants called upon the UNESCO to preserve the occupied Al Quds cultural heritage based on its resolutions thereunto, enforcing the eighth clause of its Executive Council calling for the appointment of one or more prominent and permanent experts whose headquarters would be East Al Quds in order to regularly report on all aspects related to the educational, cultural, and population situation in Al Quds.

OPINION Islamophobia Needs Special Attention of the 9th ICIM in Gabon Dr. Isam Salim Shanti Chief Editor

The issue of Islamophobia and its rapid rise in the western world has become a disturbing one for the OIC and the Muslim World at large. According to many reports there are concrete evidences that Islamophobia is on the rise in Europe and the Americas due to many factors such as political, cultural, social, and religious on the one hand, and to the lack of visions and initiatives by Muslim countries, Muslim NGOs, and Muslim communities in the West to deal with and combat such a complicated predicament to the principles of coexistence and tolerance among multi-cultural and multireligious societies. Moreover, the issue of Islamophobia, as it appears from various contexts, is a multi- multifaceted matter of legal, religious, political, socio-economic and cultural as well as public opinion. Therefore, all dealings and handlings of such a sensitive and delicate issue that touches officials and public opinion in both the Muslim and Western worlds would require that the OIC and its Member States adopt a well-defined and well-organized strategies and tactics to achieve set of goals and objectives in this regard. It is worth mentioning at this juncture that the OIC, as the official representative of Muslims around the world and being an intergovernmental body, has itself been under well-orchestrated attacks by Islamophobes of various backgrounds in the West, targeting its role and contribution as well as its growing image and credibility in the international fora. Sensing the urgency to mobilize methodological efforts with the specific aim of illustrating its legitimate role as an intergovernmental organization and isolating Islamophobia and its defenders to their minimal collision, the OIC held in February 2012 a specialized workshop in Brussels titled: “Media Misrepresentations of Islam and Muslims: The Search for Remedies” to discuss the rise of Islamophobia in the Western world from media perspectives. It ended up with specific recommendations that will need OIC and Muslim countries’ immediate attention and action within the presented framework of short and long-term strategies. Acknowledging that combating the rise of Islamophobia in the West has become a political, diplomatic, and religious necessity would mean that the OIC and the Muslim countries 6

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have a serious stake. If the OIC and its Member States do not take this phenomenon seriously in terms of its intellectual and societal backgrounds and their impacts on Muslims all over the world, the future seems ominous for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Not to mention the prospect of spreading Islamophobia in other regions in the world. Therefore, no doubt that it is just about time that this issue becomes Muslims’ top priority before it is beyond remedial probability. In dealing with Islamophobia and its tormenting rise, the Secretary General of OIC Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, for many years has been keeping up his action and efforts at various levels including media, officials, and public opinion by expanding public relations at both the Islamic and outside world levels. The Secretary General has even launched a number of activities aimed at countering campaigns and propaganda hostile to Islam and Muslims in many Western media outlets. Extensive press conferences and appearances by the Secretary General and other senior officials have been devoted for the defense of the causes of the Islamic values, not to mention highlighting Islamophobia in the international fora and in officially bilateral meetings with various leaders and officials around the world. Moreover, many forums and gatherings were attended by Prof. Ihsanoglu as well as several lectures delivered at internationally high-profile academic and political institutions. In addition, the OIC General Secretariat has set up an in-house team on the issue of Islamophobia to counter the prejudiced media campaigns against Islam and Muslims in the West through traditional and modern media outlets. Nevertheless, it is important to admit that combating the rise of Islamophobia around the world is beyond the individual capability of the General Secretariat of the OIC in terms of human and financial resources. Moreover, it is useful to state that Muslims and non-Muslims in the West are more aware of the threat of Islamophobia than many Muslims and nonMuslims in the OIC world. The OIC has high hopes that the coming 9th Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM), which will be held in Libreville, Gabon on 17 – 20 April, would handle the issue of Islamophobia and its disturbing rise more seriously and methodologically considering its long-term adverse impacts on Muslims and the international relations, particularly the Muslim – Western relations. In this context, the General Secretariat of the OIC has circulated a comprehensive strategy based on Brussels’ recommendations as well as the OIC’s vision and relevant resolutions. The peoples of the OIC World will be watching and waiting for clear and practical plan of action or mechanism coming out of Gabon Conference that will include clear vision, a defined strategy, reasonable budget as well as a follow-up plan to ensure that the process of combating Islamophobia is properly commenced in Gabon, in particular with relation to its media aspects.

PALESTINE FILE

Basic services crises persists in Gaza Strip Gaza (dpa) – The acute shortage of fuel plaguing the streets of Gaza Strip forced Abu Jihad Ashour, a taxi driver, to park his taxi in front of his house in Gaza and stop working. At the same time, vehicle queues in front of local petrol stations re-emerged and outages persisted to darken large areas in the Strip. Abu Jihad’s face expressed resentment and anger when he went to a local petrol station to fill up but with no avail, after a five-hour queue. "It has been the same for three years: repeated crises and no solutions," indicated Abu Jihad while pointing to the empty gallons in his hands. The crisis of the fuel smuggled out of Egypt to the Gaza Strip through border Rafah tunnels caused a series of complicated crises to the residents of the Gaza Strip, most notably the worsening crisis of power outages after the closing of the only power station in the Strip. Local officials stated that the Gaza Strip under the control of Hamas Movement is still suffering from a series of crises in basic services, despite the passing of more than a year and a half after Israel introduced some facilitation to the siege it imposed on Gaza since June 2007. Israel had decided to ease the restrictions of the siege in July 2010. It expanded the list of commodities supplied to the Strip and gradually allowed the export of limited quantities of Gaza agricultural products. However, Israel kept its stifling control on the Strip through the commercial crossings and land checkpoints, except Rafah crossing with Egypt, which also saw significant improvements to travel in both directions. Unfortunately, these changes did not bear a breakthrough for the more than a million and half population of Gaza in terms of ensuring basic services. A new fuel crisis began gradually to affect all walks of life therein. Muhammad al-Agha, the Agriculture Minister in the deposed Hamas government, warned against an imminent food disaster that would crush the Gaza Strip, due to power outages and fuel shortages, both of which seriously damage the agricultural sector. Al-Agha indicated that the food basket of the Gaza population, represented by agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors, is deeply threatened, especially agricultural wells, operational machinery, canneries and sorting factories, as well as poultry farms. He added that many of the power-operated agricultural wells stopped working in various governorates of the Gaza Strip and no longer pump water to irrigate large areas of agricultural land. Local hospitals also warned against a severe crisis due to power outages and fuel shortages that threaten the mere functioning of medical departments. These hospitals are currently using the running-out fuel tanks they have to run generators. This jeopardizes thousands of patients and may amount to a disaster, according to local officials. The Ministry of Education in the deposed government warned that the continuing crisis of power outages will seriously affect the overall educational process.

The monthly needs of Gaza Strip for fuel are about 3840 million liters: 18 million for civil life, and 20 million for the power plant, according to the Head of Fuel Companies Society in the Gaza Strip, Mahmoud ash-Shawa. In the past, the operation of the power station depended mainly on the import of industrial fuel from Israel when the European Union (EU) was funding the costs of its supply. However, in November 2009, the EU decided to stop such direct funding of up to 50 million Israeli shekels a month. In January 2011, the Energy Authority in Gaza stopped the import of industrial fuel from Israel, and depended on the import of Egyptian fuel through the tunnels after it announced the success of the technicians to adapt it to run the power plant in the Strip. It is noteworthy that the local generation plant requires 600 thousand liters of smuggled fuel per day. Suhail Sakik, Director of Electricity Distribution Company in Gaza, indicated that the stoppage of the only power plant in the Strip has led to a deep serious crisis of power outages therein after the deficit reached more than 65%, which means daily outage of electricity for about 12 hours. Sakik explained that the current amount available to his company was only 137 mega, of which 120 mega from the Israeli side and 117 mega from the Egyptian side, a quantity that does not meet even the minimum needs of Gaza residents and exposes local distribution networks to collapse. He indicated that the crisis is doubled as far as Gaza population is concerned because of the lack of an alternative. Gaza even lacks fuel required to run generators used at times of power outages. Sakik asserted that the solution to Gaza’s electricity crisis should be at two levels. First, fast and enough re-supply of fuel to the power plant to resume production in order to save the situation. Secondly, there is a need for a Palestinian consensus towards the completion of strategic projects in the Strip, whether to increase the energy produced by local power station, realize regional linkage with Egypt, or raise the production efficiency of the power station by setting a project to supply it with Egyptian gas instead of fuel.

PALESTINE FILE

Abbas and Ihsanoglu agree to continue mobilizing support for the recognition of the Palestinian State

Amman, Jordan – The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received on 24 January 2012 the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in his Residence in the Jordanian Capital Amman.

The meeting addressed the developments in the Palestinian cause and the efforts being made by the two parties to mobilize support for the recognition of the Palestinian State in the United Nations. In the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary General was briefed on the results of the recent tour of the Palestinian President in Europe aimed at mobilizing support for the recognition of the Palestinian State and at explaining the Palestinian position on the current stalemate in the peace process. Abbas stated that the Palestinians regard the date of 26 January as decisive after which they will assess and examine their options internally and with the Arab Follow-up Committee due to meet on 4 February 2012. The meeting also addressed the issue of Palestinian reconciliation and President Abbas briefed the Secretary General on the ongoing developments in this issue. The two parties also discussed the latest developments in the occupied city of Al-Quds and agreed on the need to continue close coordination with a view to mobilizing support to the Palestinian State’s UN membership.

IDB supports Al-Quds housing sector with US$15 million Amman, Jordan – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said on 28 January 2012 that the OIC had initiated several political and diplomatic moves aimed at supporting institutions in Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem). This is contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Secretary General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs Ambassador Samir Bakr Diyab at an international symposium on Al Quds and the dangers threatening it. In the symposium, held in the Jordanian capital Amman, the Secretary General said that the Islamic Development Bank had earmarked at the beginning of this year the sum of US$15 million to support the housing sector in Al Quds, in addition to

a package of other pledges to develop the health and education sectors of the holy city. In the speech Ihsanoglu stated that: “Frankly, what is being given to Al-Quds is meager considering what the city requires to confront Israel’s systematic projects for which a colossal amount of money has been provided by the occupying state…” He called on OIC states and those capable among the people of these states as well as their financial institutions to give as much as possible to support the City of Al Quds. On this occasion, he also called on OIC capitals with twinning agreements with Al-Quds to allocate some of their annual budget, even if little, to support critical projects in their twinned city with Al-Quds.

Palestinians sign Doha Declaration on reconciliation Doha, Qatar – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will head an interim national consensus government under a deal signed in Qatar on February 6, 2012, ending a long-running disagreement that had stalled Palestinian reconciliation. The deal was sealed by Fatah leader Abbas and Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal in the presence of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The so-called “Doha Declaration” is the latest attempt by Fatah and Hamas to implement a reconciliation deal signed last April in Cairo. The declaration states that the new Palestinian government will comprise “independent technocrats,” and will also be responsible for overseeing reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. The new government will “facilitate the implementation of presidential and parliamentary elections,” 8

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according to the declaration. The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has welcomed the Doha Declaration on Palestinian national reconciliation. He expressed the hope that the provisions of the agreement on forming a national unity government and other issues that would consolidate national unity and contribute to the realization of the aspirations and yearnings of the Palestinian people would be implemented The Secretary General noted that it was necessary to implement the Declaration in order to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause in the international arena. He also commended Qatar for patronizing this important achievement and Egypt for its efforts in bringing about Palestinian reconciliation.

Quick response to OIC appeal to provide emergency medical aid to Gaza Strip Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – International humanitarian organizations in the OIC Member States responded to the urgent appeal launched by the Secretary General of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on 20 December 2012 to provide emergency medical aid to the Gaza Strip, which is facing an unprecedented health crisis. The Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and International Cooperation in the OIC, Ambassador Atta Al-Mannan Bakheit revealed that the OIC received inquiries from many humanitarian organizations in the Member States, including Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. He added that the OIC also received inquiries from philanthropists about the possibility of contributing to the emergency medical aid for the relief of patients in the Gaza Strip. The Organization is coordinating with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia in this regard. Ambassador Bakheit said that the OIC humanitarian assistance coordination offices in Cairo and Gaza are ready to assume the task of delivering needed assistance and facilitate their access to stakeholders in the sector, in coordination with the Government of Egypt.

He also said that the acute shortage of medical supplies is threatening the lives of many patients whose surgical operations had to be postponed, such as eye operations, pediatric surgery, catheter, heart and tumors. The dialysis section also stopped working due to lack of filters for dialysis. The section deals with approximately 400 patients whose lives are in danger. The shortage also threatens anesthesia units of emergency departments and laboratories. Health centers and hospitals in the Gaza Strip are facing a real deficit in providing specialized health care, which culminated as a result of the inability of hospitals to provide medicines and medical supplies caused by the Israeli blockade. Ihsanoglu had appealed to Member States, and humanitarian organizations and charities in the Islamic world, and other civil society organizations, and international organizations in the world to help the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, in particular with regard to cancer treatments and treatment of kidney patients, in order to reduce the impact of the difficult humanitarian situation resulting from lack of medicine and healthcare there.

Israeli extremists’ assault churches and mosques in Jerusalem Jerusalem, Palestine – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu strongly condemned Israeli extremists’ assault against the Baptist Church in Jerusalem with writings on the wall insulting Jesus and his mother Mary (peace be upon them) and by destroying and desecrating the church’s properties. Attackers daubed death threats on the walls of the Baptist House church in central Jerusalem on February 20, 2012 and vandalized three cars parked nearby in the latest “price tag” hate crime, Israeli police said. “Anti-Christian graffiti was found on the walls of the Baptist church and the tires of three cars parked nearby were slashed,” said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld of the church on Narkis Street in west Jerusalem. The Hebrew-language graffiti was written on the exterior walls, with slogans reading: “We will crucify you” and “Death to Christianity.” They also included crude insults about Jesus and his mother Mary. The Secretary General added that Israel is responsible for this heinous act, which is added to the series of assaults by

its extremist citizens on Christian and Muslim properties and holy places. He called the international community to protect the holy places, exert pressure on Israel to stop such violations and to comply with the rules of international law. Ihsanoglu had also strongly condemned yet another arson attack on a mosque in occupied Jerusalem and another one in Burqa Village, close to Ramallah in the West Bank, back in December. He also condemned the Islamaphobic comments written on the wall of the mosque, describing the continued terrorist and criminal acts by the extremist settlers against places of worship and desecration of sanctuaries as naked violation of international treaties and instruments. Ihsanoglu held Israel fully responsible for the continued arsons attacks on mosques and vandalizing of properties and sanctuaries of the Palestinian people at the forefront of which is the Blessed Al Aqsa Mosque. The Secretary General called on the international community, rights organizations and UNESCO to assume their responsibilities and act promptly to stop these crimes by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian territories.

OIC welcomes Thailand’s recognition of Palestine State Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu welcomed the recognition of the Kingdom of Thailand, of Palestine as a free, independent State within the 1967 borders, noting that this step, which comes from an OIC observer country, represents a significant development in international

support for Palestinian inalienable national rights. The Secretary General expressed his hope that other States will follow the lead of Thailand so as to broaden the international recognition of Palestine as a free and full sovereign State over all Palestinian territories occupied by Israel in 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital. 9

PALESTINE FILE

Settlement expansion in E. Jerusalem continues unabated Jerusalem, Palestine – Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed his vigorous condemnation of the approval given by the Israeli occupation authorities for the construction of 130 new settlement units in the Gilo Settlement in occupied East Jerusalem. The Secretary General also strongly condemned Israel’s decision ratifying the construction of more than 1000 new settlement units in occupied Jerusalem as flagrant violation of international law. He alerted that the quickened pace of settlement construction on Palestinian lands is part of the attempts by the Israeli occupation to create a new fait accompli on the ground thereby blocking the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Secretary General added that Israel’s continued settlement construction underscores the importance of

approaching the Security Council to decide as appropriate on these illegal practices. Ihsanoglu called on the international community to rise up to its immediate responsibility by ending all settlement activities on all occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem; to compel Israel to stop its ongoing violations of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy; and to stop extremist Israeli settlers from attacking properties and sanctuaries of Palestinian citizens. The Secretary General also strongly condemned the occupation government’s decision to establish 40 housing units on the territory of the city of Bethlehem in the Palestinian territories. He also strongly condemned Israel’s establishment of Shufat military crossing in the occupied city of Al-Quds.

West Bank, Palestine – Jewish settlers have seized dozens of natural springs in the occupied West Bank, barring Palestinians or limiting their access to scarce water sources, a United Nations report said on March 19, 2012. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it had surveyed 530 springs in the West Bank and found that 30, mostly in areas where Israel retains military control, were taken over by the settlers. It added that Palestinians currently had limited access to 26 other springs where settlers had moved in and threatened to take control. The report said settlers had not encroached on 474 remaining springs surveyed. In most instances, the report said, “Palestinians have been deterred from accessing the springs by acts of intimidation, threats and violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers.” “The loss of access to springs and adjacent land reduced

the income of affected farmers, who either stop cultivating the land or face a reduction in the productivity of their crops,” the report said. “Settlers have developed 40 springs as tourist sites, deployed picnic tables and benches and given them Hebrew names ... It is generating employment and revenue for the settlements and it is a way of promoting or advertising settlements as a fun place,” OCHA researcher

Yehezkel Lein said. “Such works were carried out without building permits,” the report said. OCHA said the takeover of springs was an extension of settlement activity in the West Bank, which it pointed out, is illegal under international law. And it added that settler actions including “trespass, intimidation and physical assault, stealing of private property, and construction without a building permit,” are also violations of Israeli law. “Yet, the Israel authorities have systematically failed to enforce the law on those responsible,” it said.

Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations launched an international investigation on 22 March 2012 into Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. The UN Human Rights Council condemned Israel’s planned construction of new housing units for Jewish settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, saying they undermined the peace process and posed a threat to the two-state solution and the creation of a contiguous and independent Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly dismissed the Geneva forum as “hypocritical” and having an “automatic majority against Israel.” The 47-member forum adopted the resolution to launch a probe by a vote of 36 states in favor, including China and Russia, with one against (the United States). Ten abstained, including European Union members Italy and Spain. The text was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and co-sponsored by

states including Cuba and Venezuela. “In violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, Israel is continuing construction of illegal settlements in the occupied territories including East Jerusalem,” Pakistan’s ambassador Zamir Akram said to the forum. The Council’s resolution called on Israel to take serious measures to prevent settler violence “including confiscation of arms and enforcement of criminal sanctions,” and to protect of Palestinian civilians and property in the territories. The three investigators would be named at a later stage. The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu welcomed the resolutions of the Human Rights Council. The Secretary General commended the role of the Islamic Group and praised the stances of other regional groups and states that supported the resolutions on the Palestinian question.

Israeli settlers grab springs from Palestinians: UN

UNHRC launches investigation into Israeli settlements

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Demographic politics in Jerusalem: Israel’s battle for gaining foothold Dr. Shaher Awawdeh

Dept. of Palestine & Al-Quds, OIC

It goes without saying that demography is an important factor, if not the most important one, in shaping cultural identities of urban spaces. For this very reason, demography has acquired enormous significance in the Israeli battle for gaining a foothold in occupied East Jerusalem. It might be good at this stage to recall that the 1948 War, which led to the creation of Israel, brought about significant changes in the demographic fabric of Jerusalem. Israeli ethnic cleansing measures, including massacres against civilian populations, resulted in the expulsion of the entire Palestinian population from West Jerusalem. Forced to leave their houses and belongings behind, more than 60,000 Palestinians, the majority of West Jerusalem's population at the time, had to find refuge in East Jerusalem. At the same time, 20,000 Jews left East Jerusalem and resided in the houses left by Palestinians in the City's Western side. Accordingly, East Jerusalem became exclusively populated by Palestinians, whereas West Jerusalem became exclusively Jewish populated. A few weeks after occupying East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel, in a de facto manner, annexed East Jerusalem and adjacent areas of the West Bank and merged them with West Jerusalem. The new demographic realities posed serious challenges to Israel's plans: 30 percent of Jerusalem's population was Palestinian. This prompted the then Israeli mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek, to say : "If we take into account the balance of forces as of today, which is 200,000 Jews and about 70,000 Arabs, plus the natural growth rate of the Arab population, we must make great efforts to draw further Jewish inhabitants to the city". For Israel, a Jewish demographic supremacy in Jerusalem would mean, amongst other things, enforced sovereignty, strengthened fortification of its grip on the city, easier seizure of more Palestinian properties, altering the indigenous Arab identity of the city, enhancing the claims, false as they certainly are, regarding the Jewishness of Jerusalem, and above all creating demographic facts that preempt establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as it capital. For all of the above mentioned reasons, Israel did as Teddy Kollek suggested and followed a multidimensional grand strategy to reach Jewish demographic dominance in East Jerusalem through a two-layer strategy: downsizing the Palestinian population and bringing more Jewish settlers

into the city. This strategy rests on three interwoven policies: isolation of the city, expulsion of Palestinian citizens and illegally replacing them with artificially settled Jewish population. By annexing it de facto, Israel aimed at plucking off East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings, and presenting it as a Jewish and Israeli city. For this purpose, Israel enveloped the city with a circle of Jewish colonies built on land illegally confiscated from Palestinians. The city, moreover, was sealed off by the Segregation Wall and a complex of restriction measures including military roadblocks and unmanned barriers. Sealing off Jerusalem was meant to detach it from its Palestinian demographic depth. At the same time, sealing Jerusalem would facilitate piecemeal confiscation of Palestinian lands for settlement purposes. The steady growth of Palestinian population, which reached more than 33 percent of Jerusalem’s population, became a nightmare for the Israeli authorities. A target, therefore, was set to downsize this population to less than 22 percent. Furthermore, the Israeli plan known as ‘Jerusalem 2020’ envisaged reducing the number of Palestinians to less than 12 percent of the city’s inhabitants. To this end, Israel followed a number of policies, including monkey business tactics, to expel as many Palestinians as possible from East Jerusalem. Amongst its mischievous procedures, Israel resorts to deceitful acts to strip Palestinians of their residency rights, and grabs their properties by means of force and cheating. The underhanded scheme that is most frequently used has been forcing Jerusalemites to prove that Jerusalem is their center of life. Those who moved to live outside the municipal boundaries, due to Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian housing, usually fail to meet the ‘Center of Life’ condition, and their residency is revoked out of hand. Up till today, dozens of thousands of Palestinian families have lost their residency in East Jerusalem as a result of this devious scheme. The third layer of Israel’s grand strategy for changing Jerusalem’s demographic composition in its favour has been bringing more Jewish settlers to colonies in and around East Jerusalem. Housing was provided to settlers at very cheap prices with low and, sometimes, no interest mortgages. Municipal boundaries and urban development plans were designed to exclude Palestinian-populated areas, and at the same time, serve and include as many settlers as possible. Current demographic figures and estimates put Palestinians at 34 percent of Jerusalem’s population, something that runs against Israel’s wishes and plans. The run up of the Palestinian population in Jerusalem is attributable, in one part, to their high birth rates. Israel’s efforts to reduce the Palestinian population should be offset by genuine Arab and Islamic support, mainly in the housing sector. Sadly enough, what is provided by Arabs and Muslims to support housing projects in Jerusalem is a far cry from the actual needs of the city. It is widely believed amongst the people of Jerusalem that the support pledged to their city is little more than lip service. It is a support that comes in the form of pledges that do not materialize and when and if they do, it takes forever and an extra day to reach them. Michael Dumper, The politics of Jerusalem since 1967

SPECIAL REPORT

A year after the uprising Tunisians and Egyptians show mixed feelings about current situation

Celebrations marking the first anniversary of the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt showed feelings of jubilation and apprehension. On January 14, 2012 thousands of Tunisians marched in peaceful triumph to mark the one-year anniversary of the revolution that ended the 23-year rule of Zine El Abidin Ben Ali and sparked uprisings around the Arab world. However, despite the optimism, there were worries about high unemployment. Now, after the freest elections in Tunisia’s history, there is a human rights activist as president and a moderate Islamist jailed for years by the old regime as prime minister. As the country that started the so-called “Arab Spring”, Tunisia appears to be the farthest along its transformation. But some worry about the country’s economic and social situation as well as the rise in power of the Islamists. Unemployment has risen to almost 20 percent from 13 percent a year ago, and economic growth has stagnated as investment dries up and tourism, once a pillar of Tunisia’s economy, evaporates. Tunisia’s uprising began on December 17, 2010, when a desperate fruit vendor set himself on fire, unleashing pent-up anger and frustration among his compatriots over corruption and injustice. They erupted in street protests that spread nationwide. Within less than a month, Ben Ali was forced out of power, and he fled the country on January 14, 2011. Ben Ali’s departure immediately reverberated across the Arab world. Within hours, protesters took to the streets in Cairo, and within weeks, longtime Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had also been forced out of power. On January 25, 2012, Egyptians marked their own one-year anniversary since the nation-wide protests toppled Mubarak. Tens of thousands poured into Tahrir Square in Cairo, the epicenter of the protests, waving flags and bearing banners reflecting the day’s varying messages. While some, like the Muslim Brotherhood which dominated the newly elected Parliament, were there to celebrate one year since Egyptians took to the streets to topple the regime, others, mainly the youth and pro-democracy movements who were behind the 12

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revolt, insisted they were at Tahrir to reignite their revolution and demand the ouster of the military council that took over when Mubarak quit. The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has vowed to cede power to civilian rule when a president is elected. Since the fall of the regime, Egypt has been suffering economically, with tourism in particular hurting due to foreigners’ concern over security, which also affected investment. On January 23, 2012, the newly elected Parliament, overwhelmingly comprised of Islamists, convened its inaugural session. The convening of the new Parliament is a significant benchmark in the timetable provided by SCAF for the handover of power to a civilian administration. The Egyptian’s chamber’s top priority is to elect a 100-member panel to draft a new constitution, which will have to be put to a vote in a nation-wide referendum. The next major step in the transition will be presidential elections, scheduled to be held before the end of June. Candidates for Egypt’s first presidential elections since the ousting of Mubarak started registering from March 15. Hundreds have taken that first step to run for president by obtaining applications to officially declare their candidacy for the vote. The election is scheduled for May 23 -24. The new president will be announced on June 21.

Ihsanoglu meets Tunisian and Egyptian leaders:

OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu met with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Moncef El Marzouki, President of Tunisia, on 24 February 2012 at the Presidential Palace in Tunis. The Secretary General renewed his congratulation to the Tunisian people over the success of their revolution. For his part, the Tunisian president affirmed Tunisia’s continued support for joint Islamic action and OIC projects. Ihsanoglu also met with Egypt’s Speaker of the People’s Assembly (parliament) Dr. Mohammed Saad Al-Katatni in Cairo on 20 March 2012. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the ways and means of enhancing cooperation between the OIC and Egypt.

King of Bahrain announces reforms Manama, Bahrain – Bahrain’s King announced on January 15, 2012, constitutional amendments giving Parliament more powers of security over government. The amendments, which increase powers to question and remove ministers and withdraw confidence in the Cabinet, emerged from a national dialogue King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa organized last year after an uprising. The main opposition party Wefaq withdrew from the dialogue, saying it did not go far enough to offer real reform. The King, in a televised speech on January 15 said: “Our people have proven their desire for continuing with reforms… We complete the march today with those who have an honest patriotic desire for more progress and reform. I must mention here that democracy is not just constitutional and legislative rules, it is a culture and practice and adhering by the law and respecting international human rights principles.” “I beseech all sectors of society to work together so that all their sons adhere to the law…” The changes outlined by the King also limit some royal authority. The King would have to issue more explanations on the selection process for the Shoura Council, the 40-member

upper house of Parliament that is appointed by the monarch. The King also would need wider discussions with political and judicial leaders before any decision to dissolve the elected Parliament and call new elections. OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu paid tribute to the far-reaching amendments announced by King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa in his address to the Bahraini people, and the new provisions they carried in terms of streamlining relations between the executive and legislative powers, expanding the competencies of the Parliament and consolidating its role as a control body. The Secretary General also welcomed the King’s decision to set up an independent international legal committee to investigate the events witnessed in Bahrain. The Secretary General expressed his hope that these positive and constructive initiatives would contribute to the realization of the country’s reform program and to strengthening its national consensus such as to serve the interests of the Bahraini people and boost the security and stability of this OIC Member State.

Yemen has a new president

Sanaa, Yemen – Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was sworn in as Yemen’s new president on February 25, 2012, formally removing Ali Abdullah Saleh from power, as a car bomb in the south of the country underscored the violence that will be the new leader’s greatest challenge. The car loaded with explosives killed at least 26 people and injured dozens in the southern Yemeni city of Hadramout, far from the capital Sanaa where Hadi was sworn in. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility. Hadi stood as the sole candidate to replace Saleh in a power transfer deal brokered by Gulf neighbors and backed by Western powers and a UN Security Council resolution. He was elected after more than 60 percent of eligible voters took part in the election. Hadi said in a speech that Yemen must draw a line under a year of protests and violence and tackle pressing issues such as Yemen’s economic problems and bringing those displaced by the crisis back to their homes. Hadi now is tasked with overseeing a proposed two-year political transition that envisions parliamentary elections, a new constitution and restructuring of the military. Hadi made a point to single out Al-Qaeda as a top priority for his new administration. Two days later on February 27, Hadi’s inauguration ceremony was held which Saleh attended. OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu congratulated the Yemeni people for the successful Presidential

Newly elected Yemeni President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi (L) receives the country's national flag from former president Ali Abdullah Saleh (R) during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Sana'a, 27 February 2012 (epa).

election held on 21 February 2012. He noted that the election itself along with the high turnout of voters recorded were remarkable achievements for Yemeni people who up-rose for democracy, freedom and justice in their country. While congratulating the newly elected President Hadi, the Secretary General further expressed the hope that this historical event and its consequences would open a new page in the life of Yemen and its brave people to lead the country toward greater prosperity, democracy, stability and development. 13

SPECIAL REPORT

Syria accepts peace plan to resolve crisis OIC active on the political and humanitarian fronts

Damascus, Syria – A year after protests started in Syria the situation escalated into widespread protests, military aggression and humanitarian crisis. With increased international pressure on the Syrian government to stop the violence, by the end of March 2012 it accepted a cease-fire and peace plan drawn up by the United Nations and League of Arab States special envoy Kofi Annan. Since the ongoing crisis in Syria first erupted, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) embraced an approach of quiet diplomacy based on its principled commitment to shun any intervention in the Member States’ internal affairs and to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of every Member State. As early as March 2011, the Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu personally initiated earnest appeals to the Syrian leadership to positively engage in a dialogue with all national forces in Syria in a bid to work out a consensual approach to reform and to its expeditious implementation in response to the Syrian people’s demands and aspirations. Throughout, the OIC reiterated its principled stand in support of a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria and repeated its demands to the Syrian government to put an end to the bloodshed of innocent citizens. It condemned the violence and killing. The OIC participated in all Arab League and UN meetings, supported the Arab League initiatives and welcomed the appointment of Annan as special envoy and the plan he proposed. Annan’s plan: Damascus accepted the six-point peace plan, which the UN Security Council has endorsed and Annan called an “important initial step.” He said it dealt with “political discussions, withdrawal of heavy weapons and troops from

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population centers, humanitarian assistance being allowed unimpeded, release of prisoners, freedom of movement and access of journalists to go in and out.” The former UN Secretary General announced the Syrian decision when he was in China after going to Russia. He was trying to persuade Syrian President Bashar Assad’s two most powerful allies to help advance his proposal, which does not insist on Assad stepping down right now – unlike previous plans which Moscow and Beijing vetoed at the Security Council in February. Faced by global outrage at the bloodshed, the two countries agreed on March 21 to a so-called “presidential statement.” They are generally non-binding documents but do require unanimous support in the Security Council. Russia praised the document as pragmatic. China hailed it as a positive step toward a political settlement and called on President Assad’s government to “cease violence immediately.” The UN presidential statement gives strong backing to the six-point plan and gave a veiled warning of future international action with unspecified “future steps” if Syria failed to comply. During his meeting with Annan in Damascus on March 10, Assad said, “No political dialogue or political activity can succeed while there are armed terrorist groups operating and spreading chaos and instability.” As fighting between Syrian security forces and rebels continued to kill more people, over 8000 killed according to the UN at the last estimate, Arab leaders pressed Assad to act quickly on the UN-backed peace plan. “The solution for the crisis is still in the hands of the Syrians as a government and opposition,” Arab League Secretary General Nabil Elaraby told Arab heads of state at the Arab Summit meeting held in Baghdad, Iraq in March 29, 2012. OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu in his speech at the Summit expressed frustration at the inability of the international community so far to put an end to the crisis. The Arab leaders, approved a resolution calling on the “Syrian government and all opposition factions to deal positively with the envoy (Kofi Annan) by starting serious national dialogue.” They said the plan should be implemented “immediately and completely.” It said “the massacre committed by the Syrian forces against civilians in Baba Amro ... can be considered crimes (against) humanity.” Some Arab states – and Turkey – pulled their ambassadors from Damascus and some expelled Syria’s ambassadors. An international “Friends of Syrian People” meeting was held in Tunisia on February 24 that pressed for a cease-fire and access to humanitarian aid. A second such meeting is scheduled for April 1 in Turkey. Meanwhile, the Syrian Parliament said Assad, who has promised reforms short of his resignation, had ordered a legislative election for May 7. It would be held under a new constitution, approved by a referendum in February, which the

opposition and their Western and Arab backers dismissed as a sham. Despite mounting international pressure on him in the form of sanctions, Assad has significant allies, notably in Iran. As growing numbers of refugees seek to flee the fighting to neighboring countries – Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon – world powers remained at odds over how to tackle the crisis, with Russia and China continuing to back the Syrian leader and the objection or reluctance by most of the international community to foreign military intervention. Burhan Ghalioun, the leader of the Syrian National Council, an assortment of Assad opponents who live abroad, said the aim remained to secure a political and diplomatic solution, otherwise foreign government’s would deliver on promises to supply weapons to rebel forces. While rebels have only light weapons, the army has repeatedly used tanks, mortars and artillery, and has regularly shelled built-up areas. The UN Human Rights Council on February 28 condemned Damascus for the “brutal” use of heavy weapons on residential areas, killing innocent people and persecuting opponents. The emergency meeting of the UNHRC in Geneva also called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to end the fighting and bombardments in Syria. The urgent debate at the UNHRC came at the request of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait along with Western partners. The resolution adopted by the Council also voiced alarm at the humanitarian crisis in areas lacking food, medicine and fuel and called for aid agencies to be allowed to deliver vital supplies to civilians in heavy-hit

areas, especially Homs, Deraa and Zabadani in Syria. Days before the meeting UN investigators accused the highest levels of the Syrian government and army of ordering crimes against humanity including murder, rape and torture. Humanitarian aid: A UN-OIC mission was permitted by the Syrian government to enter Syria on March 16 to assess the humanitarian situation. The ten-day mission, the first such assignment since the violence started, covered 15 cities starting with Homs. It presented its report to UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos and the Syrian authorities on March 29. Consequently, the first convoy of basic humanitarian relief for 2000 families in some Syrian villages has been dispatched. The OIC, through its Humanitarian Affairs Department, had co-hosted in Cairo on March 4 with the Arab League and The Humanitarian Forum a meeting of local, regional and international aid agencies, including the World Health Organization, to discuss access and coordination of efforts for helping the Syrian people. The participants agreed to form a network of agencies working in the health sector to share information about the exact needs of Syrians both inside and outside Syria. Another meeting took place in Geneva on March 8. It brought together UN agencies, the humanitarian aid arm of the European Commission (ECHO), the OIC, the Arab League and NGOs. The OIC is in negotiations with the Syrian government about opening a relief office in Damascus.

Libyan people urged to holdfast to their national unity The OIC urged Libyans to remain united after tribal leaders and a political faction declared on March 6th autonomy for the eastern region of the country. The statement came as Libyan leader Mustapha Abdel Jalil said he would defend national unity “with force” if necessary. Six months after the fall and death of dictator Muammar Qaddafi, signs of division and sporadic violence is seen in Libya. OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu appealed to the Libyan people to preserve the national unity and territorial integrity of Libya.

Ihsanoglu reiterated his call to the Libyan people with their various sectors to rally around the Transitional National Council (TNC) as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people, and to support the transitional government in Libya at this important and critical juncture. The Secretary General also urged the transitional government to finalize the process of democratic transformation to achieve the objectives of the glorious revolution of the Libyan people. He also stressed the OIC support to the TNC and the transitional government to achieve these goals.

Arrangements for an expanded conference in Baghdad to activate Makkah Document Baghdad, Iraq – A high-level delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conveyed a message from the Secretary General, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, to Iraq’s Prime Minister in February 2012. The delegation held consultations with Iraqi officials on the developments in the situation in Iraq and the possible role of the OIC at this crucial stage to achieve the country’s political stability and economic development. The delegation also examined the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the OIC and its different organs on the one

hand and Iraq on the other during the Secretary General’s visit to Baghdad in 2009. The delegation then held consultations on the arrangements for holding a second conference in Baghdad after the Makkah Conference of 2006, which saw the signing of the historic document known as “Makkah Document” that calls for national reconciliation, prohibiting bloodshed, and ending all forms of violence. The OIC delegation discussed with Iraqi officials the constitution of a committee to prepare for and hold the Conference. 15

WORLD AFFAIRS

OIC offered the President of Nigeria to contribute towards promoting interfaith dialogue

President Jonathan (epa)

London, UK – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) offered Nigeria to contribute in promoting interfaith dialogue in the country which is witnessing recurrent violence between Muslims and Christians. The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu held bilateral talks with the President of Nigeria HE Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the sidelines of the International Conference on Somalia held on 23rd February 2012 in London. The Secretary General discussed the current security challenges facing Nigeria arising from the threat posed by the Boko Haram militant group and reiterated the solidarity of the OIC with the authorities in their efforts to preserve peace, unity and stability in the country. Ihsanoglu offered to contribute to promote inter-faith dialogue and harmony in this important Member State. The two sides also reviewed Nigeria - OIC relations and discussed ways and means to further improve them. The Secretary General has been following the unfolding developments in Nigeria and the threat by a militant group to escalate violence in the country. Ihsanoglu condemned the threat and appealed to all Nigerians including the authorities to continue to strive to preserve the peace, unity and stability of their nation. Ihsanoglu who denounced the continuing insecurity caused by the militant activities of the group in parts of the country, called on it to seek dialogue forthwith with the government and

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put an end to the bloodshed and the sufferings of the people. He also urged all citizens to join hands with the authorities to preserve the peace and stability of the nation. Meanwhile, the secretariat of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) reviewed with deep alarm the painful and vicious crimes occurring between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria that have mounted to bombings of mosques, churches and several state institutions. The attacks have led to the deaths of dozens of citizens, young and old, children and women without consideration to the appeals from the jurisprudents, religious scholars and Ulama of Islam calling to stop it. There is no doubt that the aggressive practices occurring entail great evils and great persecutions. The IIFA from its Islamic position and its sense of duty of the Islamic scholars condemned these crimes and called to stop them immediately; so as to protect the blood and souls that God Almighty has made precious and forbidden to spill. The killing of non-Muslims from among the people protected by treaty is strictly forbidden, stated IIFA. It is also not permissible for a Muslim to contribute in spilling blood of innocent non-Muslims. If a non-Muslim citizen is guilty of an assault or felony, he must be brought to justice by the law; people should not take the law into their hands. According to the decree of the Islamic religion and the Sunnah of the Prophet, the International Islamic fiqh Academy emphasized the following: • It is forbidden to kill non-Muslim expatriate settlers or visitors who enter the State in safety. • Everyone is invited to stand as one against attempts to foment conflict and tension between Muslims and Christians, which requires the authorities of the Islamic and Christian denominations to intervene to do everything in their power to stop this series of bloody and dangerous conflicts, from which no one will emerge the victor, nor will anyone receive from it any benefit. • All citizens of Nigeria, Muslims and Christians, the governors and governed, village leaders and residents, tribal leaders and their members, are required to legally promote the higher interest of the Nigerian people, and guard against detriments to them, and assume their responsibilities to make every possible effort, and do their religious and national duty to reconcile the warring parties. The International Islamic Fiqh Academy appeals to Islamic and friendly countries and organizations to help Nigeria out of its crisis. Nigerian Red Cross and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at site of bombing outside police station in northern Nigeria (epa).

World leaders agree to inject new momentum into Somalia’s political process London, UK – International powers called on February 23, 2012 for urgent action on Somalia, warning that the world will “pay the price” for failing to help the country tackle political unrest, militants and pirates. Over fifty delegations from Somalia and the international community participated in the London Conference on Somalia held at Lancaster House in London that discussed what should follow the transitional institutions in Mogadishu in August 2012 and the establishment of a joint financial management board. UN chief Ban Ki-moon, OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, British Prime Minister David Cameron and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among those attending the talks along with the Somali President. “These problems in Somalia don’t just affect Somalia. They affect us all. If the rest of us just sit back and look on, we will pay a price for doing so,” Cameron said. “It’s a country where there is so little hope, where there is chaos and violence and terrorism, pirates are disrupting vital trade routes and kidnapping tourists.” Clinton said the US would push for sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes for those “standing in the way” of progress by the fragile transitional government, the mandate for which expires in August. She also pledged an extra $64 million in humanitarian assistance to the region to help improve the lives of ordinary Somalis, blighted by famine and civil war for the past 21 years. Ban urged the world to build on recent progress after the UN agreed to boost the African Union peacekeeping force in the country to 17000, and after Al-Shabab rebels were driven from a key town. In his statement, Ihsanoglu said that the exploratory contacts of OIC with some of Somali opposition elements, have given hope and reinforced the conviction on the necessity to press ahead. In view of the OIC’s comparative advantage due to its cultural and religious affinity, Ihsanoglu added that as a result of consultations with a wide spectrum of the Somali society and some partners, he has come to the conclusion of the need to launch a peace and reconciliation initiative with the insurgent group in order to provide an opportunity to some moderates who are willing to join the peace process and mainstream politics. The Secretary General confirmed that a genuine political process of reconciliation is essential to complement the military action in Somalia, as the OIC reaffirms its conviction that military measures alone would not deliver durable

and sustainable peace. Ihsanoglu assured that concerted and decisive actions by the international community in collaboration with the Somali parties are now urgently needed more than ever before to enable the country turn the page and break from its sad recent history. “The international community, on its part, must ensure that the required support and assistance are provided to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in a coherent manner in order to deliver services and security and to extend its authority in the recovered areas,” he underlined. In the run-up to the Second UN Conference on Somalia in Istanbul scheduled for June 2012, and, in view of the approaching transition deadline next August, the Secretary General affirmed that the OIC - as a key partner of Somaliawishes to hereby reassure all stakeholders of its unflinching support towards the achievement of the major priorities of security, constitution making, reconciliation and good governance outlined in the Roadmap in order to successfully conclude the political transition. In another vein, Ihsanoglu announced that in the runup to this conference, a successful meeting of humanitarian actors jointly organized by the OIC and The Humanitarian Forum (THF) was held three days earlier in London where over 70 humanitarian organizations and partners attended. The secretary General pointed out the readiness of the OIC to expand its cooperation and partnership with others for the benefits of the Somali people. The Conference focused on the underlying causes of instability, as well as the symptoms (famine, refugees, piracy, and terrorism). “We, the international community, agreed: to inject new momentum into the political process; to strengthen AMISOM and help Somalia develop its own security forces; to help build stability at local level; and to step up action to tackle pirates and terrorists,” stated a final communiqué of the conference. Meanwhile, the OIC Secretary General has welcomed the outcome of the 2nd Somali National Consultative Constitutional Conference (Garowe-II) held in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia from 15 -17 February 2012. He noted that the outcome of the conference had outlined important steps to be followed before the transition ends on August 20, 2012 and called on all stakeholders to follow its implementation. And as a member of the International Contact Group on Somalia, an OIC delegation participated in the 21st Meeting of the Group, which took place in Djibouti on 5- 6 February 2012. The meeting discussed the end of the transition as well as the post transition reconstruction of Somalia.

British Prime Minister David Cameron (4-L) leads the Somalia Conference at Lancaster House in London, 23 February 2012 (epa).

Somali Internally Displaced Persons children wait in line to receive relief food at a food distribution center in Hodan District in Mogadishu (epa).

OIC reviews drilling sites for 680 wells to resolve water crisis in Somalia

Djibouti, Djibouti – As a contribution towards resolving the water crisis in Somalia, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held a conference in Djibouti on 26 January 2012, under the theme of “Water for Life”. This conference was held as a follow up to the Cairo conference held on 5th October 2011, which constituted a campaign to mobilize the efforts of civil society institutions in the member states in favor of an effective contribution towards resolving the crisis of dirking water for Somalia. In an address delivered to the meeting, on behalf of OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Amb. Atta El Manane Bakhit, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, evoked the efforts undertaken by the OIC to assist Somali people in the face of the complex humanitarian calamity gripping their country. Al-Manan paid tribute to the significant efforts put in by Islamic Humanitarian Organizations and the members of the OIC Alliance for the Relief of Somalia whose efforts have been instrumental in alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe in the areas of health, food and housing. He went on to add that the Water Conference constitutes the start of new a stage in dealing with the humanitarian situation in Somalia, with the aim of effecting a shift from the stage of relief to that of rehabilitation. Amb. El-Manan closed his remarks with an expression of thanks to the donors who contributed to the success of the OIC humanitarian programs in Somalia. This was followed by a statement delivered by Dr. Hamed Abdi Sultan, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, as a representative of the Government of Djibouti, in which he paid tribute to the efforts undertaken by the OIC and its partners among civil society institutions, to help the Somali people in the face of the disaster they are enduring. The minister stressed his Government’s keen interest in ensuring 18

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the success of the OIC’s humanitarian efforts in Somalia so that these efforts may offer a model of Islamic joint action in the humanitarian field. The minister also requested, on behalf of his country, that the OIC’s action may be extended to other areas such as health, education, farming and pasture so as to help rebuild the Somali society which has been disintegrated due to a dragging conflict. It is worth noting that the Djibouti conference which brought together more than twenty civil society institutions from OIC Member States aims at coordinating efforts so as to set in motion the project for water provision, with pledges from Member States civil society institutions having climbed to a level whereby 680 wells are envisaged to be drilled at a total cost of around $85 million. This project is the largest in Somalia’s history for the supply of drinking water. It is important to note that the conference also agreed to dig 30 wells in Djibouti as support for the water sector in this country. UN declares Somalia famine over for now The United Nations says that Somalia’s famine is over, but the Food and Agricultural Organization warned that continued assistance is needed to stop the region from slipping back. The world body moved the crisis from the top step of a five-point scale – based on the death rate – to the fourth step on February 4, 2012, formally reducing it from a “famine” to a “humanitarian emergency”. However, the UN said that 2.3 million people remain in a food crisis situation in Somalia and still need assistance. That represents 31 percent of the country’s population. Across the Horn of Africa region the total is 9.5 million who need help. UNHCR commends the OIC efforts in Somalia A delegation from the United Nations High Commission for

Refugees (UNHCR) paid a visit to the headquarters of the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah. The delegation was led by the Assistant Director of the UNHCR’s regional office in Riyadh for the Gulf States, Dr. Hamdi Bukhari, along with the official in charge of refugees’ affairs in Somalia and Kenya, Mr. Bruno Gido. Talks between the delegation and officials from the OIC General Secretariat’s Humanitarian Affairs Department centered on ways to consolidate the OIC-UNHCR Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. Bruno briefed the OIC officials on the conditions of Somali refugees at the Dadas refugee camp in Kenya, and the conditions of refugees in general. He revealed that the UNHCR and the OIC had undertaken, for the first time, a joint interaction in which a census was taken of the displaced people driven off their homes as a result of the prevailing famine and currently settled in 306 camps in Mogadishu, which has optimally facilitated their management and relief. Bruno further paid tribute to the OIC for opening an office for the coordination of humanitarian action in Somalia and for its well appreciated efforts in assisting the refugees and the famine victims. He likewise commended the OIC for coordinating its humanitarian action with its partners among international humanitarian organizations active in Somalia, particularly in the area of emergency relief, healthcare and social services, which resulted in the collection of 50 thousand tons of foodstuffs that benefited, up to October 2011, over 1.500.000 people, among the displaced and the faminestricken whose lives were at risk. Also, he noted that, amongst the positive effects of these efforts, there was the drop in foodstuff prices in the local market. Bruno, however, expressed his concern over the decision to exclude 16 of the international humanitarian organizations from Somalia, the ensuing vacuum produced in the area of relief and assistance and the adverse effect this has had on the displaced. Bruno added that there was an imperative need for consultation and joint consideration with the OIC, particularly in view of its being the only organization, together with its alliance, to be currently active on the ground in terms of humanitarian action, bedsides its being so well accepted by all parties. On the other hand, Bruno expressed his worries over the potential deterioration of the humanitarian situation in

Amb. Bakhit speaking at the conference in Djibouti, 26 January 2012.

Somalia as a result of the Kenyan and Ethiopian intervention, and pointed out that such intervention had combined with the famine to exacerbate the situation and cause a rise in the numbers of displaced people drifting to Kenya, from 300,000 to half a million. An OIC delegation holds talks with Kenyan Foreign Minister An OIC delegation led by Ambassador Atta El-Manan Bakhit had an audience on 20 December 2011 with Moses M. Wetang’ula, E.G.H., MP, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Nairobi. Amb. Manan conveyed the greetings of OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanglu and expressed his appreciation for the cooperation between the Government of Kenya and the OIC on the humanitarian situation in Somalia, and the subsequent approval by Kenyan authorities of the establishment of the OIC Liaison Office in Nairobi. Wetang’ula expressed appreciation of the OIC humanitarian intervention in Somalia and looked forward to enhanced cooperation in the humanitarian field, stressing the need to work on the recovery phase to enable displaced persons return to their homes. Foreign Minister Wetang’ula stated that further discussions will be initiated towards a MoU between the OIC and the Government of Kenya on more cooperation in Somalia.

Somali women receiving aid from OIC Alliance for the Relief of Somalia.

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

OIC calls on the international community to urgently assist Niger Niamey, Niger – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu made an urgent call to the international community and to the OIC countries in particular to generously assist the people of Niger who are facing an acute food shortage due to poor rainfall, bad harvest and massive population displacements caused by the fighting in Northern Mali. Ihsanoglu seized the opportunity to urge all OIC Member States to pay a close attention on the serious humanitarian situation unfolding in some West African Countries situated in the Sahel region. He further stated that in Niger alone, close to 5 million people are in desperate need of food and half a million children are suffering severe malnutrition. The OIC Secretary General noted that emergency robust actions are required to avert a major humanitarian catastrophe in Niger and other West African countries of the Sahel region, which needs massive investment in developmental schemes so as to break the vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability of their populations.

A child suffering from severe malnutrition in Niger (epa)

ICHAD and ICRC conduct workshop on humanitarian needs assessment in conflict contexts Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – A six-member delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) jointly conducted with the OIC Department of Humanitarian Affairs (ICHAD) a three-day workshop on “Humanitarian Needs Assessment in Conflict Contexts”. The workshop was attended by officers from various OIC Departments and major local NGOs on 13 -15 February 2012 at the OIC

Headquarters in Jeddah. It is worth noting that this workshop falls within the framework of activities which have been endorsed in 2011 between the ICRC and OIC/ICHAD in their renewed efforts to foster more closer and fruitful cooperation between the two institutions in the field of humanitarian activities both at operational and strategic levels.

Preparations for OIC Refugees Conference underway Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – A meeting was convened on 8 February 2012 at the OIC General Secretariat between the OIC Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan and the UNHCR Regional Representative to GCC countries to discuss the details of the forthcoming conference on the “Problem of Refugees in the Muslim World” which will be held on 10 -11 May 2012, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The issue was discussed earlier between the OIC Secretary General and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Participants to the meeting expressed their willingness to turn this conference into a successful event, as it will be the first one to be held under such a theme since the establishment of the OIC. They also acknowledged that the issue of refugees 20

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in the Muslim world has become a main concern for all stakeholders. They also reviewed the arrangements and plans made by the host country to receive over 400 delegates from all over the world. It is worth noting that this high level meeting will be concluding a series of contacts previously held in Geneva among different parties. As a follow-up to this meeting, a joint OIC-UNHCR delegation visited Ashgabat at the end of February 2012 to hold discussions with Turkmen authorities so as to finalize all arrangements and operational modalities which will contribute to the success of the long-awaited international conference on the issue of refugees in OIC Member States.

Ihsanoglu and Alwaleed Bin Talal sign a framework agreement of cooperation in humanitarian areas

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, and the Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdul-Aziz signed

on 26 March 2012 in Riyadh a framework agreement of cooperation between the OIC and Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation - Global, to promote coordination between the two institutions in humanitarian areas and in the field of sustainable development. The agreement includes humanitarian cooperation between the two parties over the world, through OIC’s strategy which aims to expand the list of its partners among civil society organizations and advance its humanitarian action. The Secretary General had met Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal in his office in Riyadh in mid January and had discussions with him on the subject. Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation had also donated US$ 1 million to contribute to OIC’s humanitarian work in Somalia. It is worth mentioning that Alwaleed Bin Talal FoundationGlobal is one of the leading civil society organizations which serve and provide aids and assistance to people throughout the world.

OIC sends a humanitarian mission to the Philippines following typhoon Washi

Filipino flood victims receiving aid from OIC staff.

Mindanao, Philippines – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) sent a humanitarian mission to Mindanao in southern Philippines, to take account of the situation there following typhoon Washi, locally known as Sendong, which caused flash floods that submerged the southern island of Mindanao. The delegation, composed of senior officials of the OIC General Secretariat, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF), headed to the Philippines on December 25, 2011, on the directives of the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The delegation visited Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the two cities most affected, to take stock of the conditions of its inhabitants in the aftermath of the storm, which caused massive floods claiming the lives of hundreds of people, leaving nearly one million others homeless, and inflicting huge destruction

on the region. The delegation interacted with affected people and met with the local authorities and with UN representatives visiting Mindanao region. The delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines to whom it conveyed the condolences and sympathy of the OIC Secretary General to the Government and people of the Philippines. The delegation also conducted direct contacts with officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Council for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, and with the Mayor and Governor of Mindanao, as well as with other relevant officials. The Secretary General of the OIC appealed to the international community to provide more humanitarian aid to the Philippines. Ihsanoglu highlighted the efforts made by the OIC in alleviating the suffering of the victims in the cities of Caganyan De Oro and Illigan where close to 3,500 families (approximately 21,000 people) were distributed food and non-food items in cooperation with the relevant government authorities. The OIC Secretary General also acknowledged the important role played by local partners, such as the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Affairs and several other NGOs which facilitated the distribution of the much needed assistance in areas, such as Balulang, Mabassa, Macasandig, Tagulu 1 and 2, Kapai, Bubong, Ramain, Lanau Del Sur, Massipa and Upper Hinaplanen, among other municipalities. Around 20,000 houses have to be rebuilt in the very near future so as to allow school children to resume their studies since all school facilities have been closed to accommodate families whose homes were destroyed by the typhoon Sendong. 21

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

OIC and Médecins Sans Frontières develop further cooperation in Yemen

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – A delegation from “Médecins Sans Frontières” (MSF) visited the OIC Humanitarian Affairs Department in Jeddah to discuss ways and means of fostering further cooperation between the two organizations in the field of humanitarian activities in the Hajja Province in Yemen. MSF runs a field hospital in Al-Mazraq refugees’ camp on behalf of the OIC and the Ministry of Health of Yemen. The MSF delegation made a briefing about the activities undertaken at Al-Marzak field hospital, which has been catering for the needs of the internally displaced people (IDPs) for almost two years now. In this vein, it was noted that in the year 2011, the total number of children who benefitted from therapeutic feeding came close to over 2,500 while the children who were under the nutrition program stood at 7,331 and 6,700 in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Also, the hospital bandaged 7,200 wound cases and diagnosed 25,100 cases in 2011. In the same year, 352 baby deliveries took place in the

hospital; 181 medical surgeries were carried out, whereas 620 cases of malaria were tested and treated by the staff. It was acknowledged that such efforts necessitated the MSF to mobilize a sizeable amount of financial resources to fulfill its obligations towards both the OIC and the Yemeni authorities. To this end, 1,211,518 Euros were spent in 2010 to run the field hospital and this budget was doubled by MSF in 2011, to reach 2,756,004 Euros so as to cover both the operational costs and the construction activities to be implemented to upgrade the hospital facilities. The OIC Humanitarian Affairs Department expressed its satisfaction to the MSF delegation for the well-documented presentation and informed the latter of its readiness to extend their cooperation for another year. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed accordingly between the two parties.

7 years after the Tsunami, 10,000 orphans benefited from OIC orphan-sponsorship program

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – On the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the Tsunami, one of the worst natural disasters in modern history, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) reiterated their thanks to all the OIC Member States and the philanthropists from the Islamic world who participated actively in the ‘OIC Coalition to Rescue Children Victims of Tsunami’. They expressed special thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for his generous support of the project, which demonstrated his gracious humanistic spirit and his special interest in the affairs of vulnerable Muslims around the globe. The Tsunami, which hit the coasts of many countries in South and South East Asia on 26 December 2004, caused massive losses in lives and property. The province of Banda Aceh in the Sumatra Island of Indonesia was among the areas that suffered most with over 200 thousand people lost. The devastating Tsunami reached a height of 30 meters following a 9.2-magnitude quake that ravaged vast agricultural areas and buildings, and left behind around 25 thousand orphaned children. At the time, the leaders of OIC Member States accorded utmost importance to the future of orphans in Banda 22

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Aceh. OIC and IDB’s efforts led to the launching of the program of the “OIC Coalition to Rescue Children Victims of Tsunami” in Banda Aceh province in Indonesia, at the kind initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to sponsor one thousand orphaned children over a period of fifteen years or until the orphans reach the age of maturity -18 years. The program started in July 2006 and the total number of orphans taken in charge by virtue of the sponsorship contracts has reached so far 10,310. In June 2011, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz received a group of orphaned children victims of the Tsunami from Banda Aceh province. During the reception, the children expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for sponsoring them and for his overwhelming generosity and gracious care. As a result of OIC and IDB’s joint efforts over the past six years to sponsor these orphans, providing them with sound upbringing and developing their innovation and empowerment opportunities, a number of orphans continued their education to the university level. Others graduated in the field of professional training and joined the workplace, thus preserving the dignity of orphans and their families.

Philanthropy Series: Part-I

Muslim Philanthropy: The

Current Status and Future Outlook Dr. Tariq Cheema

Today there are an estimated 1.57 billion Muslims constituting 23% of the world’s population. They live across the continents and contribute substantially to the world economy. They are also significant players in the social sector, whereby, developing nonprofits that address human services and social needs or creating charitable foundations that are distributing financial resources at an unprecedented level. Within this group there is a potentially enormous resource base on which philanthropies can build new initiatives to advance social justice. Muslim philanthropy is at a crossroad, challenged to build new models of giving while simultaneously refining old methods embedded in vibrant Islamic tradition. Muslim giving needs to be reexamined and allied with the newly developing era of prosperity and social awakening in some parts of today’s Muslim world. It must also address the pressures and suspicions which have fallen on Muslim philanthropy as a result of political tensions and radicalism in the Islamic world. The foremost challenge however in the field is to promote strategic, effective, and accountable philanthropy that complements and enhances the generations-old conventional charity, which is often personal and spontaneous. This article examines the current state of Muslim philanthropy both in Muslim majority and minority societies, and shed light on its importance to World’s peace and prosperity. Negative Imagery In recent years, Islam has come under pressure around the world. The longstanding conflicts and spread of extremism has created opportunities for some to question the very nature of Islam and to portray it in a negative light. Muslim philanthropy too came under suspicion. In the United States, the aftermath of the September 11 attacks saw moves to clamp down on cross-border giving to charities that were seen as suspicious. Some were Muslim charities which gave to causes in the Middle East. Although only one Muslim charity was tried and convicted for giving charitable donations to zakat committees in the Palestinian territories, such prosecutions have led to fears that create a blanket suspicion against all Muslim charities, and that traditional zakat is under threat in some countries. The

US President Barack Obama acknowledged the problem in a major speech in Cairo in June 2009, saying that, in the US, “rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation”. This pressure and negative publicity – for Muslim giving and, unfortunately, for Islam itself – limited Muslim philanthropy’s ability to tackle global challenges. These aggressive efforts have discouraged donors from giving and made it more difficult for existing donors to give. The difficulties in addressing social injustice, poverty, environmental degradation, illiteracy, and fanaticism have led some to question whether Muslim philanthropy requires a new set of assumptions, of operational giving, and of innovative practices which could meet these challenges. Unlocked Potential The total GDP of the 57 OIC countries currently is US $7.6 trillion which is 11% of the world-wide GDP. Muslim world dominates in natural resources and has a growing young population, indicating that both its economy and giving are going to increase in the coming decades. Given the myriad types of Muslim giving, worldwide, judging its scale is difficult. However, some estimates hold that total Muslim giving falls between 250 billion USD and 1 trillion USD annually. This is a vast sum, and it underlines the need to distribute this wealth in the most effective, strategic way possible. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has one of the highest densities of high net-worth individuals in the world, and over half offers charitable giving. The philanthropy in GCC region contributes approximately 1520- billion USD every year to philanthropic sector, which is about 1.52.0%- of GDP. This makes the GCC region amongst the most generous regions in the world as most nations give up to 1% of GDP at the most. While GCC is one of the most generous regions in the world, only less than 2 billion USD of this is institutionalized, reveals a Mckinsey & Company report. Most available funding is not properly planned, distributed, collected, or measured – it is simply passed through traditional or informal channels with no attempts at the strategic measurement which institutionalised philanthropy is able to provide. Muslim philanthropy requires more research and analysis to gauge its power, fuel new ideas, eliminate obsolete practices, and foster new directions. Accordingly, there have been increased efforts to produce research information on current practice of philanthropy in the Muslim world; however, the dearth of informative material remains unacceptably low. Tariq H. Cheema is a renowned social innovator and philanthropist. He is the founder of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists. He is one of the Rockefeller Foundation's prestigious Next Generation Leadership Fellows. Dr. Cheema ranks among the 500 most influential Muslims impacting the world today. 23

OIC NEWS

OIC and ASEAN discuss Joint Cooperation Jakarta, Indonesia – In a meeting held with Sayakane Sisouvong, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, a delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by Ambassador Abdullah Alim, the Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs has discussed prospects of joint cooperation between the OIC and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the meeting, Ambassador Alim stated that the OIC was looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with ASEAN in all areas of common interest in line with the agreement reached by the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Dr. Surin Pitsuwan at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah in September 2008. For his part, Sisouvong expressed ASEAN’s keenness to

enhance cooperation with the OIC for the best interest of the peoples of the member countries of both organizations, stating that ASEAN was ready to make practical proposals in this regard. While in Indonesia, Ambassador Alim delivered a speech on behalf of the Secretary General to the 7th session of the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States Conference on 30 and 31 January 2012. The Secretary General urged the OIC Member States’ parliaments to strengthen communication, cooperation, and coordination with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in OIC Member States with a view to achieving common objectives and taking concrete initiatives to enable them to make progress in the economic, political and cultural spheres.

Ihsanoglu discusses with British officials OIC-UK cooperation Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on 11 March 2012 received the British Minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan (Member of Parliament) and his delegation, comprising the British Consular General Mohamed Shokat and other high-ranking officials. Welcoming the Minister, Secretary General Ihsanoglu stressed the need for enhanced joint cooperation between OIC and the United Kingdom (UK) on the most pressing humanitarian issues, such as the OIC Field Hospital in Yemen and humanitarian projects in Gaza and unfolding humanitarian emergency in Syria. Minister Duncan expressed concern at the humanitarian situation in Syria and Yemen, and stressed the need to act on the most pressing humanitarian issues, expressing optimism that the GCC process and forthcoming OIC mission to Syria would lead to the way forward towards a coordinated

approach to emergency humanitarian response and secession of hostilities. Earlier on January 29 and 30, the Secretary General received British Minister of State at Foreign Office for Africa Henry Bellingham and Permanent Under Secretary of the United Kingdom Foreign Office Ambassador Simon Fraser. During the meeting, Minister Bellingham underlined OIC’s active role in its African Member States particularly in Somalia with special emphasis on humanitarian activities. The Minister expressed his country’s interest to work closely with the OIC in Africa in both political and humanitarian sectors. While discussing various issues of international concern, Secretary General Ihsanoglu and Permanent Under-Secretary Ambassador Fraser touched upon the recent situation and developments in some of the OIC Member States particularly from MENA region.

OIC condemns the military coup in Mali Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed his condemnation and extreme shock at the military coup that took place in Mali against the President of Mali Ahmed Tomani Toure on March 22. The Secretary General stated that the OIC principled

position in such cases is to remind of the importance of safeguarding the constitutional legitimacy that comes through elections in Member States, and of solving problems through dialogue.

IGAD ready to formalize cooperation with OIC Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu received on 7 January 2012 at the General Secretariat, the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Mahboub Maalim. The visiting Chief Executive briefed the Secretary General on the overall situation in the IGAD region and their longterm plan to address recurring drought and famine in their 24

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member countries, half of which are also OIC Member States. He commended the OIC humanitarian activities in Somalia and conveyed their readiness to formalize their cooperation with the OIC. Ihsanoglu on his part reiterated the importance of collaboration between the two organizations to confront the peace building and development challenges facing the region and to end the violence in Somalia.

Jordanian King Abdullah discusses with Ihsanoglu current events

Amman, Jordan – The King of Jordan, King Abdullah II, received on 24 January 2012, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, at Basman Palace in the Jordanian capital Amman. The meeting discussed the developments of the Palestinian issue. The Jordanian King stressed the need to move effectively and urgently to find a way out of the stalemate that impedes the path of peace in the Middle East. He emphasized that Jordan’s sponsorship for exploratory meetings between the Palestinians and Israelis aims to put an end to this situation. For his part, Ihsanoglu stressed the need to look for alternatives to the current situation in order to get out of this impasse, which threatens the peace process and the entire region. In the meantime, the OIC Secretary General was briefed on the results of the Jordanian King’s visit to the United States of America, which ended earlier that week. The meeting also

discussed the current situation in the region and the bilateral relations between the two sides. The meeting stressed the need to expand cooperation between Jordan and the OIC, particularly in scientific and health domains. Ihsanoglu had earlier visited the El Hassan Science City and met with the staff. He also listened to a briefing by the officials there on the City’s contributions in science and research fields. Meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister During his three-day visit to Amman, Ihsanoglu held a series of meetings with Jordanian officials with whom he discussed the developments of the situation in the region and the efforts undertaken by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to facilitate the resumption of peace negotiations between the Palestinian and the Israelis. At the start of his visit, Ihsanoglu met with Oun Al Khasawna, Jordanian Prime Minister, and reviewed with him the latest developments in the region. The OIC Secretary General also met with the Jordanian Foreign Minister, Nasser Judeh, with whom he discussed the results of the Arab League Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Cairo. Ihsanoglu laid emphasis, in this connection, on the need for all the Syrian parties to accept the Arab initiative and deal with it in a positive spirit. In the course of their meeting, both parties affirmed the view that the optimal solution for the Palestinian issue consists in the establishment of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital, as a key to a lasting security and stability in the region. A Tripartite meeting of the Secretary General, the Jordanian Foreign Minister and the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riad Al-Malki, was held in Amman, on the sideline of the visit.

OIC Chief receives high officials from Finland, Canada, Uganda and Bangladesh Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu received on 22 January 2012 at the General Secretariat Pasi Patokallio, Special Representative of the Foreign Minister of Finland. Patokallio expressed his country’s interest to further strengthen its relationship with the organization in all areas of common interest. On March 21, he received at his residence John Baird (PC, MP), the Foreign Minister of Canada. The Foreign Minister discussed with the Secretary General explored the ways and means to develop relations between the OIC and Canada including through appointing a Special Envoy by Canada to the OIC. Ihsanoglu welcomed the intention of Canada to further strengthen the OIC-Canada relationship and discussed with the Minister possible ways of cooperation including in

the development sector in LDC Member States of the OIC. The Secretary General on 21 March also received in his office, Hon Asuman Kiyingi MP, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation of Uganda who also holds the portfolio of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ihsanoglu and his guest discussed the OIC-Uganda relations, and examined the ways and means to strengthen them. The Minister also handed over to the Secretary a special message from the President of Uganda. On March 22, Ihsanoglu received, in his office, Dr. Dipu Moni MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. The two exchanged views on various issues of common interest, particularly ways and means of strengthening OICBangladesh relations. 25

OIC NEWS

Ihsanoglu and Chinese Premier Jiabao agree to boost strategic Sino-Islamic relations

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, met in Riyadh on 15 January 2012 the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wen Jiabao. They discussed the ways and means to develop relations between the OIC and China and addressed the current issues and developments in the region and in parts of the Muslim world. The meeting also stressed the importance of implementing joint projects after the first visit of the Secretary General to China in June 2010. For his part, the Secretary General stated that, throughout history, relations between China and the Muslim world have never faced problems and that today these relations must be developed for the interest of stability in the world. The meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing the strategic relationship between the OIC and China, and of sustaining cooperation between the two parties and bilateral relations between China and Islamic countries. This relationship should not be affected by crises.

The Secretary General stressed that his visit to China in June 2010 left positive impressions and achieved important and positive results. He highlighted that this meeting comes at a time when the Muslim world is going through difficult times as people are demanding democracy and good governance, affirming their cultural identity and claiming socio-economic rights and development. He added that dialogue was the best means to solve the problems and avoid bloodshed. Ihsanoglu highlighted the importance of the symposium on the history and future of relations between China and the Muslim world due to take place in Beijing next June. For his part, the Chinese Prime Minister said that his country attaches great importance to holding this symposium in cooperation between the OIC Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) and the Social Sciences Academy in Beijing, stating that China is set to reinforce OIC’s efforts to achieve positive results, in such a way as to support relations between China and the Muslim world. The meeting also underscored the importance of the trade fair being prepared in the International Trade Center in Ningxia Province in cooperation between the Islamic Center for the Development of Trade (ICDT) in Casablanca and officials in Ningxia Province. On the other hand, the Chinese Prime Minister expressed his country’s interest in supporting development and infrastructure projects in OIC Member States, including Dakar-Port Sudan Railway Project extending from the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.

Senegal elects a new President

Dakar, Senegal – Macky Sall became Senegal’s new president after triumphing over veteran leader Abdoulaye Wade in a presidential election lauded as an example for African democracy. The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu congratulated H.E. Macky Sall, the President-elect of Senegal, as well as the Senegalese people, for conducting a successful second round of the presidential elections, which took place on 25 March 2012. Ihsanoglu noted with great satisfaction that the high turnout of voters recorded in the election demonstrates the resolve of the Senegalese people to further deepen democracy in their

country. He further appreciated the discipline and maturity of the electorate for its peaceful and orderly conduct during the voting process which was generally held under free, fair and transparent conditions. In this regard, he also commended the stakeholders, particularly the political leaders and the Independent National Electoral Commission for their positive contributions. He particularly commended the two candidates for their statesmanship by respecting the will of the people in a way that further reinforced the democratic credentials of their country as well as preserved its peace and unity. A delegation of observers from the OIC General Secretariat took part in monitoring the Presidential election held on 26 February 2012 in Senegal.

Senegalese voters wait in line to cast their ballots in the presidential elections in Dakar, 26 February 2012 (epa).

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OIC-Arab League Joint Committee Meeting Discusses Situation in Syria, Sudan and Somalia Decides to join efforts in support of Al-Quds Al Sharif

Amb. Alim (c ) addressing the meeting with Amb. Sobaih to his right and Amb. Samir Bakr to his left

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Joint Committee on the follow-up of the implementation of OIC-League of Arab States Cooperation Agreement recommended forming a joint committee to visualize the action on the international level for activating the role of Arab and Muslim parliaments and civil society organizations towards defending Al-Quds Ash-Sharif. The OIC-LAS Joint Committee held its Second Session at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah on 11- 12 March 2012. The agenda of the meeting included various issues of common interest, notably the Syrian Crisis, the Palestinian Cause, and the files of the Sudan, Somalia, intercultural dialogue, and combating terrorism. Pursuant to the recommendations, the committee to be set up in support of Al Quds Al Sharif shall hold meetings with representatives of the various sectors operating in Al-Quds Al Sharif and civil society institutions to know their actual needs and how to deliver aids to them. It shall also contact Member States in both the OIC and Arab League to pay their financial commitments to support the resistance of the Palestinian People at the Occupied Lands, and the people of Al-Quds in particular. Ambassador Abdullah Abdul Rahman Alim, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, headed the OIC side at the meeting while Ambassador Mohammed Musa Subaih, Assistant Secretary General for Palestine Affairs, headed the Arab League Delegation. At the beginning of the meeting, Alim asserted the importance to create an influential and effective political weight and raise a significant international momentum that can strengthen Arab and Islamic effort as to the issues of common interest. He highlighted that the situation in Palestine, the on-going events in the region, especially in Syria, let alone the files of Somalia and the Sudan, have always been priorities for both the OIC and the Arab League. Alim mentioned that the role of the OIC should form the strongest link between the regional and international levels within the context of collective action towards reaching solid concepts according to which both organizations can operate. He asserted that the interaction between the OIC and the Arab League shall consolidate the role of

both organizations at the regional and international fora. Ambassador Subaih commended the role of the OIC given the significant challenges that face both organizations. He reiterated the necessity to translate what both sides would agree upon into practical programs and to transcend mere dialogue to application. Meanwhile, both sides reviewed the current situation in Syria and the urgent efforts of both Organizations to put an end to the vicious circle of violence , provide full support to the Arab Initiative on the resolution of the Syrian Crisis, and continue consultations and coordination between both sides as to the future move on the Syrian crisis, particularly at the level of the UN Security Council. Both sides also reviewed the results of Arab Ministerial Council in Cairo and the latest tour of the joint UN-Arab League Special Envoy on Syria Kofi Annan. On the other hand, the Committee affirmed the concurrence of the viewpoints of both sides on the situation in the Sudan and accentuated the importance of joint coordination to provide support to peace and stability therein, particularly the Doha Agreement for peace in Darfur, let alone the coordination of humanitarian action in the provinces of the Blue Nile and South Kurdfan. Moreover, both sides reiterated the importance of supporting Somalia at this stage that precedes the end of the interim period and coordination of the joint efforts as to the coming stage through joint action on the aspects related to reconstruction and development.

High-Level delegation from Kashmir received at OIC

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, on 27 March 2012 received at his office a high-level delegation of representatives of the Kashmiri people under the leadership of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of the All Parties Huriyet Conference. The Secretary General expressed the continued support of the OIC for the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for self-determination and finding a peaceful solution to the more than six decades – old Jammu and Kashmir problem. Earlier, the Kashmiri delegation had held a meeting with the OIC’s Special Representative on the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, Ambassador Abdullah Abdul Rahman Alim, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs. The two sides discussed many issues relating to the JammuKashmir conflict, most prominently the human rights situation in the India-administered part of Kashmir. They also discussed the need to strengthen the work of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. Ambassador Alim stated that the OIC would continue to make efforts to give effect to various diplomatic and political tools at OIC meetings and the international fora with a view to finding negotiated and sustainable solution to the Kashmir crisis. 27

OIC NEWS

FIRST SESSION of IPHRC

OIC Human Rights body identifies women’s rights,

Maha Akeel Jakarta, Indonesia – The First Session of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission identified women’s rights, education, development and research as priority work areas. In its first public statement, the Commission also expressed its deep concern about ongoing human rights violations in Syria. The first session of OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), was held in Jakarta from 20- 24 February 2012. The 18-Member Commission, that is required to meet twice in a calendar year, elected Dr. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, one of its four female members, as its interim Chairperson. With a sense of satisfaction and pride, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu opened the First Session of the IPHRC on 20 February 2012 in Jakarta. “This is a moment of profound historical significance,” stated the Secretary General. Ihsanoglu said that the effort and positive energy put in the process of establishing the Commission by both the General Secretariat and Member States is commendable. It aptly reflects the ongoing process of ‘moderation and modernization’ at the Organization. It symbolizes resolute Joint Islamic Action that forms the defining characteristic of the new OIC. “We took action in a swift and time-bound fashion and framework,” he added. Furthermore, establishment of the Commission is a major focus of international attention, according to the Secretary 28

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General. It also reflects the Member States’ priority interest in and commitment to Human Rights. “Its true potential lies in making a sterling contribution to the credibility of OIC,” pointed out Ihsanoglu. Meanwhile, there is a high degree of expectation that the Commission of independent experts will introduce a paradigm shift. “Its work must represent a confluence of universal rights and freedoms and Islamic values. It must catalyze coherent and strong intra OIC system aimed at facilitating the full enjoyment of all Human Rights in the Member States,” said the Secretary General. Addressing the Commission members, Ihsanoglu said that for the first time in its history, OIC has created a permanent body of experts as one of its principle organs. The innovation lies in the views expressed on the basis of the members’ personal capacity and not as government representatives. In reference to Islamophobia, the Secretary General said that there is a motivated campaign at portraying Islam as inherently incompatible with international human rights norms and standards. “I am of a firm belief that the case is exactly the opposite,” stressed Ihsanoglu. He pointed out to the Commission members that the IPHRC Statute has entrusted the Commission with broad mandates. The advisory capacity lends the Commission with the necessary space for positive interpretation of the mandates. In conclusion, the Secretary General restated his guiding principles to the Commission’s tasks summarized as removing the misperceptions regarding the interface between

education, development and research as priority Islam and Human Rights, and consisting of five elements: complementarity, introspection, prioritization, incremental and progressive approach, and the importance of credibility. The IPHRC elects a woman to chair its first meeting The 18 members of the IPHRC elected Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, a professor of sociology at State Islamic University of Yogyakarta and head of a center for women’s rights in Indonesia, to Chair the first meeting. Commenting on the election of Prof. Dzuhayatin, the OIC Director in Cultural Affairs Department and Spokesperson Rizwan Sheikh said, “It is reflective of the new OIC propelled by the vision of moderation and modernization.” The five-day session witnessed intense discussions on issues concerning civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in the OIC Member States including those of women and the child, immigrant workers, and Muslim minorities in nonmember states. The IPHRC also discussed in detail the gross and systematic human rights violations by Israel against the Palestinians. It addressed the issue of Palestinian refugees, settlements, the apartheid wall, Palestinian prisoners and the blockade on Gaza as well as Israel’s deliberate obstruction to basic human rights of health, education, housing and access to natural resources. “The meeting showed that there are no significant gaps in terms of understanding the issues, especially in defining Islamic values as universal and not in contradiction to universal values as some try to portray Islamic values,” said Prof. Dzuhayatin to the OIC Journal. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stands ready to assist The High Commissioner for Human Rights assured the new body that her office stands ready to assist it at each stage of its work. Ibrahim Salama, Director for Human Rights Treaties Division at the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR), delivered the remarks of the High Commissioner Navi Pillay on her behalf at the opening ceremony. She said that expectations are high of the new Commission, especially that it is the principle organ of the OIC with a mandate to promote civil, political, social and economic rights enshrined in the Organization’s covenants and declarations and in universally agreed human rights instruments, in conformity with Islamic values. She stressed that, “Islamic values are not and cannot be in contradiction with internationally recognized human rights norms and standards.” Commenting on the potential added value of the Commission, Salama, who was participating as an international expert, said that one main point is clearing the misperception about the incompatibility of Islam with human rights, not only in the minds of non-Muslims but also of some Muslims who mix Islam with traditions. “As a think tank it will address, refine and review Islamic declarations. It will be self-critical of human rights conditions

of Muslims,” said Salama to the OIC Journal. It will also enhance intra-Islamic cooperation. His advise to the Commission is to be selective and prioritize. The most difficult challenge he expects they will face is to balance progressing their mandate without raising opposition. IPHRC statement Being the first session, the Commission focused mainly on elaborating its Rules of Procedure, and took note of contemporary issues on the global human rights agenda. It was decided that the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC Member States; the human rights situation in Palestine and other Arab territories occupied in 1967 and human rights issues on the OIC agenda would be permanent items on the Commission’s agenda, according to a statement issued at the end of the session. The Commission expressed deep concern on the ongoing human rights violations in certain OIC Member States, particularly in Syria. It also expressed concern on the recent incident of the burning of copies of the Holy Quran in Afghanistan and the ensuing loss of lives. During consideration of the relevant agenda item, the Commission identified the human rights of women and children, the Right to Development and Right to Education as well as encouraging research as immediate priority areas of its work. Human rights aspects on the OIC agenda with particular reference to providing technical support for capacity building and the need for institutional networking in Member States also featured amongst the crosscutting issues identified by the Commission. In its recommendations to the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Commission offered to assist Member States, upon request, in important areas including, meeting the reporting requirements of human rights mechanisms. The Commission also encouraged Member States to utilize the full potential of its expertise by referring matters pertaining to human rights and corresponding legislation for advisory opinion. Identification of avenues of interaction between the Commission and civil society was also encouraged. The Commission emphasized the contributions of Islamic values to the universally recognized human rights. It recognized the importance of the cooperation between OIC Member States including through exchanging good practices. The Commission also discussed ways to assist Members States in the implementation of their international human rights obligations. The Commission decided to set up a working group on the Rules of Procedure in the inter-sessional period with a view to finalizing them at the next session. Ihsanoglu holds bilateral meetings with the President and Foreign Minister The Secretary General had an exclusive bilateral meeting with H.E. President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on 20 February 2012. The two sides reviewed the overall situation and developments 29

OIC NEWS in the Muslim Ummah and exchanged views of further strengthening cooperation among the OIC Member States to enhance the profile and image of the Organization. The President also received the OIC Secretary General along with the Commissioners of the IPHRC. The Indonesian President told the Commissioners that the holding of the first formal session of the IPHRC in Jakarta was a historic and milestone event not only for Indonesia but for all the OIC Member States.

Ihsanoglu, while thanking Indonesia for hosting the first formal session of IPHRC session, said that the OIC had to work hard for its materialization and that it was possible because of the commitment of all the Member States to Human Rights. Earlier in the day, the OIC Secretary General held separate bilateral meetings with the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. R. M. Marty M. Natalegawa and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Wardana.

OIC and Australia agree on a framework of cooperation Opening new prospects of Muslim-West relations

Maha Akeel field of inter-faith dialogue and Canberra, Australia – The intercultural understanding. Secretary General of the He commended their work on Organization of the Islamic promoting inter-faith dialogue, Cooperation (OIC), Professor commenting that education was Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, was the the key for understanding and first secretary general to make tolerance between faiths. an official visit to Australia. The In Canberra, Ihsanoglu called visit was extremely successful on the Prime Minister, the Hon in reinforcing and establishing Julia Gillard MP, at Parliament new links between the OIC and House. Their meeting included Australia. discussion on enhancing During his seven-day visit, OIC-Australia relations. On between 12 and 19 February Palestinian issues, the Secretary 2012, Ihsanoglu visited General commended Australia Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane for its development aid to the Ihsanoglu speaking at the National Press Club. and Melbourne. He had a wide Palestinians, especially in range of official engagements with members of the Federal the areas of state institutional building and infrastructure. and State Governments, community and interfaith leaders Australia is the seventh largest donor to the Palestinians and academics. In Canberra, he met the Governor General with its five year multi-year commitment of A$300 million, of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, the Prime including A$120 million to the Palestinian Authority. Minister, The Hon Julia Gillard MP and the then Minister Ihsanoglu also met with the then Foreign Minister, the for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Kevin Rudd MP. He also Hon Kevin Rudd MP, with whom he concluded a bilateral delivered an address entitled ‘Transition and Change: The Framework for Cooperation. The Framework provides a OIC and the Islamic World’ at the National Press Club, which guide to increase cooperation in the political, humanitarian was televised nationally. The visit saw the conclusion of a and science and technology fields. It is designed to Framework for Cooperation with the Australian Government complement Australia’s extensive cooperative links with and the Secretary-General’s participation as the guest of honor OIC members. Ihsanoglu also highlighted the opportunities at a ground-breaking ceremony for Australia’s first dedicated for both sides to increase cooperation in economic, political Islamic museum, which will be located in Melbourne. and humanitarian areas, as well as in the promotion of good Consultations in capital cities governance, human rights and counter terrorism. He stressed The Secretary General’s visit began in Sydney where the importance of implementing joint projects for the OIC the Governor of the State of New South Wales, Her least developed countries, particularly in the domain of health Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, hosted an official lunch and the provision of scholarships for higher education. Rudd at Government House on 13 February in his honor. Invitees conveyed Australia’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties included local community and interfaith leaders and the with the OIC and its willingness to pursue opportunities for Minister for Citizenship and Communities of the State wider cooperation under the Framework. of New South Wales. The Premier of New South Wales, In his National Press Club address, titled “Transition and The Hon Barry O’Farrell, greeted the Secretary General at Change: The OIC and the Islamic World”, the Secretary Parliament House. Ihsanoglu also called on the Minister for General spoke about the transition towards democracy that Transportation and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Annastacia is taking place in several countries in the Muslim world Palaszczuk MP. He met the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr. particularly in the Arab region. He said that what had Ibrahim Abu Mohammad and held two roundtable discussions happened, starting with Tunis then Egypt, Libya, Yemen and with independent Australian community groups active in the now in Syria, should not be characterized as a revolution 30

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in the sense of ideological change, but represented an evolutionary change in society, which he described as “a social and political earthquake and a massive expression of will against the status quo”. He also spoke about the transition and change that had taken place in OIC since 2005, with the adoption of the Ten-Year Program of Action and the new Charter. He noted the establishment of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, and the introduction of women’s affairs into the agenda of the OIC, as well as

the OIC’s humanitarian work. The address concluded with a Q and A with the press about the situation in Syria, Islamophobia and the role Australia can play in promoting peace in the Middle East. In Brisbane, the Secretary General gave a lecture to students at Griffith University hosted by the Griffith University Islamic Studies Research Unit. The lecture, titled ‘The Muslim World: Evolution or Revolution’, drew wide attendance and participation in the discussion that followed.

Ihsanoglu discusses issues of mutual cooperation and concern with Secretary Clinton

OIC-USAID sign MoU at the White House to boost humanitarian assistance

Ihsanoglu and Shah signing the MOU.

Washington DC, USA – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu discussed issues of mutual cooperation and exchanged views on the current international developments with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department. OIC Secretary General was received by Clinton at her office in Washington DC on 15 March 2012. Both sides shared their concerns, discussed and explored ways forward on a number of subjects having critical importance for the international community, which ranged from Palestine-Israel peace process to developments in inter alia Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia. The OIC-US cooperation in promoting peace and tolerance, improving the condition of science and technology related education, advancing health care and forging concrete partnership in the domain of humanitarian activities in the OIC Member States were discussed at length in the Meeting. Earlier in the day, Secretary General Ihsanoglu and the Administrator of USAID Rajiv Shah signed an MoU on behalf of the OIC and USAID respectively on cooperation in the humanitarian field at a ceremony held at the Eisenhower building in the White House. The signing of this agreement was preceded by a string of negotiations carried out by the OIC Humanitarian Affairs Department with the Agency. The Agreement in itself represents a clear framework for the advancement of cooperation between the OIC and the American Agency, bearing in mind that the United States of America is one of the major donors in terms of international assistance while the OIC, with its active involvement in humanitarian and

developmental activity, can be a significant mainstay in favor of complementary roles leading to the smooth channeling of humanitarian assistance to the needy. The MoU provides for cooperation between the two parties concerned for joint action in addressing crises and humanitarian disasters and for consolidated cooperation among the Member States, in addition to the exchange of expertise and the initiation of a strategic dialogue in the area of a humanitarian relief. It also points to the need for close cooperation and consultation between the two parties over issues of common interest, in addition to coordination, information management and emergency support mobilization in the case of natural catastrophes, all through regular and periodic meetings between the OIC and USAID. The MoU includes an item on the exchange of information in the area of humanitarian aid with a view to filling any gaps in terms of the required data on any humanitarian issue. It also calls for joint action between the two parties and for the exchange of training programs for their respective staff. Cooperation also extends to bilateral coordination during recovery stages in the disaster-stricken areas, and this would entail, according to the MoU, the need for the conclusion of another agreement to define the executive aspect in postcrisis stages, such as the requirements of anticipated projects, the allocated resources and the timelines for such programs and projects along with a review of objectives achieved at every stage. Ihsanoglu discusses with Ban OIC-UN bilateral cooperation On the last day of his visit to the USA, the OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu met the UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon at the latter’s office on 16 March 2012. Discussion of the Secretaries General concentrated mostly around the OIC-UN bilateral cooperation in different fields. In the political domain, both leaders exchanged views on current situation in some parts of the Muslim World, in particular in Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia. Also featured during their discussion is the UN-Arab League joint envoy Kofi Annan’s briefing to the Security Council and the visit of the OCHAOIC joint humanitarian team to Syria. Ongoing and future OIC-UN joint programs and activities including cooperation in the field of mediation and the forthcoming OIC-UN biannual consultation event were also discussed. 31

MEDIA

NHRC in Qatar organizes an International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations

Dr. Isam Salim Shanti Doha, Qatar – The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has organized in Doha on 22 – 23 January 2012 the International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations. The themes of the conference have focused on the types of protection for journalists and the identification emblem (as a tool of protection and identification), ways to develop efficient mechanisms for international protection of journalists, capacity building on safety standards for journalists, and developing a campaign plan to mobilize support for the adoption of the conference’s recommendations. The OIC was actively present in the conference and was represented by Dr. Emhemed Egledi, Acting Director of the Legal Department, and Dr. Isam Salim Shanti, Director of the Information Department. The key speeches were presented by Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, NHRC Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani, Al-Jazeera Network Director General, and Mr. Blaise Lempen, the Press Emblem Campaign Secretary General. Declaration of Conference The Conference declared that although the United Nations and its agencies have a wide range of tools and instruments which can address the issue of safety, journalists and media workers continue to be killed every year while carrying out their professional responsibilities. Many of such abuses are not investigated and remain unpunished. Also, the Conference declared that renewed and urgent action is necessary to press for robust implementation to the existing mechanisms and procedures by increasing the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement of the current instruments . Recommendations of Conference Among the recommendations made: To the United Nations and its Agencies • Implement forthwith their latest plan of action agreed at their Paris Autumn Conference and enhance their working with specialized non-governmental organizations dedicated to the safety of journalists and media workers. Develop new tools to bind all States to acknowledge and accept a standing obligation to provide particular safeguards and protection for journalists beyond the provisions of UN Security Council resolution. • Adopt ambitious reforms to its mechanisms and procedures such as through regional security organizations, expanding the mandates of Special Rapporteurs and concerned UN bodies, organizing emergency alerts and missions, considering intrusive inspections and mandatory sanctions – developing or renewing existing systems, developing further monitoring and peer review processes and work towards an ultimate goal of setting-up an international treaty so that countries can collectively adopt a set of radical new measures to afford credible protection to journalists. • Expand the current legal provisions beyond the obligation to protect journalists against attacks on their life, and include forced disappearances and kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, intimidation, deportation/refusal of entry, confiscation/damage to property and new forms of violence experienced by journalists during the 2011 Arab Spring, and further develop Human Rights Council resolutions S-2/ 1 and S-9/ 1 concerning the attacks on media installations and allowing access as well as safe media corridors in conflict zones • Asking the Human Rights Council to appoint a special 32

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rapporteur on the protection of journalists, requesting the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) to create a unit to follow up media cases. To Governments • Respect the letter and spirit of all international instruments they signed up to, of the binding and non-binding resolutions, covenants and declarations of the United Nations. • Include an assessment of other country's record when granting aid and other development assistance. International development institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, should also scrutinize a country>s record on violence against journalists when assessing the granting of aid and other assistance. • Strengthen national laws including criminal laws and overhaul justice system to end impunity and to provide judicial and legislative assistance to prevent serious violations of international humanitarian laws including the targeting of journalists. • Agree that families of killed journalists have a right to compensation directly or through media institutions and establish a solidarity fund for the victims. To News Organizations • Acknowledge their duty of care for all their journalists, in particular news gatherers, staff or freelance and their responsibility to provide hostile environment safety training and equipment whether at time of conflict or not. • Arrange trauma counseling through specialized organizations. Negotiate at all time with journalists' representatives all issues of safety in news coverage, including safety protocols, medical care, life insurance, equality to provide those social guarantees to all, including freelancers. • Increase awareness and knowledge of legal international agreements and conventions as well as regional ones. • Include awareness of all aspects of the region under coverage in any training. • Include special training for women in view of the attacks such as sexual harassment and the spate of other violent attacks directly targeted at women. To Journalists • Develop a culture to being responsible for their safety and seek out training before traveling to conflict zones. Develop a culture of solidarity, in particular a duty of care towards each other. • Be ready at all time to help record any incidents of attacks to provide evidence to cases of violence. • Develop an understanding of how military works and be ready how to handle them. OIC’s Recommendations The OIC representatives contributed to the discussions of the workshops. They recommended that the OIC needs to get more involved in the business of human rights in connection with journalists around the world through several measures by building up a mechanism to initiate liaison with the United Nations’ relevant bodies through OIC’s office in New York and the General Secretariat in Jeddah; setting up a special body to protect Muslim and foreign journalists in the Muslim World via setting up an affiliated body under the title “Muslim Journalists Association”; and by hosting similar conferences in the future in cooperation with a member country and its national human rights committee.

OIC’s Media Workshop in Brussels on Islamophobia

Media misrepresentations of Islam and Muslims: The search for remedies

Dr. Isam Salim Shanti Brussels, Belgium – The Information Department of the OIC, in cooperation with the Departments of Cultural Affairs, and Minorities and Muslim Communities held its first workshop on Islamophobia from media perspective, titled Media Misrepresentations of Islam and Muslims: The Search for Remedies, in Brussels on 15 – 16 February 2012 to brainstorm and discuss various approaches and mechanisms that can be utilized to deal with the rise of Islamophobia, and its effects and impacts on Muslim communities in the West and the Muslims in general. At the outset, the OIC attendants at the workshop stated that the OIC, as the official representative of Muslims around the world and being an intergovernmental body, is itself under wellorchestrated attack by Islamophobes of various backgrounds in the West, targeting its growing image and credibility in the international fora. The OIC, from its perspective, sensed during the past years the urgency to mobilize methodological efforts with the specific aim of illustrating its legitimate role as an intergovernmental organization, and isolating Islamophobia and its defenders to their minimal collision. Six major themes were designated for the workshop to address the main concerns of the OIC vis-à-vis the rise of Islamophobia. In addition, the Information Department distributed to all participants in the workshop a questionnaire to ensure full understanding of the OIC’s main concerns. While the questions were on issues related to OIC’s role in combating the rise of Islamophobia, OIC’s attempt to reach out to Western media and public opinion, and OIC’s attempt to reach out to and connect with Muslim communities in the West, the themes dealt with several issues related to Islamophobia and its impact on Muslims. The themes were: General introduction: Islamophobia; features, background and interactions; • Previous media campaigns on Islamophobia: case studies; • Obstacles to media entry in western media institutions; • Media strategy for future actions; • Worksheet: proposed projects for implementation; • Practical options for fundraising. The OIC identified several objectives to achieve from the workshop: to provide ideas and plans suitable to encounter the rise of Islamophobia; to reach out to different groups, Muslims

and non-Muslims, and seek future cooperation to deal with Islamophobia and its impact on both Muslims and non-Muslims; and to draw a road map for the activities that need to be adopted by the OIC and its partners concerning the rise Islamophobia at different levels in different contexts in the western world. The workshop defined three-different strategies in order to distinguish between subsequent actions that might be adopted in the future vis-à-vis the rise of Islamophobia. This was professionally important to differentiate between the various objectives on the one hand, and to enable the General Secretariat of the OIC to prioritize its goals according to its desire and capacity. These strategies are as follows: • Short-term strategy or immediate actions to be taken by the OIC; • Mid-term strategy or immediate actions to be taken by the OIC but with partners; • Long-term strategy or actions to be adopted and by the OIC Member States. The short-term strategy is directly related to decisions adopted and implemented by the OIC because it is linked to the internal capabilities of the OIC and to its will to embark on specific projects. As for the mid-term strategy it requires that the OIC implements projects in cooperation with Muslim and non-Muslim NGOs and other partners who have a stake in combating Islamophobia. The long-term strategy, however, is related to working with the Member States of the OIC to achieve objectives set by the workshop. Among these objectives are the following: • The OIC should encourage its Member States to approve students and professionals (journalists and civil servants) exchange programmes with western countries on an annual basis; • The OIC should encourage its Member States to produce long films on issues related to Islam and Muslims; • The OIC should encourage its Member States to establish specialized Islamic printing houses in western countries in foreign languages; • The OIC should encourage its Member States to devote special budgets for establishing centers for Islamic studies in European and American universities and colleges; • The OIC should encourage its Member States to translate into English, French, German, and Spanish many valuable historical, political, and cultural Islamic books for western libraries and book stores; Combating the rise of Islamophobia in the West has become a political, diplomatic, and religious necessity. Meaning that if the OIC and its Member States do not take this phenomenon seriously in terms of its intellectual and societal backgrounds and their impacts on Muslims all over the world the future seems ominous for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Not to mention the prospect of spreading Islamophobia in other regions outside the western world. No doubt that this issue has become the OIC’s top priority in its domestic and international agenda, and that the tools needed to deal with it are of multi-dimensional backgrounds, including media, diplomatic, political, cultural, and public relations. It is useful and critical to state that Muslims and non-Muslims in the West are more aware of the threat of Islamophobia than many Muslims in the OIC countries. Thus, the OIC should not rule out public awareness in the Muslim world because it seems just as important and helpful. 33

MEDIA

Important information issues for deliberation during the 9th ICIM Libreville, Gabon – The beautiful capital city of the Gabonese Republic is hosting the 9th Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM) from 17 to 20 April 2012 under the theme of “Information Technologies in the Service of Peace and Development” to discuss a number of important information issues that contribute to supporting the information sector of the OIC Member States. The Conference, the first time to be held in Gabon, will consider new viable recommendations and follow-up mechanisms for implementation of the resolutions to be adopted during the Conference. The role of OIC countries and their media institutions in supporting Al Quds Al Shareef and Palestine, and upgrading the infrastructure of the Palestinian Radio and Television will top the Conference’s agenda. This media event will also discuss the restructuring of the OIC Information institutions and consider new approach for enhancing their coordination with the Information Department of the OIC General Secretariat. In this connection, the Information Ministers will discuss financing the already-proposed fund for interaction with external media in order to face the

challenges of Islamophobia targeting the image of Islam and Muslims. Taking into consideration the vast geographically and diversity of the Muslim world, and in order to expand OIC information work and networking globally, the Conference will discuss a proposal on opening of new information coordination offices in a number of countries. Other important issues to be discussed by the Information and Communication Ministers include a proposal to launch an Islamic satellite channel under the OIC umbrella; establishment of a ‘Muslim Journalists Union’ to act as a forum to facilitate cooperation and development of specific mechanisms in joint Islamic media action; supporting the OIC Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT); and enhancing the recently-established OIC Islamic Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum. Another important item on the Session’s agenda is to render support the Global Digital Solidarity Fund and considering a media program dedicated to Africa to highlight the continent’s position in the Muslim world throughout the next three years during the Gabonese Chairmanship of the 9th Session of the ICIM.

The kick-off meeting of the OIC Member Countries’ IBRAF

Dr. Isam Salim Shanti Istanbul, Turkey – The kick-off meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member Countries’ Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF) was held in Istanbul on 17- 18 November 2011. The representatives of the OIC member countries: Azerbaijan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Libya, Brunei-Darussalam, Tajikistan, and the Turkish Cypriot State (Observer) took part in the Meeting. The Meeting was co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Davut Dursun, Chairman of the Radio and Television Supreme Council of Turkey and Dr. Hamit Ersoy, Member of the Radio and Television Supreme Council of Turkey. The representatives stressed that IBRAF would be beneficial in terms of cooperation and coordination in media regulation among the OIC Member Countries. The declaration stressed the need for common standards in broadcasting among the member and that the establishment of a Forum among Islamic Countries’ Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities would contribute to enhanced co-operation in the Muslim world. The participants expressed their desire to: • establish and promote regular coordination, communication and cooperation among the concerned parties in the Member States; • provide a forum for exchange of information, opinion and experiences about common issues of audiovisual media services; • coordinate their work towards enhancing the right to communication, freedom of information regarding the matters of public interest in the Muslim world; • coordinate policies to support the protection and promotion of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of 34

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the Member States through awareness raising programs; • carry out regular consultations for common policies and measures for contributing to an environment of dialogue and friendship among the societies of the Member States, especially by promoting content contributing to mutual understanding; • develop and adopt common ethical and cultural principles and standards for independent, objective, responsible and accountable audiovisual media services in the Member Countries, which should contain provisions for protecting human rights, human dignity, individual privacy, children and family values in line with the OIC Charter, freedom of expression and free flow of ideas, diversity of cultural expressions, respecting intellectual property rights, promotion of democratic debate and participation, intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; • hold seminars, exhibitions and conferences with the participation of officials, experts, broadcasters, academics, relevant entities and journalists from the OIC Member States to debate common and contemporary issues, opportunities and challenges of audiovisual media services. It was decided that as the OIC Member Countries’ Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum, they will hold annual meeting(s) to review the state of affairs, with regard to progress in light of this Declaration, to conduct exchange of opinions, information and experiences on the above topics and make recommendations for further cooperation and coordination. They also agreed to establish a committee of experts to hold the OIC Member Countries’ Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF) Annual Meeting(s) in order to elaborate the necessary documents of the Forum.

CULTURE 7th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers: Focus on Dialogue, Civil Society and Youth

Islamic Heritage Committee at its first and second meetings, and invited it to dedicate greater attention to protect Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It expressed utmost happiness and satisfaction at the State of Palestine winning full membership of UNESCO. It invited OIC Member States that are financially able, along with major countries like Russia and China, to contribute voluntarily to covering the budget deficit caused by the US and other countries cutting funds for UNESCO. Also, it welcomed establishment of the Islamic Heritage List and invited relevant parties in the Member States General view of opening session panel. to nominate natural and archaeological sites, along with intangible heritage items, for inscription on this List. Algiers, Algeria – The Seventh Session of the Islamic Equally, it hailed the programs and activities implemented Conference of Culture Ministers (ICCM) took place on 18by ISESCO to curtail incitement of hatred, racism, 19 December 2011 in Algiers, Algeria under the patronage fanaticism, violence and extremism, promote the culture of H.E. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria. The of justice and peace, and entrench the values of respect conference was held under the motto ‘Towards Consolidating for plurality and cultural diversity inside and outside the the Outcome of the International Year for the Rapprochement Member States. It expressed deep appreciation for the of Cultures and Enhancing the Youth’s Role in Building a efforts of the OIC Secretary General to project Islamic Culture of Peace and Dialogue’. culture and commended him for his initiatives in promoting The opening session was addressed by Abulfas Garayev, intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue. It also lauded Culture and Tourism Minister of Azerbaijan, Chair of the the OIC General Secretariat and its subsidiary, specialized 6th Session, Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural and affiliated organs for their activities and programs Organization (ISESCO) and Khalida Toumi, Minister of conducted in promoting the Islamic values, and Muslim culture and civilization. Culture of Algeria. The conference commended the OIC Secretary General The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, in for his efforts that paved the way for the consensual adoption his statement, which was delivered by Ambassador Sameer of Human Rights Council Resolution 16/ 18 on combating Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary General, stated that culture religious intolerance in Geneva in March 2011. It welcomed has been receiving increasing interest within the Muslim the establishment of the Independent Permanent Human countries as indicated by higher budget allocation, frequent Rights Commission as a major step that would contribute cultural activities and emergence of deeper interest in in upholding Islamic values and principles, and promote tangible and intangible heritage which made culture a cultural diversity and tolerance in the Muslim world. As part of the 7th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, strategic sector. a ministerial roundtable on ‘The Cultural Roles of the Civil While warning against the dangers of excavations under the Society in the Promotion of Dialogue and Peace’ was held Al-Aqsa Mosque and building illegal settlements by Israel, following the opening session. the Secretary General urged the international community and Dr. Altwaijri, Director General of ISESCO, chaired the the UNESCO to persuade Israel to respect the International roundtable. He pointed out that chief among the cultural Law and put an end to its illegal practices in Palestine. roles played by civil society are the fostering of the peace The Secretary General underscored that Islamophobia and and justice values, as Islamic and human values, the discrimination against Muslims are among the biggest consolidation of the role of civil society, so as to enable it to challenges that have exceeded personal behavior to become carry out its mission in supporting governmental institutions, a systematic political action to gain supporters. The conference discussed studies and documents on the in accordance with the action priorities in the Islamic world, initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for and coordinating with NGOs in the Member States to dialogue among followers of religions and cultures; the develop a code of conduct for them. A communiqué was issued by the roundtable that cultural roles of the civil society in the promotion of dialogue and peace; cultural enterprises in the Member States; and the constitutes an all-inclusive vision of the part to be taken by course in training journalists to counter stereotypes about civil society institutions and organizations to promote culture and peace, in a spirit of mutual respect and recognition of Islam and Muslims in Western media. The 7th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers cultural diversity. The conference welcomed the offer by Saudi Arabia to adopted the report of ISESCO Director General on the “Implementation of the Cultural Strategy for the Islamic host the conference’s 8th session in Al-Madinah in 2013 as World”. Likewise, it endorsed the recommendations by the Madinah will be the capital of Islamic culture for that year. 35

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OIC LIBRARY and CHALLENGES for the FUTURE By Humeyra Ceylan Izhar OIC Librarian

Background Libraries have always been a very important part of institutions whether private, public, academic or intergovernmental to support learning and encourage research. It is very essential to provide library services for these kinds of organizations to compete and serve effectively to their patrons in the information age that we are in now. It therefore becomes necessary to make information easily accessible and reachable for users who need it. Bearing this in mind, the OIC library was established in February 2007 at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah, following the instructions by the OIC Secretary General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The library started with few hundred materials in a small room with a solo professional librarian and grew over the years. The collection now reached to nearly 10,000 books, 105 journals, 200 CD ROMs and reference resources in OIC’s official languages: Arabic, English and French. The aim of the library is to compile and disseminate information which is in OIC mandate and to collect any document related to OIC, its organs and member countries. The library’s mission statement is developing an excellent special collection on Muslim world and making it accessible for readers. Existing collections As a special library, it is important to develop the collection in line with the Organization’s objectives and activities to achieve the mutual aim. Naturally, at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations, the library’s subject area is the Muslim world and related topics. The collection includes books, serials, main reference resources, OIC and its organs’ publications, reports and statistics, CD-ROMS and videos. Moreover, materials are arranged by subject and Arabic collection is separated from the other languages (mainly English and French). There is also a separate section at the library for the OIC General Secretariat’s and its organs’ publications for easy access. Collection development relies on purchasing materials according to users’ needs and the library’s aim from various book dealers or books fairs around the world. Nevertheless, the library appreciates book donations from member countries or individuals on the above subjects. 36

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Library services OIC staff members and staff at member states’ consulates in Jeddah form the main user group at the library. The users are entitled to borrow up to 10 books for a month and renew them if necessary. Furthermore, the readers can enjoy the quiet study area with computer and internet facilities, which provide an ideal place for reading and research. Photocopying and printing facilities are available for users if they wish to study at the library. External membership scheme is introduced at the library to open the collection to general public, students, researchers or scholars. External members can use the library as reference or use borrowing facilities by prior appointment. ‘Library lecture series’ (LLS) is another activity that the library facilitates for its users. The lectures are run monthly on various topics related to the OIC and its member countries, and discussions take place at the end of each lecture. Conclusion Libraries in general have been through enormous changes during the last two decades as cataloguing, format of the collection, users’ needs changed; and these changes made a big impact on creation, distribution and access of information. The Internet has become one of the most important search tools and created a challenging environment for libraries. One might ask if we still need the libraries or why we need to go to a library if there is the Internet around us. Despite the great technological developments and alternating research tools, culture of reading and learning is still a very important part of human life. Libraries are dealing with knowledge and knowledge continues to grow either in electronic or printed format; and it still needs to be organised, evaluated to be readily accessible. New technologies, digitization and the Internet provide new challenges and opportunities for libraries in disseminating knowledge and being more relevant to their users’ needs. At the OIC Library, there is an excellent collection being developed on Muslim world and it is open to everyone who is interested in the subject area. Its location, services, special collection and friendly environment make the OIC library a very unique place to study and make it worth to visit. As Alberto Manguel mentions in his book, The Library at Night (2006), “the creation of a library is, among other things, a way to shape the world, to map our identities, and to bring order to the chaos that surrounds us.” In summary, libraries, regardless their types are part of cultural life and it is very important to keep up with the developments in this rapidly changing environment. The OIC library is at the beginning of its journey and happy to take the challenges for the future. If you would like to visit the library or donate books please call: +9662 651 5222 Ext. 1111 Or email: azhary@oic-oci.org URL: http://www.oic-oci.org

LIBRARY LECTURE SERIES (LLS)

As the library collection is being developed, the library has decided to expand its facilities and designed Library Lecture Series (LLS) events. The lecture series will be run monthly on a different topic related to OIC as above and delivered by a different person each month. The main purpose of these series is to promote discussion, reading and learning from each other as well as highlighting the unique collection that the library holds. The first lecture in the series delivered by Dr. Hassan Abedin -from the Muslim Minorities Department of the OIC General Secretariat- entitled “Muslims in the West: Challenges and Opportunities” on Saturday 28th January, at the meeting room opposite the library. Dr. Abedin started his talk with the definition of minority and gave short background information about Muslim migration to the West and the size of Muslims living in the West today. He used the West referring to the North America and the Western

Europe (excluding the Eastern Europe). He then revealed how Muslims settled in those countries and became citizens from temporary settlers. The relations changed between the first and the second generation of Muslims as the later has seen themselves as citizens and taken active roles in the society. Dr. Abedin also discussed the differences between the Western European and the Northern American Muslims and how they differed in settling in their new countries. In the end, the discussion was open to all attendees as Dr. Abedin concluded his lecture with a question. Can Muslim communities integrate into Western society? February lecture was given by Dr. Shaher Awawdeh -from the Department of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharifon Wednesday 22nd February entitled “Demographic Policies in Jerusalem”. In his talk Dr. Shaher highlighted the demographic trends in Jerusalem since 1967 and discussed practices of Israelis to limit the Palestinian population in the area. Israeli settlers were imported from all over the world and the city’s municipal boundaries were expanded which enabled Israelis to take more lands with less Palestinians. Israelis also restricted severely Palestinians to build any shelter as they enforced intricate licensing procedures for any kind of building. Palestinian people were let with two choices as either to attempt to build a shelter without any license then have it demolished, or to move outside the city and give up their identity card as a resident in the city. Despite the Israeli occupation and the enforcement the demographic trend is in Palestinians’ favor. In 1967 the Palestinian population was 25% but now it increased to 35%. This is because of the high Palestinian birth rate and Israeli secular community leaving the city because of the pressure from Orthodox Jewish people.

The Library of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted a lecture on March 7, 2012 by German Professor Ulrike Freitag on the “City of Jeddah in the 19th Century”. Prof. Freitag highlighted the rich and diverse culture of

Jeddah seen in its architecture, customs, and citizens. The lecture, co-organized with the German Consulate in Jeddah, was enhanced by a presentation of a collection of old photographs that showed the different neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, shops, government offices and coffee houses. The professor said that Jeddah centered on two main functions, trade and pilgrimage. She talked about the souk and the road to Makkah because most pilgrims from around the world landed in Jeddah on their way to Makkah. A large number of diplomats, academicians, and residents of Jeddah attended the lecture. At the end of the lecture, OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu thanked Prof. Freitag on the interesting lecture and announced that the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), a subsidiary organ of OIC, is about to publish two huge pictorial books about Jeddah and Makkah in the 19th century with thousands of historic pictures.

By Humeyra Ceylan Izhar

Jeddah’s 19th century history comes to life at OIC

CULTURE

A link to Islamic Heritage Committee on ISESCO website Rabat, Morocco – The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) have placed a link to the Islamic Heritage Committee on its website. ISESCO Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri in his introduction to the link said, “The Islamic Heritage Committee has been established at a time of ongoing challenges to the Muslim Arab Ummah, which include destruction and looting of centuries-old cultural and civilizational heritage in Iraq and Afghanistan. Worse are the excavations by the Israeli occupation forces in the environs of Al Aqsa Mosque, in total lack of deference to the archaeological and religious monuments in Al Quds Al Sharif which Muslims and Christians treat as sacred.” He pointed out, “On top of the cultural rights of both individuals and communities comes the need to preserve cultural and civilizational heritage, in its being a crossing point of past, present and future and a melting-pot where people’s identities and creative genius blend together, which is why ISESCO gives prior attention to Muslim Arab heritage in its plans, programs and activities, as evidenced by the establishment of the Islamic Heritage Committee.” An adequate mechanism, he stressed, is therefore of the

essence to assess the current situation of Muslim heritage and identify historical, cultural and religious monuments in danger, with the use of modern technologies. Based on the recommendation of ISESCO, the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers at its fifth session held in Tripoli, Libya, on 21- 23 November 2007, decided to set up the Islamic Heritage Committee to best coordinate and make more effective ISESCO’s action in areas relating to Islamic cultural heritage, Dr Altwaijri explained. The link aims to bring close the Muslim world’s civilizational heritage, and press for protecting it by all possible means from destruction and preserving it for future generations. The message is that the ancient Islamic Arab heritage does not belong alone to the Muslim Ummah, but also to the entire humanity, hence the necessity to exert all possible effort to save it from destruction, looting and judaization. The link is a starting point for creating the Islamic Heritage Committee’s website, which is to be launched next May on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of ISESCO.

ISESCO launches IBEST website

Rabat, Morocco – The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) launched the website of the ‘Islamic Body on Ethics of Science and Technology’ (IBEST): www.ibest.org.ma. In a statement on this occasion, ISESCO Director General Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri expressed his delight at the website’s launching, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of ISESCO, and marks another milestone in the organization’s efforts to harness education, science

and culture for the benefit of its Member States. The website is aimed to stimulate interaction and exchange of views among the national committees on science and technology ethics, especially on ethical issues prevailing at international level. The web portal provides a wide spectrum of subjects, which will serve as a constant source of knowledge and information on ethical issues.

Addressing the Conference of the Arab Academy in Cairo

Ihsanoglu qualifies Pope Shenouda III as a great spiritual leader

Cairo, Egypt – Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the OIC described the Arabic language that since its early genesis, it has been through changing conditions and a wide spectrum of fortunes of potency, beauty, abundance, openness, stagnation, richness and resilience. Ihsanoglu added in his address to the 78th Conference of the Arab Academy held in Cairo on 19 March 2012, that, while the Arabic language has survived all through the past ages with the help of religious and social factors, reality on the ground points to the fact that the capacity of expansion and assimilation of its large terminological reservoir resides mainly in its own merits and genius. In his address to the Conference held under the theme of “Arab Language Prospects”, Ihsanoglu affirmed that the Arabic language, which forms the crucible of the culture that unites the Muslim Ummah with its varied strands, is today facing a polemic around the concept of teaching modern 38

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sciences through the medium of Arabic. Ihsanoglu also expressed the hope that the future of the Arabic language will be as radiant as its past. On another front, Ihsanoglu described Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church who had passed away on 17 March 2012, as a great spiritual leader who firmly believed in peaceful coexistence between the followers of different faiths, devoted to his country and a fervent advocate of peace and mutuality. Ihsanoglu expressed his grief at the death of Pope Shenouda, and recalled that he had had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions on interfaith dialogue, and that he had found in him a man of great caliber, broad erudition and distinct character. Ihsanoglu also paid tribute to Pope Shenouda’s honourable stands with respect to the issues relevant to his country and his nation and in particular to the cause of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif in the forefront.

IRCICA Al-Quds/Jerusalem 2015 Seminar Dr. Eren (2nd R) Director General of IRCICA presenting the report on Al Quds.

Istanbul, Turkey – IRCICA Al-Quds/Jerusalem 2015 of IRCICA; Ambassador Nabil T. Maarouf, Ambassador of Project is a collaborative, long-term program organized Palestine and Dr. Mahmoud Al Habbash, Minister of Awqaf by IRCICA in cooperation with relevant international and Religious Affairs of the State of Palestine. This session institutions and organizations. It focuses on the built pursued with the keynote speech by Dr. Rafiq Shakir Alheritage of Al Quds/Jerusalem, and aims to contribute to Natsheh about the contributions of the Sultan Abdulhamid II the safeguarding and conservation of historical and cultural period in Jerusalem. Then, the afternoon session of the day heritage of Al Quds/Jerusalem and aid its possitive urban included panel sessions focusing on the research of history development. and work in archives. Since the initiation of this Program in 2006, numerous The second day of the seminar was concentrated on the seminars, workshops and fieldwork activities have been cultural heritage of Jerusalem, and included panel sessions implemented, which led to the publication of Al-Quds/ focusing on the built heritage and historic conservation. Jerusalem 2015 Program: 2008 Report. As a complementary The morning session involved panel presentations by activity of this on-going project, IRCICA organized the international experts and academicians including Dr. Rami fourth annual seminar which took place on January 27 - 28, Nasrallah, Prof. Attilio Petruccioli, Prof. Daniele Pini, Prof. Ahmed Hadrovic and Prof. Amir Pasic. This session was 2012 in Istanbul. The initial day began with the opening session including followed by the presentation of preservation projects, and the welcoming address by Dr. Halit Eren, Director General was concluded with final discussions.

International symposium on ‘The Image of the Muslim World in Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatname’ Amman, Jordan – Under the high patronage of H.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, an international symposium has been organized jointly by IRCICA, the Centre for Islamic World Research, and the History Department of Al Albeit University, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the birth of the 17th Century Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi. The symposium, held on 18 -20 December 2011, revolved around the theme of ‘The Image of the Muslim World in Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatname’ (travel book). Evliya Çelebi traveled in the Islamic world and other regions for forty years. His travel book is important as a reference on the landscape and the peoples over a large area extending from Vienna in the West to Central Asia and Arabia in the east. The opening ceremony heard welcoming speeches from Al Albeit University delivered by Dr. Anwar Khalidi, History

Department; Dr. Musa bin Khaled, Centre for Islamic World Research; and Prof. Muhamed Arnaut on behalf of the organizing committee and the addresses of Dr. Halit Eren, IRCICA Director General; Prof. Nabil Shawaqfeh, President of Al Albeit University; and H.E. Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan who spoke on behalf of H.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad. The sessions were held on Al Albeit University campus in Mafraq on the first day and in Amman on the second day. Topics addressed by the participants ranged from overall assessments on the Seyahatname with respect to areas and subjects it includes, its outlook to the “Other” and comparisons with other major travelers, to its language aspects, its description of monuments and architecture; and its focuses on the traveler’s visits to different regions. The 36 papers of the symposium will be published as a book. 39

Ihsanoglu inaugurates first Islamic Museum in Australia Maha Akeel this important initiative and announced that the OIC would Melbourne, Australia – OIC Secretary General provide financial and cultural support at a later stage. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was guest of honor at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Islamic Museum of Australia The Premier said the Museum would be important for (IMA), the country’s first dedicated museum of Islamic art Australia, because it reflected Australia’s cultural diversity and heritage. The event was attended by community and and multiculturalism and would be a beacon for cultural religious leaders and government representatives. Among acceptance. The Museum would be a space to reflect and the VIP guests were the State Premier of Victoria, The Hon learn and would enhance the reputation of cohesiveness of Ted Baillieu MP, and Federal Government Ministers, the Victoria’s multicultural community, particularly the city of Hon Simon Crean MP and the Hon Martin Ferguson MP, Melbourne, which had a reputation for tolerance. reflecting strong Australian Federal and State Government support for the museum. The ceremony included the presentation of a short documentary titled ‘Boundless Plains: The Australian The ceremony was the culmination of a dream and years Muslim Connection’. IMA is in the process of publishing of work for co-founders Ahmed Fahour, Australia Special a photography book, documenting Australia’s Muslim Envoy to the OIC, and his brother Moustafa. Moustafa heritage, that dates back as early as the 17th century. commented that the high-level and diverse attendance of the ceremony demonstrated the important unifying role the The Museum will give visitors an insight into the history IMA will play to further enhance social cohesion and the of Australian Muslims and their contributions since the multicultural landscape of Australia. 1600s to the present, displaying Islamic art and architecture, with a focus on the work of Australian Muslims. It will also In his address Ihsanoglu said that Islamic civilization had explain basic Islamic beliefs and highlight the contribution contributed to other civilizations; its art and culture is rich of Islamic civilization to knowledge over 14 centuries. The and diverse and it is founded on the principles of tolerance Islamic Museum of Australia will also collaborate with other and peace. He said that the Museum would enhance museums in Australia and around the world to attract quality Australians’ understanding of Islam and help build bridges visiting exhibitions. of communication. He also said that the OIC supported The Museum is expected to open in two years. 40

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Australia’s Muslim Community Abdullah Saeed Sultanate of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne

The first Muslim contact with Australia is said to date back to the 1750s when Muslim fishermen and pearl divers from the Indonesian archipelago regularly visited northern parts of Australia, or earlier. A second wave of Muslim contact came with the ‘Afghan’ camel drivers who were brought to Australia between 1860 and 1900 to work in the camel transport industry that linked the ‘outback’ to major Australian settlements. They built Australia’s first mosque in the 1860s. The White Australia Policy of the early twentieth century, giving preference to white migrants from Europe, allowed some Muslims, mostly Albanians, to immigrate to Australia in the 1930s. However, it was not until after World War II, when substantial changes were made to Australia’s immigration policy that a significant increase in the Muslim population followed. Large numbers of Muslims from Turkey, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Iran and Egypt arrived, benefited by family reunification and skilled migration programs, along with Muslim refugees later from strife-torn countries such as Bosnia and Somalia. Importantly, the number of Australian-born Muslims also increased significantly. This number continues to grow, with over 36 percent of Muslim Australians now born in Australia. The total number of Muslims in Australia is around 400,000 The increasing number of Muslims in Australia led to the establishment of a range of societies, organizations and institutions. In the 1960s the first umbrella organization for Muslims was established to bring together Muslims and give voice to their concerns. Today, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) fulfills this role, at least at a symbolic level, representing all of the state and territory Islamic councils of Australia. It initiates community building activities, supported by revenue created by halal certification, donations from rich Muslim countries and income from various investments. Mosques naturally play a pivotal role in the religious and cultural lives of Muslim Australians. Since the late 1960s the number of mosques in Australia has grown: there are currently over 100 mosques and many large prayer facilities in Australia, with the largest numbers located in New South Wales and Victoria. There are also smaller prayer rooms in universities and workplaces.

Efforts in the area of Islamic education began with the establishment of basic weekend schools in the 1950s. Australian Government funding for private schools allowed the first ‘regular’ Islamic schools to be established in the early 1980s. Today, there are 36 government funded Islamic schools (primary and secondary) across Australia. These schools teach the government approved core curriculum areas of the state where they are based, as well as Islamic education and often Arabic. Their Islamic environment helps to positively reinforce Islamic identity of the young Muslims; for example, wearing the hijab is part of the school uniform for girls and praying at the school mosque (particularly the zuhr prayer) is part of the regular school day. Some of the better-established Islamic schools now compete with other independent and public schools in providing a high quality general education. Given that Muslims are still a relatively young community they tend to bring their religious leaders (imams) from overseas. However, more home grown religious leaders are emerging with the increase in the numbers of second generation Muslims who do not necessarily speak the language of their parents or identify with particular ‘ethnic’ groups. Indeed the number of Australian-born, second generation Muslims has increased significantly since the 1980s. At the same time, Anglo-Australian converts to Islam have also begun to emerge as a significant group. Muslims from both these groups often feel a stronger connection to Australian culture and English language, and their religious identity is less bound up in the cultural heritage of their families or their nominal ethnic group. With these positive developments Muslim community building continues. Islamic cultural centers, bookshops, women’s organizations, community support groups, media outlets, community television and radio programs and even Islamic financial institutions are visible in major Australian cities. Halal restaurants and butchers are also commonplace. Today, Muslim Australians are increasingly playing an active role in all layers of Australian life. Muslims in small numbers are members of state parliaments, like Victoria. Muslim sporting stars are beginning to emerge and interfaith groups that are active in building bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims are also a feature of Muslim life in Australia. Second generation Muslims are working on their own ways of developing and practicing Islamic norms in Australia. These examples only represent a small proportion of the many ordinary Muslim Australians who are successfully finding a place in society, and reconciling their religious and ethnic identity with the Australian context they live in. With the Australian constitution guaranteeing religious freedom, Muslim Australians are able to practice their religion freely and to establish institutions that support their religious and community needs. In the broader community, knowledge of Islam and Muslims is better, particularly encouraged by a more balanced reporting on Islam and Muslims. While there still may be challenges, the future of Islam in Australia appears to be bright. 41

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OIC and UN celebrate Islamic arts in New York

New York, USA – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon joined OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu at a reception hosted by the OIC General Secretariat together with the Metropolitan Museum in New York and Coca Cola Company on March 16, 2012 celebrating the Museum’s new Galleries for the Art of the Arab lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and Later South Asia. In his welcoming address, Ihsanoglu said, “we should all congratulate the Metropolitan Museum and all those who have contributed to this achievement for their dedicated efforts to Islam’s rich past and grandeur of its civilization, spanning many continents and different parts of the world are being exhibited in the most elegant and professional manner today.” He added, “I believe that it is high time for the nations and peoples representing the Islamic heritage and the nations and peoples representing the Judeo-Christian traditions to continue to set aside their differences and to work together towards developing a culture of mutual understanding, respect and dialogue, built on the commonalities and shared values.” The Museum’s President Emily K. Rafferty explained that the suite of the 15 galleries showcases works from 22 countries and traces the full course of Islamic civilization, over a span of 14 centuries, from the Middle East to North Africa, Europe, and Central and South Asia. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the audience 42

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that the new galleries are a “treasure within a treasure. Ours is a world with ample opportunity for cross-cultural connection. Trade, travel, the Internet, these can bring people together across distance and lines of identity that might otherwise divide us.” “And yet, all too often,” he admitted, “stereotypes and suspicion take hold; layers of misunderstanding stay in place. These galleries are part of the antidote.” He said the displays “celebrate beauty - art, craft and design in their full glory - What stands out for me is the devotion that courses through every item on display. No matter what the medium, tile or textile, manuscript or metal, the intricacy is remarkable. It all draws you in, closer and closer. The detail almost defies belief.” The galleries, he indicated, showcase the “remarkable diversity of thought and tradition within Islam, a counterpoint to the unfortunate tendency to view the Islamic world as a monolith.” Sheila Canby, curator, in charge of the Department of Islamic Art at the Museum hoped that the galleries and the art they contain will inspire and remind the visitors of the “great civilizations that have thrived within Islam.” Highlights of the Museum’s collection include early and medieval Qur’ans, glass carafes, metalwork, woodwork, ceramics, paintings, architectural elements - including a 14th-century mihrab from Isfahan, Iran, - and carpets from Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

From the Scientific Academy to the Museum of the People's Assembly

Cairo, Egypt (dpa) - When the building of the Scientific Academy was burnt during the clashes between demonstrators and police and armed forces in the vicinity of the Council of Ministers in central Cairo late last year 2011, many Egyptians were shocked. Not many knew that that old building next to the Parliament has such rich historical value. Many of the political activists who took part in the protests that preceded the clashes admitted they had not known that this building was the Scientific Academy. The burning of the Academy highlighted the Egyptians’ obliviousness of historical buildings that seem not to attract their attention, even though they may pass by them many times a day. Museum of the People's Assembly A few meters away from the building of the Scientific Academy there lies the Museum of the People’s Assembly inside the Parliament building. It was inaugurated in 1986. It ranks first among world parliament museums as it includes monumental copies of the oldest governing systems, legislations, regulations and treaties in the history of humanity. The museum occupies two large halls of the Parliament building. In the first hall acquisitions are organized starting from the Pharaonic age while the collections of the second hall show the development of parliamentary life in Egypt in the modern era. As for the second half of the museum, it contains oil paintings and statues of Egypt’s rulers from the Mohammed Ali dynasty. The second part of the hall has in its center the royal carriage of the King of Egypt before the 1952 revolution that used to carry him from Abdeen Palace to the parliament hall. There are also lots of documents and photos of the committee which set the 1923 constitution - one of the important constitutions in the modern history of Egypt. There are also photos of all parliament presidents in Egypt in chronological order along with photos of the political leaders of Egypt and former Presidents. The most prominent acquisitions of the Museum belong to the Pharaonic and Islamic eras to the present. From the

Pharaonic era, there are many examples of legislation and laws in ancient Egypt, including a model statue of the famous cross-legged ancient Egyptian scriber holding a roll of papyrus and writing down the legislations and laws. This statue dates back to the Old Dynasty (2780 - 2280 BC). The museum also displays a text found at the tomb of Princess Idut in Saqqara, which is the oldest taxation legislation in history in the form of a tablet that stipulates the punishment of tax evaders. Medical History of Egypt About two kilometers from Tahrir Square and the Council of Ministers there is Qasr al-Aini Museum which chronicles the history of medicine not only in Egypt but worldwide. The idea of this museum started in 1976 by Muhammad Miniawy, a surgeon and gynecologist. He was the first president of the museum, which opened in 1998. This museum is the first of its kind dedicated to this type of medical acquisitions and works of art that chronicles the history of medicine in Egypt and the world. It includes a lot of medical instruments used by famous Egyptian and European physicians since the establishment of the Egyptian School of Medicine in the era of Muhammad Ali Pasha. It also shows a lot of rare medical books, especially in anatomy, in addition to many rare works of art depicting the beginnings of the School of Medicine. Among the important historic buildings is the House of the Nation, the house of the Egyptian leader Saad Zaghloul, located a few meters away from the building of the Council of Ministers. Its story goes back to 1901 when Saad Zaghloul decided to move from a-Dhaher district to this house after its construction was finished on April 24, 1902. The Tragedy of the Elite According to Jamal Shaqrah, Professor of History and Head of Middle East Research and Future Studies Center at Ain Shams University, although the Egyptian people are makers of an ancient civilization, in modern history they are no longer interested in the manifestations of this civilization. “Between 80 and 90% of the intellectuals are ignorant of the history of Egypt, and this is a real tragedy. As for the poor, who make up the majority of Egypt’s population, they do not care about history because they struggle daily to secure their basic needs,” he said.

Historic Buildings in Downtown Cairo with Profound Human Value

CULTURE

Women’s rights and empowerment at the top of OIC’s agenda On the occasion of the International Women’s Day and and progress of women. In this context, the sufferings of United Nation’s Day for Women’s Rights and International women under occupation and women victims of war should Peace on March 8, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation be addressed with urgency as these sufferings have longreiterated its commitment to promoting and protecting lasting negative effect on the overall environment of the women’s rights and empowering them. societies, stressed the Secretary General. The recently held first session of the OIC Independent The OIC remains committed to the cause of promotion Permanent Human Rights Commission, which elected a of women in coordination with the Member States and other woman to chair its first meeting, identified women’s rights stakeholders in the international community. It gives special as a priority issue, especially in terms of equal access to emphasis to gender equality, women participation in socioeducation and jobs, and the elimination of violence against economic activities and decision-making, their access to them. education and economic opportunities, and elimination of The theme for the 2012 International Women’s Day violence against them. “These are the essential ingredients devoted to “Empower Rural Women - End Hunger and to empower women,” said Ihsanoglu. Poverty” is most appropriate, according to the OIC Secretary OIC participates in NAM Ministerial Meeting on General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, as it calls for greater Advancement of Women commitment and collective efforts of the international The OIC participated in the 3rd NAM (Non-aligned community to address the issue. Movement) Ministerial Conference on Advancement Poverty is a major impediment to development. Its impact of Women hosted by Qatar in February. The 2nd NAM however is felt most by women, in particular, rural women. Ministerial Session on the Advancement of Women was “I feel it is imperative for the international community to held in Guatemala in 2009; it took some landmark decisions take a collective stand in creating opportunities for their on the cause of women and their overall development. In empowerment and ending hunger. Our aim must be to bring a message delivered on his behalf by the Director General the development process to the doorsteps of rural women of Cultural Affairs Ambassador Hemayetuddin, the OIC through various programs including micro credit,” stated Secretary General said that over the past three years, Ihsanoglu. Alleviating poverty among rural women is a substantive progress has been made in the implementation priority agenda, he stressed. process and that the Doha Meeting would be expected The OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women to take stock of the developments made and provide a (OPAAW), adopted in 2008 by the Second Ministerial new set of directions to fulfill the outstanding objectives. Conference for Women in Cairo, commits the Governments He said, “The cause of advancement of women in the OIC and of the OIC Member States to take actions to improve the challenges faced in the way of moving ahead are not very the outcomes for women in education, health, political different from what has come out from the NAM Ministerial participation, economic sustainability, social justice and Meetings on Women. Women are an important segment of well-being, and work-life balance. At the top of OPAAW’s our societies and have all the potential of being effective objectives is, “Eradication of poverty, the achievement partners of men in social, economic and political life.” of sustainable development and provision of adequate However, the challenges in the task still remain formidable. resources and support as essential components towards Critical issues, such as violence against women, poverty achieving gender equality and empowerment of women at all among women, lack of equal and sufficient access to basic levels and all sectors.” The OPAAW identifies the measures human rights including those related to quality education, and means for implementing the objectives. Relevant organizations affiliated with the OIC, such as the Islamic health care and nutrition, recreation, and decision–making, Development Bank and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce should be addressed on priority basis. Ihsanoglu speaks on the role of women in the Arab Spring and Industry, have been active in implementing programs and projects in line with the OPAAW including providing The Secretary General remarked in a conference in Istanbul microcredit, training and networking as well as access to on the positive role played by Muslim women in bringing funding, markets and information; and the OIC Department about the changes in the Arab uprising. “What has been for Family Affairs, established in 2009 has been following achieved in those countries was possible because women with the concerned ministries in the Member States the stood side by side with their male partners,” he said. In his statement at the International Conference “Change progress made at this front. There is also a proposal to establish a Specialized Organ in Muslim Societies and the Role of Women” in Istanbul, for Women Development with its headquarters in Cairo 23 December 2011, Ihsanoglu stressed that only through which was approved in 2010, but the Member States need to women’s increased participation in political, social and other sign and ratify the Statute of this institution in order to start spheres that the society will find its way towards meaningful progress and development. its functions. However, the Secretary General emphasized that they There is no doubt that securing peace and social progress, and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that such opportunities are freedoms could not be achieved without active participation still limited only to the privileged few. 44

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Fewer women in the Parliaments despite their role in the Arab revolts United Nations – Despite the role they played in the revolts that took place in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and others to bring in democracy, women did not achieve progress in the elections for parliament. A study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, ‘Women in Parliament 2011’, released on March 2, 2012, found that despite pro-democracy protests toppling leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, the Arab region was the only area in the world without a parliament of at least 30 percent women. Meanwhile, globally the average number of female politicians inched up half a point last year to 19.5 percent. “Countries in transition can very effectively take advantage of reforms to guarantee strong participation of women in politics,” Abdelwahad Radi, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, told a news conference in New York. But he said those opportunities were not being seized in the Arab regions, where women made up 10.7 percent of parliamentarians in 2011, unchanged from 2010. “On the contrary, we can even see setbacks have occurred, particularly in Egypt where the percentage of women parliamentarians has fallen from 12 to 2 percent,” Radi said. The report found that more than a third of parliaments with about 30 percent female parliamentarians are in countries in transition or emerging from conflict. Radi cited Africa’s youngest nation, South Sudan, where the implementation of quotas had led to a parliament with 26.5 percent women. Parliamentary elections were held in Egypt over the past four months, the first since the overthrow of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak, and voters headed to the polls in Tunisia -the birthplace of the Arab Spring uprisings- in October 2011. No date has yet been set for elections in Libya. “While the movements were a testament to the strong will of the people in affirming their democratic rights, over the course of the year it transpired that women would have a longer struggle ahead in seeking equal participation in the political arena,” the report noted. While the study noted a “strong affirmative measure” by Tunisia that required parties to list women alternately with men on ballots, in practice because most of the more than 80 parties were competing for one seat in any one constituency it went to the man topping the list. “As a result, two fewer women were elected in 2011 than in the previous election in 2009,” the report found. “(The election of women) doesn’t happen by accident,” said Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and executive director of U.N. Women, which focuses on gender equality. “Temporary or transitional measures, such as quotas ... it’s necessary to include those kinds of measures if we want to accelerate women’s participation in politics,” Bachelet said. She said some progress was being made with the number of female heads of state and heads of government around the world doubling since 2005 to 17, while the number of

women ministers edged up by 2.5 points to 16.7 percent. Women won 21.8 percent of seats up for renewal last year in 69 legislative chambers across 59 countries, a similar proportion to previous years, the study said. In many countries, it said, too few women were running for parliament to have an impact. “Challenges for women candidates include insufficient funds to run a campaign, high expectations from the electorate and the antagonistic nature of competitive political parties,” the report found. “In addition, women tend to have fewer resources at their disposal, less experience in running for office and in public speaking, and a lack of support from spouses and family,” it said. “Women also have multiple roles, and balancing them all can very difficult.” Of 188 countries, the report found 20 had parliaments where women made up at least a third of the representation. Rwanda and Andorra were the only countries with more than 50 percent. At the other end of the scale were seven countries with no female representation: Belize, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Solomon Islands. Despite the minor changes globally in women’s representation in parliament, the report hailed it as progress. “Women not only entered parliaments in increasing numbers, but stronger efforts were made to ensure that they took their rightful place within these democratic institutions,” it said. Female parliamentarians attend the first Egyptian parliament session after the revolution (epa)

CULTURE

Oman Launches a National Plan on Alliance of Civilizations and Tolerance Culture Muscat (dpa) – Based on the principles of tolerance, by Omani Television. The ONP shall also involve tens and intercultural and interfaith coexistence, the Sultanate of existing cultural programs and projects unique to the of Oman has launched a national plan on the Alliance of Sultanate within the AOC context and being implemented Civilizations (AOC), taking the tolerance of Islam as a by government or private organizations. springboard. Both AOC and interfaith dialogue are among the priorities Sultan Qaboos Center for Islamic Culture in Muscat is of Oman out of its belief in the importance of peace and the point of contact between the Sultanate and the world coexistence among world countries as being a prerequisite with respect to AOC. for development, advancement, and progress for peoples. The plan to be implemented over four years is in line One existing initiative that has been included in the with the recommendations of the Second Forum of the UN ONP is ‘Sultan Qaboos’ Chairs’ at international universities Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) held in Istanbul in 2009 that are sources of knowledge and reflect the efforts of the in which the Sultanate participated. Sultanate in supporting international scientific and research Ahmad Salim az-Zuhali, an Omani mosque imam, studies in such a way that they contribute to the development indicated that Oman has been taking great strides in the of international heritage to the benefit of all mankind. area of intercultural and interfaith dialogue. He asserted that Moreover, there is Cultural Student Exchange Program. Oman does not have any sectarian factionalism despite the It is not limited to the methodological educational process presence of three schools of religious thought: Ibadhi whose but involves the transfer of culture, history and all types followers form more than 70 percent of the population, and of diversity and cultural exchange among world peoples. the Sunni and Shiite 7 percent. However, all Omanis coexist This is accomplished through annual cultural visits of the and such difference is not an issue. distinguished students from Sultan Qaboos University There are four main themes of Omani National Plan (SQU) and Colleges of Applied Sciences to a number of (ONP): education, youth, immigration and information. world countries. The most prominent objectives under these themes are There is also the Academic Student Exchange and familiarization with world civilizations and their respective the affiliation of Omani educational establishments to historical achievements; promotion of the principles of truth, international universities. The ONP also includes such justice, equality, and mutual respect among peoples; use projects and programs related to the inclusion of the of youth activities in the cultural, religious and intellectual principles of tolerance, mutual respect and the basics of fields to raise awareness on the importance of promoting dialogue with the other in the curricula. intercultural and interfaith dialogue locally, regionally and Another project that has been included in the ONP relates internationally; inculcating respect for the idiosyncratic to language teaching that aims to extend communication cultural and religious identity of expatriates who reside or bridges, and exchange knowledge and experience. The visit the Sultanate; and using the media to raise awareness programs of this project target the students who speak on the importance of cultural dialogue and rapprochement languages other than their mother tongue. The Sultanate among various peoples towards the development and implements a number of these programs, such as Arabic stability of the human society. Teaching Program for non-Arabic speakers at the College It is to be noted that Omani Ministry of Awqaf and of Applied Sciences in Rustaq; holding annual summer Religious Affairs has launched a quarterly magazine titled courses to teach Arabic to non-Arabic speakers at Sultan Tolerance that adopts a rather secularist liberal direction. Qaboos Culture Center in Washington; teaching Arabic to The ONP shall implement a bouquet of programs some Japanese policemen; and the efforts exerted by Oman during the period 2011 -2014, most notably the Program of French Center. The project that targets youth is one of the Communication of Cultures in Oman that targets the youth best existing projects that support the issue of intercultural and aims to translate the international interest in intercultural diversity and rapprochement and dialogue. This project – dialogue in a practical manner and rectify the east-west selected twice by the AOC Forum as one of the best pioneer mutual negative look; Program of International Student Club civil society initiatives at the international level – comes on World Wide Web that aims to foster a positive constructive in line with the orientations of international organizations dialogue on various human and international issues, such within the framework of supporting Arab-European as peace, education, citizenship, and environment; Muscat Dialogue, UN Decade for Cultural Diversity, UN Decade for Annual Youth Forum that aims to provide a common ground Education for Sustainable Development, and International for dialogue among youth of all nationalities to discuss Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. various international issues; and the project for the production In 2008, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and and dubbing documentaries on experiences of international Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized and officially communication among civilizations and peoples, whether advocated the project. The Islamic Educational, Scientific historical or modern. These projects shall be implemented and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and many international in partnership with the Ministry of Information represented and local institutions followed suit in 2009 and later. 46

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At the World Interfaith Harmony Week, OIC commits itself to mediation, reconciliation and peacemaking efforts New York, USA – On the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, the OIC Secretary General gave a message, delivered on his behalf by the OIC Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ufuk Gokcen, to the special panel event hosted on February 6, 2012 by the OIC Permanent Observer Mission at the United Nations. The Secretary General conveyed his greetings to all who have contributed to the consensual adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution 65/ 5 proclaiming the first week of February each year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week. He particularly congratulated the President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser for the initiative that he took to organize a major special event to be held at the General Assembly on February 7 under the title of “Common Ground for the Common Good” to mark the concluding day of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The call for a worldwide interfaith harmony gains more importance when we find ourselves confronted by radical and extremist elements active in pursuing an agenda of religious intolerance and hatred. In this regard, the Secretary General said that the OIC’s leadership paved the way in 2011 for the consensual adoption of two important resolutions by the UN Human Rights Council and the General Assembly under the identical title of “Combating intolerance, negative

stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion and belief”. “I am encouraged and heartened by the recognition and support that our initiative has received especially from the interfaith dialogue partners, including the prominent institutions represented in today’s panel event.” The Special Panel Discussion under the theme of “The Role of Faith-based Organizations and Interfaith Initiatives in Reconciliation and Peace Making” was organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of the OIC to the United Nations in New York for the second year in a row on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. “Interfaith and faithbased initiatives at community, national and international level have the potential of making positive contribution to reconciliation, mediation and peace making efforts in both first and second tracts,” commented Ihsanoglu. He asserted, “The OIC General Secretariat itself will continue its mediation, reconciliation and peacemaking efforts in full partnership with the OIC Member States, UN institutions, international and regional organizations and prominent peace institutes including the ones represented by the panelists of today’s event.”

Haj Exhibition An Ottoman mahmal that was used to carry a single Qur’an on Haj.

Photos (by Roger Harrison): The “Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam” exhibition opened at the British Museum in London on January 26, 2012 and will run until April 15, 2012. It was organized in cooperation with the King Abdulaziz Library in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The largest exhibition anywhere or in any time devoted to the subject of Haj, it is divided into three related sections, each exploring a different aspect of Haj: The pilgrim’s journey, with an emphasis on the main routes used through history; the Haj today and its rituals; and the origins and importance of Makkah.

Magnetism, by Saudi artist Ahmed Mater. The cube representing the Ka’aba is a magnet and the nimbus of iron filings represents pilgrims in circumambulation.

CULTURE

Freedom of Expression or Freedom of Aggression? Expression of Ideas or Hatred? Dr. Ahmed Salem Information Department

Nineteen men carried out terrorist attacks on selected targets in the United States on September 11, 2001. None of them donned military uniforms of any Islamic country nor did they enjoy any real representation in the Muslim world to launch a terrorist attack against the US. Although the generality of Muslims – governments, religious scholars, civil society organizations – immediately deplored and condemned these heinous deeds in the strongest terms, declaring very clearly that Muslims and Islam were innocent of these crimes, a fierce campaign of calumny against the Muslim world ensued in the West. These campaigns intensified in no time and took various forms, with political instrumentalization and electoral polarization becoming one of its ugliest manifestations. A few years in the aftermath of these attacks, American soldiers in US military uniforms, deployed by an official decision of their country, blatantly violated human rights against Iraqi citizens during US occupation of Iraq, as the case in Abu Ghraib prison chillingly demonstrated. Senior officials in the American Administration tried their best to disavow this act, claiming that such behavior is alien to American values. Of course, no comparison would hold between the loss of civilian lives resulting from the so-called American war to liberate Iraq and the attendant mistakes of US occupation forces there or the victims of the September 11 attacks. However, no one talks any more about the repercussions of the American occupation of Iraq, whereas Muslims continue to pay the price of September 11 in the form of defamation of their reputation and of linking their religion with all the vices and atrocities engendered by terrorism in the world. As the practices linked to hatred of Islam or Islamophobia become more deeply ingrained, we can see that we have now entered upon an age where Muslims are subjected to campaigns worse than those witnessed by the Jews in Europe. Those campaigns reached their peak with anti-Semitic rhetoric launched from backlogs of history and literary texts. Emerging from Russia, the first organized work representing that current came into the open during 48

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the 1870s and 1880s in Russia, and before long spread to other European countries. These campaigns culminated with the ascendancy of the ultra conservatives in Germany and the atrocities committed against the Jews at the hands of the Nazis, which are known to the world. Based on the gains achieved by the ultra conservatives in the West and in light of the biased attacks against Muslims and their culture, one can now say that it is a matter of time before this far-right gets its grip on governance in the West again, just like the Nazis in Germany did at the beginning of the 1930s, thus bringing back to the mind what some racial extremists would consider the time-honored glories of Hitler, but this time with newly crafted causes and newly designated victims, the Muslim community in the West. I cannot figure out how such a scary scenario could escape the attention of western writers as they ingeniously put together anti-Muslims campaigns, claiming that this is simply an exercise in personal freedom of expression, in a manner that gives the unhindered right to distort and make insinuations and allegations, not against an individual or a group of people, but against a whole culture and a religion and its adherents who make up a quarter of the world’s population. No one in the world could claim that laws put in place to guarantee the rights of individuals and groups have been developed to curtail expression of ideas and views unless such an expression turns into an attack against the rights of others through abuse, insults or reckless allegations or verbal or moral attacks. The self-evident principle of all man-made and divine laws throughout history is that one’s freedom stops at the threshold of the right of the ‘Other’. Due to these biased claims against Muslims, their religion and culture, a bunch of the far-right have succeeded in projecting an ugly picture of Muslims as a ’threat’ to western civilization. The result has been that some European governments moved to impose restrictions on Islamic cultural practices and on Muslim leaderships, curtailing their freedom in practicing their religious rites and rituals. The most dangerous indications of this trend have become clear from the official response of western governments to the arguments of the ultra right together with their possible effects and implications. Several reports and studies confirm that the future looks rather promising for hawks in the old continent. A most prominent study in this sense was published by the Demos Institute. Polls, according to the study, demonstrate that the populist ultra right parties continue to gain new grounds in many European countries. The study showed that more than 67 percent of those who belong to these currents are under the age of 30. The economic crisis plaguing Europe and its effects on unemployed youths have created confusion as a result of which immigrants are being negatively perceived as the cause of the dearth of job opportunities and as a threat to the European social fabric and cultural values.

The results of parliamentary elections also point to the ascendancy of the conservatives in a number of European countries. In the Netherlands, for example, the Freedom Party led by the ultra conservative Geert Wilders came third in the last legislative elections held in the Netherlands, wining 24 out of a total of 150 parliamentary seats. In order to address the growing scourge of Islamophobia in the West, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) succeeded in ensuring the adoption of several UN General Assembly resolutions over the recent years, the latest being resolution A/66167/ co-sponsored by the OIC and unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly. This resolution is the crowning of previous successes of the OIC and an affirmation of the resolution of the Human Rights Council 16 /18 sponsored by the OIC on “Combating Intolerance, Negative Stereotyping and Stigmatization of, and Discrimination, Incitement to Violence and Violence against Persons Based on Religion or Belief,” which was unanimously adopted in Geneva in March 2011. We cannot be oblivious of the UN General Assembly resolution A/65224/ adopted on 11 April 2011 which expressed the dissatisfaction of the UN at the use of print and other media to incite to violence, xenophobia, and the vilification of

religious symbols. Matters took a turn for the worse for extremist writers in the West with the launching of the Istanbul Process on 15 July 2011 during which the OIC was able to coordinate action with the US and the EU to combat the dangers of growing Islamophobia. These writers made the OIC and its Secretary General, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, an object of slander, claiming that the endeavors under the Istanbul Process to limit campaigns of distortion and racial discrimination against Muslims and adherents of other religions is nothing but a restriction of the right to free expression and opinion. In order to put matters in proper perspective, it must be said that the OIC has tried to affirm in all its activities that freedom of expression must be responsible freedom, because letting matters move out of control without any moral responsibility can open the way for the spread of baseless information about any religion that may be targeted by writers, and thus trigger turmoil and conflicts in a manner that could put the fundamental human rights of any religion’s adherents at real risk. This would cause a lot of havoc that may be impossible to contain or control through relations between nations and people and could yield many implications that would threaten global security and peace.

Ihsanoglu calls for “preventive cultural diplomacy” to keep interfaith harmony

Geneva, Switzerland – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu asserted that the OIC has demonstrated ability to build consensus on the most sensitive of international issues. In his speech at the High Level Segment of the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva on 28 February 2012, he highlighted the OIC’s initiative of sponsoring Resolution 1618/. Ihsanoglu stated that this Session marks the first anniversary of the consensual passage of Resolution 1618/ entitled, “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion and belief”. The Secretary General referred to the efforts of the Istanbul Process for a consensual implementation of this resolution. He noted that the process seems to be going

forward with the last meeting held in Washington and the next to be scheduled in the EU region, while the OIC will also be hosting an event this year to further the Process. Ihsanoglu emphasized the importance of having a structured engagement. He called on addressing the grey areas and the whole package of interrelated issues by accommodating all concerns of all parties, in particular, that the alternative approach in Resolutions 1618/ and 66167/ has overcome the decade of polarization and politicization. The Secretary General stressed that this approach enables every body to address the real issues and chart out a sustainable and result-oriented course of action at the national and the international levels. Ihsanoglu stated that Islamophobia is a contemporary manifestation of racism. He assured that combating Islamophobia as well as vilification of all religions and denigration of symbols and personalities sacred to all religions is a matter of priority at the OIC. He urged the HRC to an urgent initiative of ‘preventive cultural diplomacy’. The Secretary General expressed his regrets that events representing constitutionalization and institutionalization of Islamophobia continue to unfold, pointing out the fact that Islamophobia is being used as an instrument of electoral politics. He underlined that this could seriously undermine international community’s efforts aimed at interfaith harmony that could underwrite peace and security- particularly so in a world faced with the menace of terrorism. 49

HEALTH

Future OIC Strategic Health Program Under Preparation Ihsanoglu following up on programs to eradicate polio

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The 5th meeting of the OIC to undertake joint advocacy visits with the Global Fund to Steering Committee on Health decided to expedite the mobilize financial support from Turkey and Saudi Arabia. preparation of the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action He called upon all OIC Member States with financial 2013- 2022. Meanwhile, the OIC Secretary General resources to contribute to the Global Fund in order to enable Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is leading the efforts with the officials it to continue its assistance to needy Member States. from the Member States to focus on updating programs for eradicating polio. He also stressed on the need to pay attention to the The meeting was held at the Headquarters of the prevention and control of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Ihsanoglu also from 31 January to 1 February 2012. It was chaired by drew attention to the fact that the OIC countries continue to Erik Baizhunussov, the Deputy Minister of Health of account for approximately 50% of global maternal deaths Kazakhstan, and was attended by the Ministers of Health of while representing about 20% of the world population. Indonesia, Iran, Djibouti, senior health officials from Saudi Likewise OIC countries are disproportionately represented Arabia, Senegal and Tajikistan, high-level officials from the among global neonatal deaths representing 14 of the 21 relevant OIC institutions (COMSTECH, SESRIC, ISESCO, countries with the highest neonatal mortality rates. IDB) and international organizations and entities (WHO, The meeting reviewed the status of implementation UNICEF, UNFPA and the Global of the decisions of the Islamic Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis Conferences of Health Ministers and Malaria). (ICHM). Besides making a The Steering Committee The Secretary General of the number of recommendations commended the OIC, IDB OIC Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for strengthening public health and IAEA joint initiative for and the President of the Islamic sectors across the OIC countries the establishment of Cancer Development Bank (IDB) Dr. and considering avenues for Ahmad Mohamed Ali underlined cooperation among the OIC Radiotherapy Centers in the at the meeting the centrality Member States on a broad range OIC Member States in Africa of health to the overall socioof health-related issues, the economic development of the meeting requested the OIC to OIC Member States and the wellcontinue and further strengthen its being of their people. collaboration with international partners for the prevention In his address to the meeting the Secretary General and control of diseases, improvements in mother and child emphasized on the success and sustainability of OIC health, and promotion of self-reliance in the production of efforts in addressing health-related challenges that require medicines and vaccines. integrated and multi-sectoral approaches rather than sporadic The Steering Committee decided to expedite the interventions. Such efforts, Ihsanoglu added, should be preparation of the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action pursued in the framework of comprehensive national 2013- 2022, which will provide a roadmap for national health strategies and plans which provide for strengthening actions and framework of cooperation among the OIC of health infrastructures, improving access to health Member States, in collaboration with other international services and capacity-building of health professionals. He partners, on health-related challenges. emphasized on the crucial support of the IDB in the areas of The Steering Committee commended the OIC, IDB self-reliance in the production of vaccines, mother and child and IAEA joint initiative for the establishment of Cancer health issues and the planned OIC-IDB-IAEA projects for Radiotherapy Centers in the OIC Member States in Africa cancer radiotherapy centers in the OIC Member States. and welcomed the planned convening of a High Level Regional Seminar at the IDB Headquarters in April, which Ihsanoglu invited the Steering Committee to closely will bring together the relevant stakeholders to discuss OICfocus on polio-eradication challenges, as the three polio- IDB-IAEA synergistic support for Cancer Control programs endemic countries in the world happen to be OIC Member in the Member States in Africa. States. He announced that he will personally follow up The meeting welcomed the generous assistance by the the issue with the leadership of the concerned countries Member States for the establishment of the OIC Health to ensure sustained high-level political commitment for Implementation Unit (HIU) in the General Secretariat. effective vaccination campaigns. Among other things, the HIU will serve as a permanent On other pandemics and diseases such as Malaria, mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, the Secretary General noted resolutions and declarations emanating from the OIC Health that the OIC General Secretariat has, in principle, agreed Ministers’ Conferences. 50

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Launch of ‘Tobacco Free OIC Initiative’ official website Ankara, Turkey – The Statistical Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) has launched the official website of the ‘Tobacco Free OIC Initiative’ in accordance with the outcomes of the first Islamic Conference of Health Ministers. The Tobacco Free OIC Initiative webpage aims to provide an online platform for sharing knowledge and experience in the field of ‘Tobacco Control’ and informing users about the latest news, country updates and current statistics in the OIC Member Countries. Also several resources, country and activity news can be reached via the web site. The initiative aims to foster an OIC-wide coordinated approach to curb and control the spread of tobacco epidemic in the member countries. It focuses on training and capacity building programs to facilitate the development and implementation of sustainable national tobacco control strategies in the member countries. In accordance with the decisions and resolutions of the First Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, major objectives of the Tobacco Free OIC initiative are: • to increase public awareness about controlling tobacco use by providing evidence-based knowledge and information, and by this way, to prevent children from starting tobacco use, • to establish OIC networks and partnerships to exchange experiences and best practices of tobacco control strategies, initiatives, projects and programs, • to build the capacity of relevant organizations or institutions for better policy coordination in order to achieve the goal of Tobacco Free OIC. Tobacco Free OIC is an initiative developed by SESRIC in response to the spread of tobacco epidemic in the OIC Member Countries. Over the years, Member Countries strived very hard to contain this epidemic by taking some measures like controlling tobacco production, banning advertisement in media and discouraging consumption by levying high taxes on tobacco products. However, despite all these noble efforts, tobacco epidemic is on rise and it is recognized as one of the leading causes of premature preventable deaths across the OIC region. In 2007, SESRIC has presented a report on “Tobacco Control in OIC Member Countries” as a reference study to the First Islamic Conference of Health Ministers held on June 12- 15, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Consequently, tobacco epidemic was identified as one of the greatest global health threats associated strongly with increased mortality from diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases. The Conference urged the OIC member countries to: • adopt the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke;

• introduce legislation as the core element for effective tobacco control; • engage religious leaders to harness religious concepts against tobacco and substance use in prevention strategy; • cooperate with the SESRIC and the IDB through suitable training programs on getting technical assistance for the implementation of effective and sustainable national tobacco control strategies and programs as well as for establishing appropriate legal framework in order to attain the vision embodied in the WHO – FCTC.

ENVIRONMENT

OIC Water Vision adopted by Ministers Responsible for Water

Amb. Bokhari addressing the conference in Istanbul, 5 march 2012.

Istanbul, Turkey – The OIC Ministers Responsible for Water adopted the OIC Water Vision at the conclusion of their Conference which was held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 5 to 6 March 2012. The Water Vision document gives a brief overview of the diverse water environments across the OIC countries and the different dimensions of water related challenges being faced by them. More importantly, it identifies the opportunities for concerted action to address the water issues. Inaugurating the Conference, the Turkish Minister for Forestry and Water Affairs Prof. Dr. Veysel Eroglu underscored the urgent need for cooperation and coordination at the national, regional and global levels for promoting water security and addressing water related challenges facing the OIC Member States. In his inaugural address, delivered on his behalf by Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology Amb. Abdulmoiz Bokhari, the OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stressed the need for collective responses to the challenges of reliable access to water for health, livelihood and production, as well as the management of unpredictable water-related risks, which were becoming more pronounced due to population growth, depletion of resources, environmental degradation and climate change. The OIC Water Vision provided a framework for cooperation among the OIC countries for overcoming the common and major challenge of maximizing the productive use of water and minimizing its destructive impacts. The Secretary General added that the OIC Member States have 8379 km3 of renewable water resources, which represent only 15.3% of the world renewable water resources. According to the FAO, 21 OIC Member States have ‘Total renewable water resources per capita’ of less than the threshold level of 1700 m3 per year. Availability of water is likely to aggravate further in these countries due to climate change leading to a decline in agriculture. Ihsanoglu clarified that most of the OIC countries have average precipitation of less than 500 mm per year. Only 52

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some countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh receive more than 3000 mm per annum of rainfall. In the Middle East and North Africa, countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Bahrain and Yemen receive less than 500mm annual precipitation. Others like Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Guinea, Morocco and Tunisia lie in semi-arid zone with rainfall between 500 and 1500 mm per annum. In the Middle East, water availability is predicted to be reduced to half by 2050 even without the effects of climate change. Furthermore, the challenges are not limited to the scarcity of water alone. “On the other end of the spectrum, the destructive impact of water has manifested itself in the form of disasters wreaked by flooding,” he said. Climate change will increase the vulnerability of some OIC countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, to floods. OIC Water Vision: Since 2005, the OIC has considerably expanded the scope of its activities aimed at addressing major issues of environmental and social concern, such as clean water availability and access to sanitation. The OIC Water Vision has been prepared pursuant to the decision of the special meeting of the Ministers responsible for Water from the OIC regions held in Istanbul in March 2009 at the sidelines of the 5th World Water Forum. At the end of the Conference, which was held under the theme ‘Working Together for a Water Secure Future’, the participants decided to adopt the OIC Water Vision document outlining a framework for cooperation in the field of water. The OIC Water Vision gives a brief overview of the diverse water environments across the OIC countries and the different dimensions of water-related challenges they face. It recognizes the critical role of the OIC in promoting cooperation among Member States on water-related issues and its ability to bring together expertise from diverse countries with unique water characteristics. The Water Vision not only identifies the opportunities for concerted action but also lays out a roadmap for promoting collaboration among Member States in all aspects of water. It proposes a work plan for incremental growth of cooperation starting from sharing of knowledge, experience, capacity development, technology transfer, water governance and institutional reforms. The Water Vision also underscores the need for coordination and synergies with ongoing international water-related initiatives and programs and international cooperation in terms of transfer of technology and best practices. In due course, progress in the implementation of the Water Vision will be reviewed by a Ministerial Water Vision Conference and will form the basis for taking water-related collaboration among the Member States to a more advanced level with more specific goals and objectives. The resolution calls upon the Member States, in collaboration with the General Secretariat and relevant OIC institutions to continue their efforts to pursue integrated water resources management based on cooperation and partnerships

at all levels, reflecting political commitment and to create wider societal awareness of the need for water security and the sustainable management of water resources. It also invites the Member States to launch national projects and foster partnerships at all levels to strengthen water-related policies and programs that promote rational use

of water. It requests the current Chair of the Islamic Conference of Ministers responsible for Water in close coordination with the OIC General Secretariat to prepare draft Terms of Reference for the OIC Water Council for consideration by the next Conference.

UN 4th World Water Development Report:

Managing Water under Uncertainty and Risk Marseille, France – Water is a critical natural resource upon which all social and economic activities and ecosystem functions depend. Managing water well requires appropriate governance arrangements that move considerations of water from the margins of government to the centre of society, asserted the fourth edition of the United Nations World Water Development Report, which is published every three years. On national and local scales, appropriately funded infrastructure and adequately funded robust governance mechanisms are required to protect water resources and ensure sustainable development and the equitable distribution of water-derived benefits, stated the report which was released at the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille on 12 -17 March 2012 under the title ‘Managing Water under Uncertainty and Risk’. There are major uncertainties about the amount of water required to meet demand for food, energy and other human uses, and to sustain ecosystems. These uncertainties, according to the report, are compounded by the impact of climate change on available water resources. Greater recognition is needed of the fact that water is not solely a local, national or regional issue that can be governed at any of those levels alone. Agriculture accounts for 70% of all water withdrawn by the agricultural, municipal and industrial (including energy) sectors. Responsible agricultural water management will make a major contribution to future global water security, stresses the report. Predicting future water demand for agriculture is fraught with uncertainty. Future demand for water in this sector is in part influenced by demand for food, which depends in part on the number of people needing to be fed, and in part on what and how much they eat. This is complicated by, amongst other factors, uncertainties in seasonal climatic variations, efficiency of agriculture production processes, and crop types and yields. “The main challenge facing the agricultural sector is not as much growing 70% more food in 40 years, but making 70% more food available on the plate,” stated the report. Meanwhile, energy and water are intricately connected. There are different sources of energy and electricity, but all require water for various production processes, including extraction of raw materials, cooling in thermal processes, cleaning materials, cultivation of crops for biofuels and powering turbines. Conversely, energy is required to make water resources available for human use and consumption through pumping, transportation, treatment, desalination and irrigation. Another factor is the urban population of the world which

is forecasted to grow to 6.3 billion people in 2050, from 3.4 billion in 2009. Problems of adequate water supply, sanitation and drainage will increase in the urban slum areas already faced with a backlog of unserved populations. The state of water resources is influenced by withdrawals to meet socio-economic demands. This in turn is affected by drivers such as population growth, economic development and dietary changes, as well as the need for control of water resources to protect settlements in flood plains and drought prone regions. “Withdrawals in many basins are exceeding the rate of recharge and are unsustainable,” states the report. In addition, sufficient water supply, of good quality, is a key ingredient in the health and well-being of humans and ecosystems, and for socio-economic development.

ENVIRONMENT

Indonesian Garbage Project Helps to Save the Climate Tangerang, Indonesia (DPA) - Crouched and concentrating, August and Karma rip open knotted plastic bags at the foot of a big pile of rubbish. Yoghurt cups, paper packaging, plastic, pineapple rinds, cabbage leaves, chicken bones and the like fall out. The young Indonesian men begin sorting. Organic material goes to one side, and bottles, plastic and paper to the other. “A super job,” remarks the 23-year-old Karma. “Finally, reliable work.” The two sort their rubbish and that of their neighbors, too. For the past year, the 325 families in Griya Serpong - a working class housing area of Tangerang, a city some 40 kilometers south-west of Jakarta- have been disposing of their garbage themselves. Municipal garbage collection was never reliable, and the residents used to dump their refuse in a vacant field - a paradise for rats, flies, mosquitoes and snakes. Everything is different now. The roofed garbage sorting facility is a source of local pride. “It’s got a lot cleaner here,” notes Ulil Albab, the project’s honorary chairman. “Nobody wanted to have anything to do with rubbish before. Now we bring school kids here and show them how to compost,” Karma says. Residents built the facility with the help of BEST (Institute for Integrated Social and Economic Development), a local non-governmental organization focusing on urban poverty and community development, and BORDA (Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association), a German non-profit organization that aims to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged communities and to keep the environment intact. At a monthly cost per family of 12,000 Indonesian rupiahs, or a little over 1 dollar, August and Karma sweep through the alleyways of Griya Serpong with their mopes and trailer every day collecting garbage - 400 kilograms of it. They compost all organic refuse at the sorting facility. It is then sold along with the plastic, glass and paper. Agathe, 35, has made a business out of rubbish. She collects discarded detergent and noodle bags. She and her girlfriends fashion colorful handbags and wallets from them. When everything of value has been separated out of the housing area’s refuse, no more than 30 percent remains. It is taken to a tip. B E S T Director

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Hamzah Harun ar-Rashyid is pleased. “It’s a win-win situation,” he says. “The housing area is cleaner, there are new jobs, and there is considerably less rubbish, so we’re reducing methane emissions from the garbage tips.” Karma and August constantly turn over the compost pile, which aerates it. This helps prevent the formation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that makes garbage tips a big contributor to global warming. As Indonesia’s population grows rapidly, so do the piles of garbage that are produced by the country’s more than 240 million inhabitants. While recycling is a booming industry - for example in Germany, where it generates some 67 billion dollars in revenues annually - almost all of the Indonesian garbage is incinerated or dumped in open tips. About 1.8 million tons of garbage is likely to be produced daily worldwide by 2025, according to BORDA. In Indonesia, 62 percent of the refuse is organic and could be composted. However, there is no large-scale sorting of refuse. Facilities like the one in Griya Serpong are catching on. The twenty-first one is to be inaugurated in the near future and many other communities are clamoring for their own. “We estimate that each facility like this reduces methane by 132 tons a year,” said Jati Kusumowati, who works at the BORDA office in the city of Yogyakarta. “We think they ought to be promoted internationally as well.” One way to do this might be via the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) set out in the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, which allows industrialized countries to meet their emissionreduction or limitation commitments in part by paying for emission cuts in developing countries. A one-ton reduction in methane would earn about 13 to 16 dollars, according to Kusumowati. But small projects such as the one in Griya Serpong would not clear the technical and bureaucratic hurdles necessary for them to be officially recognized. BORDA is now trying to get the requirements for small projects loosened.

ECONOMY

Where have tourists gone? Egypt longs for a come back Cairo / Luxor (dpa) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Not far from the former ruling National Party's burnt down building, a stone statue at the yard of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo depicts one pharaoh, sitting - forever it seems - as if nothing had happened, with his hands on his thighs. The Egyptian Museum is at the fringes of Tahrir Square from which the Egyptian revolution sparked over a year ago on January 25th, 2011. However, the winds of change raised tourists' fears and most of them opted to stay away from Egypt so far. Since then, the Egyptian Museum has been characterized by one thing: echoing emptiness. While tourists' manuals used previously to warn that tourists would have to stand in long queues to see the monuments and recommend them to go to the Egyptian Museum early in the morning, there is only a couple waiting to see the ruins today. This emptiness applies as well to the Pyramids of Giza. Though usually one of the world's busiest tourist attractions, only a few tourists are seen around the Pyramids nowadays. Camel and horse-cart drivers, cheap souvenirs sellers and others have no work to do but little. They offer their goods for those few tourists in an unusual manner. Arab Spring has left an indelible mark on tourism during last year. Tourist nights declined by the third compared to the previous year. It is noteworthy that tourists are one of the pillars of prosperity in Egypt. Despite that, tour operators believe that the industry will recover, there are not many signs of this at the moment, a matter that would prove catastrophic for many Egyptians. Tourists, and their money, not only remain away from Cairo that witnesses continuous protests but also for many other tourist places in Egypt, including

Farafra Oasis, about 600 km from Tahrir Square. Talaat Abdul-Mawla sits at his camp on the edge of the White Desert, 45 kilometers to the north of Farafra Oasis. Despite that long distance between the Oasis and the Square, Talaat feels as if the demonstrators were standing directly next to him. "Tourists stopped going to the Oasis because they believe that the situation in Egypt is risky, but in fact there is no one demonstrator at the Oasis," stressed Talaat. As for his opinion on the revolution, Talaat pointed to a number of small single-storey unfinished houses he planned to complete last year and indicated that he no longer had the required money to do so. He considers that every person killed at Tahrir Square, or any television footage of violence, is a direct threat to his own existence. Despite Talaat's view, his brother Muhammad is quite optimistic. He indicated that the situation was difficult for them but it would be better for their children. This season of the year use to be the peak of tourism before the unrest that Egypt has witnessed. Tourist buses were packed at this time of the year. In the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, there was a small group of Japanese tourists who braved the heat and climbed the stairs leading to the august building. In the meantime, Muhammad sat in his souvenir shop on which he hung a sign reading "Price Revolution" while his neighbor at the market called shoppers to benefit from special prices at this time of recession. Tourists' return to Egypt depends mainly on the political track it is going to adopt, especially in light of the concerns that overwhelm the tourism industry with respect to the rise of Islamism and its control of the Egyptian People's Assembly (the Parliament).

ECONOMY

Kazan Halal 2012 Conference

Global Experience in Halal Certification: Ways to the Unified Certificate

Kazan, Tatarstan – For the first time, during the III International Trade Fair – KAZANHALAL 2012 on May 19 – 20 in Kazan city, the capital of Tatarstan, will be held the Conference on "Global Experience in Halal Certification: Ways to the Unified Certificate". The Conference is organized by the Islamic Chamber Research and Information Center “Halal World”, which is the only organization in the Russian Federation of its kind. The activity of this Center aims for working with other organizations representatives working in this field in order to achieve long-term strategic success in the world "Halal" market. The main themes of discussion will be solution of the problems related with the certification of "Halal" in Muslim and non-Muslim countries of the world, the approval of the Unified Certificate for the export of halal products, and define the rules for the recognition of the certificate in the importing countries. Within the conference, experts in the field of Halal Industry will exchange experience on the International Certification of products and services under the brand of "Halal" and will agree on the establishment of the Unified International Reference Base for companies involved in work in the area of Halal Industry. Experts from the leading organizations in the field of Halal certification from over 100 countries are invited to the Conference. For participation in this event, which will be hold in one of the most beautiful cities in Russia, Kazan city, one can fill in an application on the website, www.icric.ru. Participants will have a opportunity to forge close links with foreign associations and get experience that will help in Halal 56

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Industry development. More than 20 million of Muslims live in Russia and with the growth of religious identity; different producers correspond with their needs and organize the halal products production. It should be noted that Muslims in Russia are the native inhabitants. The main Muslims settlement regions in Russia are the Volga, which includes Tatarstan and Bashkortostan and also the North Caucasus which includes Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Adygea. The large numbers of Muslims live in the capital of Russia in Moscow city (about 2 million) and Siberia. One of the fastest growing Muslim regions of Russia is the Republic of Tatarstan. About 52% of the citizens of Tatarstan are Muslims. The total population is about 4 million. Kazan is the third capital of Russia, which indicates the high potential of this country. Kazan is situated 800 kilometers away from Moscow. It has a unique Eastern flavor and traditions of interfaith harmony. Muslim infrastructure is actively developing here which in turn contributes to the development of Halal industry in general. The Islamic Chamber Research and Information Center “Halal World” is located in the city which has millennial history and rich potential in the Halal Industry development. Taking into account the importance of cooperation with international organizations on certification of Halal in the world, holding of the Conference "International Experience of Halal Certification: Ways to a Unified Certificate" in Kazan will be an essential step in strengthening the relationship between the Muslims of Russia and Muslims of other countries.

Food exporting countries urged to observe Halal norms

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The First International Saudi Supreme Judicial Council Chairman Saleh bin Conference on Halal Food in Riyadh concluded on February Humaid said Islam clearly lays out the principles involved in 14, 2012, calling on non-Muslim countries exporting food the production of halal food. However, he said halal food is to Islamic countries to strictly adhere to Islamic regulations no longer limited to matters such as the methods of slaughter, with regard to ensuring products are halal. Riyadh Gov. whether it is free of pork, other dairy products and alcohol. Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the conference and “Now the issue is more complicated, especially with respect a related exhibition in the Saudi capital on February 12. The to imported food by virtue of the tremendous development first ever such program held under the aegis of Custodian of in production technology, manufacturing and trading of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah was organized by the food, such as the use of biotechnology, nanotechnology, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). food additives and many others.” “The conference will provide an effective platform for In his speech Sheikh Saleh Kamel, President of the Islamic scholars, dieticians and others involved in the food Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that there industry to exchange their experiences and viewpoints on are a lot of challenges facing the industry of halal, including the production of halal food in the world,” the Prince said. the globalization of halal market and locality of dealing In his speech, SFDA Chairman Mohammed Al-Kanhal with it, un-unified interpretation for the word of “Halal”, said, "There are around 1.8 billion people in the world who Islamophobia, lack of references for adopting Halal certificates. consume halal food and its global market is valued at SR2 Sheikh Saleh confirmed that the vast majority of halal products trillion," he added. The Kingdom imports food from 150 imported from non-Islamic countries, and that most of the OIC countries. He estimated the food industry in the Kingdom member countries are merely importers and consumers, adding produces goods worth an average of SR250 million a day. that although Halal market is very broad, it is full of chaos. “The conference aims to elucidate the concept of halal “It is time for Muslims to regulate this issue,” Kamel said. food and its requirements from an Islamic perspective and to Making his concluding remarks at the end of the present the technical and economic aspects of halal food in conference, Al-Kanhal said countries importing halal food the light of its increased global demand,” Al-Kanhal said. from non-Muslim countries should jointly present a proposal “The SFDA has brought scientific and religious scholars stipulating the requirements for halal food in accordance to a common platform to explore new ways of improving with Islamic guidelines. the global halal food industry and to chalk out a mechanism He stressed that the rules should cover the right form of to maintain a uniform check on the quality as well as the slaughtering of animals (not by electric shock). The form of regulations adopted by the local authorities to ensure that production and additives used in the preparation should be the food consumed is halal,” Al-Kanhal noted. spelled out in all food labels, supported with proper halal A total of 60 technical papers were presented during certification. He requested the scientific committee of the the scientific session of the conference. The main sessions conference to prepare a set of recommendations based on focused on genetically modified food, lawfulness of food the discussions during the three-day conference. additives, analysis methods of halal food, control of halal “Such resolutions should be forwarded for necessary food, its standards, certification and countries’ experiences consideration by the Muslim World League and the in halal food control. Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” he added. 57

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The Consultative Group for Enhancing Intra-OIC Trade: 79% of the projects fully implemented which includes about 261 activities, it was found that about 79% of the projects were fully implemented up to February 2012; 12% are in the process of implementation; and 9% of the projects are on stand-by position and are to be implemented. As for the distribution of the activities by domain, capacity building activities are in the first position with 33%, followed by trade facilitation activities with 28%, trade promotion activities with 18%, trade financing and development of strategic commodities activities are still lagging behind with 12% and 9%, respectively. In general, the Group found that the Executive Program is in progress, however, some of the projects and programs Marrakesh, Morocco – A review of the road map for could not be realized yet, because of the lack of financial achieving intra-OIC trade targets found that 79% of the resources or inadequate support from the Member States. projects were fully implemented up to February 2012. To improve the Executive Program, which is the The Islamic Center for Development of Trade (ICDT), operational level of the road map adopted in July 2008 in the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the Ankara by an expert group meeting, it was stressed that the IDB’s Group Trade Related Issues Committee (GTRC) Consultative Group shall conduct a comprehensive impact organized the Fourth Meeting of the Consultative Group for assessment of the activities adopted towards achieving Enhancing Intra-OIC Trade in Marrakesh on 21- 22 February 2012. In plenary sessions the participants reviewed the the current target of 20% of intra-OIC trade by 2015. The implementation of the Executive Program of the Road Map participants also emphasized that there is an urgent need to for Achieving intra-OIC Trade Targets and reviewed the adopt an OIC trade strategy for a sustainable development of Executive Program itself in light of the new developments the intra-OIC trade in order to enhance the harmony among regarding intra-OIC trade. They also examined the ways the individual programs of the OIC Institutions and develop and means to enhance economic integration among OIC synergies not only between the OIC institutions but also among the national, regional and international programs Member States. In reviewing implementation of the Executive Program, relating to foreign trade in OIC region.

Regional Project on Sustainable Tourism Development moves to operational phase

Casablanca, Morocco – The Steering Committee of the Regional Project on Sustainable Tourism Development in a Network of Cross Border Parks and Protected Areas in West Africa held a meeting on 7 -8 February 2012 in Casablanca. The Committee adopted measures to move from the study phase to the operational phase. The meeting reaffirmed the need for the recipient countries to prioritize the project in their development plans and provide for an allocation of internal resources for the launching of activities identified in their national territory. In order to move from the study phase to the operational phase, the Committee decided to have preparation by the UNWTO of a typical file of project presentations; call for proposals from potential project owners (tourism departments, ministries in charge of park management, park managers, NGOs, private operators, etc); and have presentation of projects within the steering committee for submission to donors. It proposed in the first phase a selection of projects from the priority themes of: poverty reduction, private sector investment facilitation, public sector infrastructure requirement, biodiversity issues and product development. The Committee emphasized the importance of transferring 58

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know-how and exchange of experience and strengthening links (reverse linkage) for the benefit of Members of the project. It invited recipient states to urgently formulate requests intended to bilateral and multilateral donors for the mobilization of additional funds besides the national effort. It also recommended that recipient countries explore ways and means for a greater involvement of the private sector in the management of parks and protected areas. The Committee proposed a Managerial Capacity Building Project through the involvement of training institutions and the support of technical and financial partners. Furthermore, the Committee decided to organize a Donors Conference open to the participation of Arab and Islamic Financial Institutions and Private Sector in collaboration with the OIC, the UNWTO, and the ECOWAS. It also decided to conduct a high-level awareness-raising and executive marketing program involving the OIC, the UNWTO and the Project Coordinator at the level of donors and financial institutions, like the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the World Bank.

SESRIC launches OIC Poverty Alleviation Program (OIC-PAP)

Ankara, Turkey – The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) has launched in March 2012 the OIC Poverty Alleviation Program (OIC-PAP) in accordance with the recommendations adopted at the Workshop on Innovative Social Assistance Strategies in Poverty Alleviation, held in Ankara, Turkey on 12 -14 December 2011. SESRIC organized the workshop on ‘Innovative Social Assistance Strategies in Poverty Alleviation’ in collaboration with the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Turkey. The workshop was attended by delegations of OIC Member Countries, namely Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Comoros, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Senegal, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen. In addition, the Coordination Office of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), the Saudi Fund for Development, the UNDP-Turkey, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), the Foundations for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) and the Ankara Development Agency (ANKARAKA) participated in the Workshop as observers. In the light of the general discussions and deliberations made during the working sessions of the workshop, the participants made recommendations for developing and enhancing technical cooperation among OIC Member Countries in the area of poverty alleviation strategies at both national and OIC level. At the national level, member countries were recommended to develop effective methods and approaches to monitor and follow up the status of poverty. They should enhance their knowledge about the roots of poverty, social economic conditions of poor; the assets they command; as well as economic opportunities available to them. Also, social assistance strategies and safety nets should put emphasis on job creation for the poor people and enhancing their primary education, occupational training and basic health care through accurate policies and programs. Furthermore, it was recommended that national poverty alleviation policies and programs should include two equally important elements. The first is to promote the productive use of the poor’s most abundant asset, labor. The second is to provide basic social services to the poor such as primary education, health care and nutrition. In addition, efforts should be made to develop special programs for supporting self-employment. At the OIC level, a special Capacity Building Program is recommended to be developed by the IDB and SESRIC, in collaboration with the relevant national, regional and international institutions. It was also recommended that an online OIC network on “Innovative Social Assistance Strategies for Poverty Alleviation” be established by SESRIC with a view to facilitating and exchanging information and knowledge sharing on best practices and success stories among the Member Countries in this important area. Hence, SESRIC launched the OIC Poverty Alleviation Program (OIC-PAP) based on a common framework of objectives aimed at supporting and supplementing the OIC Member Countries ‘ initiatives in the field of vocational training. The main objectives of the OIC-PAP Program are: 1. to provide the exchange of knowledge and the best practices among OIC member countries; 2. to establish a knowledge hub and a database for future cooperation among the OIC member countries which will facilitate exchanging experts, information, best practices and experiences in various fields related to poverty alleviation, and to facilitate the transfer of best practices from one participating country to others; 3. to provide an efficient monitoring and evaluation system for the continuation of these programs, transparency and accountability matters; 4. to provide the online Network to follow up the implementation of the future activities; and 5. to raise awareness and cooperation for innovative approaches, techniques and methods to accelerate alleviation of poverty in OIC member countries. 59

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G20 Meeting Focuses on Dialogue international community must develop a climate conducive to dialogue, tolerance and the development of human rights culture instead of intolerance, extremism, discrimination and prejudices, said delegates. In this context, the Statement said institutional frameworks that promote international dialogue have a particularlyimportant role to play. This includes the initiative of King Abdullah to strengthen the concept of dialogue between the followers of different faiths and cultures on an international level, culminating in the establishment of a devoted center for interfaith dialogue in Vienna that was cosponsored by Austria, Saudi Arabia and Spain. It also includes the Alliance of Civilizations, which was co-sponsored by Turkey and Spain and operating under the aegis of the United Nations. Chairman of Saudi Shoura Council, It was observed that in a globalized world, parliaments, Abdullah Al Asheikh, chairing the meeting. governments, international institutions, the media and civil Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Speakers at the G20 countries society can all make important contributions to support dialogue decided to form a mechanism of dialogue between energy among people and cultures. “This requires facilitating the use of producers and consumers to contribute to the growth and technical means and modern communications to foster effective stability of the global economy and energy markets; and they dialogue between followers of different religions, civilizations also vehemently condemned all forms of terrorism, racism, and cultures. Parliaments of the G20, through their role as a discrimination and xenophobia. direct bridge to the people, should be more directly involved in A set of 13 resolutions were adopted at the Third G20 the process of promoting interfaith dialogue as well as global Speakers' Consultation Meeting on sustainable economic peace and security,” added the Statement. growth for a secure world, which concluded in Riyadh on Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) February 26, 2012. The two-day summit, organized by the requires devising ways and means for universal access to energy, Shoura Council headed by its Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh, while providing environmentally friendly energy sources and was held under the aegis of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques green technologies for sustainable development. In this regard, King Abdullah. the initiative of King Abdullah to increase development The Conference was attended by representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, assistance from national, regional and international institutions Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the European and channel such assistance toward addressing energy poverty contributes to the achievement of one of the main Millennium Parliament. Development Goals. In this context, the United Nations Besides the G20 countries, some Arab, Islamic and friendly proclamation of 2012 as the "International Year of Energy for countries and international bodies also took part as guests at the summit. They included the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, All" must be supported, said delegates. Repercussions of the sovereign debt crisis of some Morocco, Malaysia, Spain, Hungary, Kazakhstan and the Intercountries may extend, due to the interdependence of markets, Parliamentary Union (IPU). The issues discussed during the five sessions of the meeting beyond those countries and affect financial markets, world included a global dialogue of cultures, energy for sustainable trade and global economic growth. Therefore, when dealing development, and the sovereign debt crisis and its effects on with the sovereign debt crisis, self-reliance efforts by each country for fiscal consolidation are imperative and concerted the world economy. The interdependence between energy and global economic efforts to address the crisis are also needed. This should be growth makes demand for and supply of energy sources associated with greater priority given to stimulate recovery in dependent on the growth and stability of the world economy production and employment in the short term, and to begin the and vice versa. Therefore, delegates said, it is essential to necessary structural reforms to achieve strong, sustained and facilitate the mechanisms of dialogue between energy producers balanced growth in the medium and long terms. In this context, and consumers to contribute to the growth and stability of the parliaments have an important role to play, delegates said. International supervisory frameworks need to be global economy and energy markets. It was pointed out that racism, discrimination and strengthened to oversee the operations of international financial xenophobia undermine human dignity and threaten the institutions. Of note also is the need to create an effective global harmonious fabrics of society. “It is incumbent upon us to early-warning mechanism to deal with financial risks. Finally, the delegates stressed the strong need for actively address these negative trends and promote mutual respect, global cultural dialogue and understanding,” one of sustainable fiscal policies in industrialized and emerging economies, depending on country specific circumstances. the resolutions stated. Acknowledging the concept of dialogue among people This includes protecting the most vulnerable groups in society and cultures is essential for consolidating international peace, through targeted support measures for inclusive growth to security and development, the Summit strongly stressed the ensure social cohesion. 60

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OIC committed to rapid economic recovery in Afghanistan was on course. Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Ekmeleddin He, thereafter, renewed the pledge that the Ihsanoglu, the Secretary General of the OIC would continue to mainstream the various OIC, has confirmed OIC commitment to expanding and deepening partnership projects and programs identified under the RECCA process, including the optimization and collaboration with other international of OIC partnership programs such as the Plan organizations and multilateral development of Action for Cooperation with Central Asia institutions, including the multitude of and similar initiatives providing for closer partners who had consistently identified collaboration with the various regional and with socio-economic development of international organizations. Afghanistan within the context of the The RECCA-V session was co-chaired Regional Economic Cooperation on by the Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan and Afghanistan (RECCA) process. Afghanistan, while the opening session was This declaration is contained in addressed respectively by the Presidents of a message delivered on behalf of the Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. OIC Secretary General by Ambassador The Conference adopted a Declaration on Hameed A. Opeloyeru, Assistant Secretary a result-oriented partnership for promoting General (Economic Affairs) during the Amb. Opeloyeru regional integration, stability and prosperity Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA V), which was held in in Afghanistan. The Declaration comprised, among others, projects and policy priorities for promoting cooperation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 26- 27 March 2012. Confirming the proper functioning of an OIC resident such as areas as road and rail infrastructure, energy, vocational mission in Kabul and its follow-up of the various commitments training and labor market facilitation. It also included made by the OIC and its numerous institutions under the investment, trade, transit, and border management as well as RECCA process, the Secretary General emphasized that the regional fiber optic connectivity. The Conference was attended by more than seventy states implementation of the various developmental projects on trade finance, transport sector and infrastructure development, agro- and international organizations, including the delegation of industrial capacity building and human resource development the OIC General Secretariat.

Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali

IDB Signs MoU with Palestinian Authority to aid 12,000 families Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – A Memorandum of Understanding to implement the second phase of the Deprived Families Economic Empowerment Program in Palestine (DEEP) was signed between the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Palestinian Authority in Jeddah on March 19, 2012. The program aims at aiding more than 12,000 Palestinian families in Palestine suffering from extreme poverty. The program, implemented under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), was awarded the Economic Creativity Award for its particularity and creativity in dealing with the economic situations of Palestinian families. The general objective of the “DEEP” program is: “Poverty reduction in the occupied Palestinian territories through access to promotional social safety net activities and financial services.” The agreement was signed by Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of IDB, in his capacity as the director of the Al-Aqsa Fund, and the Palestinian Minister of Social Affairs Mrs. Majida Al-Masri, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for (DEEP). The signing took place at the IDB Headquarters in the presence of Dr. Jawad Naji, Advisor to the Prime Minister for the Arab and Islamic funds. 61

ECONOMY

Technical contributions of OIC institutions leads to progress in implementing OIC economic programs

Delegates of OIC economic institutions at the meeting.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu noted that the content, variety and size of OIC economic activities have increased dramatically since the elaboration of the OIC Ten Year Program of Action in 2005. In addition to strengthening economic cooperation among the OIC Member States, the OIC economic cooperation agenda has now given prominence to regional and international cooperation. Hence there is a need to adopt a comprehensive approach in addressing the devastating scourge of poverty and malnutrition in a greater number of OIC Member States, as well as attaining the set target of 20% of intra-OIC trade by 2015. The Secretary General said this in his speech at the opening of the Coordination Meeting among OIC Institutions working in the Economic domain, which was held at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah on 21 – 22 January 2012. The OIC Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs Ambassador Hameed A. Opeloyeru delivered the speech. The Secretary General emphasized that in order to achieve such goals there is a need to increase coordination among the various executive organs in order to increase synergies, avoid duplication and promote efficiency in the discharge of their respective mandates. He added that technical contributions of OIC institutions have led to the progress recorded in the implementation of the OIC Executive Framework for Enhancing Intra-OIC Trade, the Framework for Development and Cooperation in the Domain of Tourism,

the OIC Cotton Action Plan, and the proposed elaboration of the OIC Framework for Agriculture, Food Security and Rural Development, as well as a number of other programs. Ihsanoglu underlined the need to emphasize giving the Private Sector a prime of place in OIC economic agenda as it would contribute greatly to our efforts towards increasing investment and addressing the spate of unemployment among our ever-increasing youthful population. He noted that the promotion of entrepreneurship and the development of the business and technical capacities of youths in the OIC Member States can contribute to leapfrogging the many stages of development within our community. The Secretary General also underscored the role of the OIC’s new programs in the economic sector, which would go a long way in enhancing economic cooperation and unlocking the innate energies of our populations for increased productivity and socio-economic development. Moreover, the programs are necessary for the purpose of addressing contemporary economic challenges facing our Member States, as well as increasing the relevance of the OIC in promoting economic growth and development. The meeting had presentations and briefings on the on-going activities of the relevant OIC institutions and the COMCEC Coordination Office (CCO) with regard to the implementation of the OIC resolutions in the economic domain. It also acknowledged the written updates submitted by SESRIC, ICDT and ITFC. The meeting took note of the developing cooperation among OIC institutions on seemingly identical projects, such as SESRIC’s OIC-VET and ISFD’s VOLIP. It recognized the need to further sensitize OIC Member States on the activities of Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) since its inception in order to encourage them to join this affiliated institution. It also took note of the ICCI’s interest in collaborating with SMIIC on Halal accreditation issue. The meeting suggested the inclusion of Azerbaijan and Afghanistan in the OIC Action Plan for Cooperation with Central Asia. Following presentations and discussions, the meeting agreed on a chart of required actions for implementation of the OIC resolutions in the economic domain.

Activation of the OIC-OSHNET Portal Ankara, Turkey – SESRIC has activated the OICOSHNET Portal, which will provide an online platform for sharing knowledge, experience and new technologies, conduct joint research and training, exchange good practices, and organize new initiatives, projects and programs in the field of ‘Occupational Safety and Health’ (OSH) among similar local, national and regional institutions, OSH researchers and practitioners, national authorities, policy

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makers, social security institutions, and employers’ and workers’ organizations active in the field in OIC Member States. OSH Experts from different member countries would be able to register online to the Experts Database and update their information through the Experts Member Panel, using the passwords sent to them upon their registration. For more information you can visit OIC-OSHNET Portal at URL http://www.oicvet.org/oshnet/index.php

US$ 140 million wind-power project for Pakistan Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has extended a US$ 140 million funding for a pioneer project to produce wind-powered electricity in the Sindh Province in Pakistan. This financing is part of the overall US$ 321.8 million the Board of Executive Directors of the IDB approved at its 280th session for various development projects in member countries and for Muslim communities in non-member countries. IDB Group President Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali chaired the meeting that started on 8 January 2012. The package of new approvals also includes US$ 50 million investment (which is to be raised to US$ 150 million at a later stage) in the Arab Financing Facility for Infrastructure (a joint initiative between IDB and the World Bank’s IFC), as well as financings for other projects in Uganda (US$ 30.7 million for the Mulago Referral Hospital Project), Egypt (US$ 32.3 million for the National Agriculture Subsurface Draining Project) and Tajikistan (US$ 17.5 million financing for Secondary Schools Development Project). Grants of up to US$ 1.295 million for educational and health projects for Muslim communities

Creating links between economic growth, social development, promotion of food security and rural development in OIC countries stressed

in China, Northern Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Venezuela and the Philippines were approved by the Board. The Board also reviewed a progress report on its ‘Initiative for Creating Job Opportunities for the Youth in Arab countries’ which included US$ 50 million SMEs financing for the Social Development Fund in Egypt, similar to the amount earlier approved to support creating job opportunities for the youth in Tunisia. The meeting reviewed the IDB’s proposed operations’ growth and resource requirements for the ten-year period (2012 -2021) including plans and strategies for resource mobilization during the year 2012, approving a proposal for US$ 3 billion hike in the volume of the mid-term Sukuk Program (from US$ 3.5 billion to US$ 6.5 billion). This is justified by the success met by the IDB Sukuk issuance, thanks in particular to the AAA rating that IDB is enjoying from the major rating agencies. Finally, the upcoming 37th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the IDB slated for April 3 -4, 2012 in Khartoum, Sudan was also discussed during the session.

Istanbul, Turkey – The Secretary programs in support of the poor General of the Organization of Islamic segments of populations in the OIC Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu countries, Ihsanoglu underlined the stressed on creating an appropriate successes achieved by the OIC via a link between economic growth and number of mechanisms such as the social development, which constitutes ‘Special Program for the Development one of the major components of the of Africa’ and the ‘OIC Emergency OIC economic cooperation strategy to Response Mechanism for Intervention address the spate of poverty and hunger in Disasters Zones’, through which in a number of OIC countries. Addressing the First Ministerial the OIC was able to secure financial Review Conference of the Turkey-Africa pledges amounting to US$350 million, Partnership held on 16 December 2011 in and has continued to play a leading Istanbul, Turkey, Ihsanoglu underscored role among the various international the need for the OIC Member States to players in the relief efforts in Somalia. increase their collaboration to promote The Secretary General also underlined food security and rural development. the on-going alliance between the OIC The Secretary General seized the and the African Union on the execution opportunity to encourage all decision- of the OIC Dakar-Port Sudan Railway makers in the OIC countries to give due Project, which will herald the beginning priority to the implementation of the of a fruitful collaboration between the OIC Trade Preferential Scheme (TPS- two organizations. OIC), which has greater potentials to On the margins of the meeting, the expand national economies and create OIC Secretary General had substantive jobs for the increasing populations. bilateral meetings with the foreign He thanked Turkey for convening the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, ministers of Turkey, Chad, Djibouti, which provides a practical example Guinea, Nigeria, Niger, Togo, Sierra of enhancement through increased Leone, Benin and Somalia with a view to investments, trade and exchanges as maintaining and enhancing the existing capacity avenues between those nations opposed to aid donation alone. Outlining the OIC activities and and the OIC. 63

ECONOMY

Saudi Arabia-Turkey Forum: Trade and Investment Bridges

OIC is promoting intra-OIC trade through stimulating foreign direct investment and industrial capacity building

(L-R) OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Babacan, ICCI Chairman Kamel.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Organization of Islamic similar vein, their imports from OIC countries are steadily Cooperation (OIC) is promoting intra-OIC trade through increasing,” said Ihsanoglu. stimulating foreign direct investment and industrial capacity The Secretary General urged for more commercial building as a policy to tackle high unemployment in the cooperation among the Member States, especially that the Member States and increase investment. amount of trade diverted away from OIC Member States is The Secretary General of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu valued at US$ 2.6 trillion compared to the intra-OIC trade made this assertion in his address to the Forum “Saudi of US$ 539 billion in 2010. He called on the Member States Arabia-Turkey: Trade and Investment Bridges”, held at the to take advantage of the various OIC economic cooperation Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on January 11, instruments and funding windows that facilitate such 2012 with the participation of Ali Babacan, Deputy Prime commercial cooperation. Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Sheikh Saleh Kamel, ICCI President Sheikh Kamel, in his statement, thanked President of Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry the Secretary General for his great efforts at the OIC, which (ICCI) and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and had changed its name to match its substance. Dr. Mustafa Gunay, Secretary General of Confederation of “The best way to achieve further economic development Business and Industries of Turkey. in Saudi Arabia and Turkey is to invest and make use of the Ihsanoglu said that intra-OIC trade and investment on natural resources and human potential in an ideal manner the part of indigenous companies in OIC Member States besides boosting business and investment relations between could contribute to the objective of increasing intra-OIC the two countries,” said Kamel at the forum. He stressed the trade to 20% in 2015. He highlighted the OIC Member importance of strengthening channels of mutual cooperation States’ abundant opportunities and natural resources, which and building a bridge of cooperation, especially in the face can be utilized towards mutually rewarding cooperation for of challenges from various economic blocs in the world. economic growth and social development. The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Babacan said, The Secretary General pointed to the significance of “one of the major features that makes Saudi Arabia attractive the Forum as it brings together the economic power of two to investors abroad is its prompt response to international leading Member States of the OIC, which will contribute to and regional economic developments. This fact has been boosting trade and industrial cooperation between them and attested by the Kingdom’s spectacular jump in international with the other Member States. business ratings.” “The importance of these two countries is manifest As members of the G20 and topmost economic powers in the fact that they both dispose of a combined GDP of US$ 1.15 trillion that makes up 24% of the GDP of all OIC in the Middle East and the Near East, cooperation between Member States put together. In addition, Turkey and Saudi Turkey and Saudi Arabia was of special significance, he said. Arabia are leading contributors to the volume of intra-OIC He added that both countries had proved their economic trade. Available recent data indicate that exports of Turkey robustness during the global economic meltdown. He and Saudi Arabia to OIC countries account for 13.77% attributed the economic power of the two countries to their and 13.32% of their overall exports, respectively. In a sustained and shrewd financial and monetary policies. 64

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Workshop flags off activities under the OIC Plan of Action for Cooperation with Central Asia

Ankara, Turkey – The Secretary General of the OIC has emphasized on the need to utilize the country partnership strategy to complement the current OIC policy on diversification of economic cooperation approaches among the OIC Member States. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stated this in his keynote address at the OIC Workshop on Country Partnership Models with Central Asia, which concluded its proceedings in Ankara, Turkey on 22- 23 February 2012. While extolling the contributions of OIC Member States, such as Turkey and Malaysia, the Secretary General emphasized that ‘OIC Plan of Action for Cooperation with Central Asia’ was aimed at pooling resources for socio-economic development

in Central Asia, within the framework of an on-going strategy for enhancing the role of various regional economic blocs for economic integration of the entire OIC community. Dr. Cevdet Yilmaz, Minister of Development of Turkey, also addressed the Workshop, which was hosted by the Government of Turkey. Similarly several OIC countries, in addition to the representatives of OIC Member States from Central Asia, made presentations at the Workshop on experiences and best practices on the application of their country partnership strategies. IDB, SESRIC, ISESCO and UNDP were among the OIC and international institutions that made presentations at the Workshop.

Dr. Zeti, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, wins the IDB Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance 2012 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has declared Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, winner of the IDB Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance for the year 1433H (2012) in recognition of her substantial contributions to the promotion of Islamic banking and finance. The Prize will be awarded to the winner during the 37th Annual Meeting of IDB Board of Governors, to be held in Khartoum, Sudan on 3rd - 4th April 2012. In a statement on this occasion, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, congratulated the laureate on her notable accomplishments and commended her for her valuable contributions to the development of Islamic financial services industry and

wished her greater success in all her endeavors. Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz was awarded the prize for her significant contributions, dedication and leadership in the development of Islamic banking and finance industry, takaful infrastructure and Shari’a governance framework in Malaysia and abroad. She was also recognized for her invaluable services in supporting Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), creation of INCEIF and ISRA, setting up of Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC), and lately founding International Liquidity Management Corporation (ILMC) in Kuala Lumpur.

Launch of official website of the OIC-Statistical Commission

Ankara, Turkey – SESRIC has launched the official website of the OIC- Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCom), which aims to provide an online platform for sharing knowledge and experience in the field of statistics among the National Statistical Organizations (NSOs) of the OIC Member States. With the launch of OIC-StatCom website, the Commission is striving

www.oicstatcom.org .

Ankara, Turkey – In a rapidly evolving information environment of the modern times, people need to have an insight about any topic with ease and speed. Understanding this undergoing transformation of information usage, SESRIC has just launched a new module called “Did You Know? (DYK)” in order to reflect striking facts about OIC Member Countries in a short, simple and user-friendly way. The module consists of a collection of one-page snapshots on specific socio-economic variables. Using a colloquial way

of dissemination, SESRIC DYK allows users even without any technical background knowledge to see the current situation of OIC Member Countries briefly, yet thoroughly. Each snapshot, which can be accessed by clicking on the visual slides, has been prepared with data from a variety of international sources. The content of this collection will be updated and enriched with different indicators regularly. The module is available through http://www.sesric.org/ sesricdidyouknow.php

to involve all stakeholders in statistics in the OIC Member

States. It encourages the visitors to send their suggestions and opinions on the website to secretariat@oicstatcom.org. OIC-StatCom Official Website is available at URL: http://

SESRIC launches “Did You Know?”

ECONOMY

OIC will launch a number of economic projects this year

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), disclosed that 2012 will witness the announcement of several economic projects in the Member States, including the

launching of the OIC Stock Exchange Index. Ihsanoglu said in a press conference on 2 January 2012 in Jeddah that it was decided to declare the said Index which will activate the financial sector in the OIC Member States, drive economies in the Islamic world, and increase cooperation among them. Furthermore, the Secretary General announced that the current year will witness the establishment of the OIC union of agro-industries, as well as two separate programs, the first for encouraging entrepreneurship among young people, and the other for supporting the participation of unemployed young people in rural development through capacity building programs. Ihsanoglu added that the coming months will also witness the announcement of establishment of an OIC Center in the field of business and technological incubators, in order to encourage business leadership and support technology transfer among the Member States of the Organization.

IDB announces winners of 2012 Prize for Women’s Contribution to Development

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) announced two women from Bangladesh and Iran, and a women-led NGO from Sudan as the winners of the 2012 IDB Prize for Women’s Contribution to Development. According to the selection committee the individual category Prize and cash award of US$ 50,000 is to be equally shared by Mrs. Selima Ahmad, founder and President of the “Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry” in Bangladesh, and Mrs. Seyedeh Fatimah Moghimi, founder and Managing Director of “Sadidbar”, an international shipping transportation company in Iran. Mrs. Selima Ahmad won the Prize for her leadership quality and outstanding ability to utilize financial networks to help women engage in business activities. She has helped to promote the development of 7,000 women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Mrs. Seyedeh Moghimi won the Prize for pioneering women

entrepreneurial activities in the transport sector and supporting the national, as well as, regional economic development of Iran and neighboring countries. In the organizations’ category, “Zenab for Women’s Development in Sudan” won the Prize and will receive the cash award of US$100,000. The organization, founded and led by women, has helped empower women farmers in Sudan to engage in better agriculture practices and gain access to financial resources, thereby elevating their socio-economic status improving their livelihood and that of their families. Marking the seventh edition of the prize, IDB Group President Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali asserted that the Prize is meant to encourage women to contribute to the social and economic development of their societies, thus combating poverty. Since its inception in 2006, the Prize has been awarded to 22 winners spanning over 17 countries.

Tunis calls on IDB to support its emerging Islamic Banking

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia –The Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Al Jebali, accompanied by a large high-ranking delegation comprising Minister of Investment and International Cooperation (Tunisia’s IDB Governor) and the Minister for Religious Affairs visited the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Headquarters on February 20, 2012. During the visit, the Tunisian Premier met with Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President, IDB Group, and the Bank’s senior management and underlined his country’s will to upgrade development cooperation with the IDB Group particularly in Islamic banking, public housing and supporting small enterprises. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali conveyed IDB Group’s readiness to cooperate with the Tunisian government in supporting its economic and development programs particularly 66

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in Islamic banking, public housing projects, and small projects financing aimed at Tunisian youth employment. He further stated that IDB is ready to promote economic cooperation and development amongst the countries of the Arab Maghreb Union calling on the private sector in those countries to activate further cooperation amongst them. The IDB Group President mentioned that a mission from the Bank would soon visit Tunisia to work out an extensive program embracing the bilateral cooperation priorities for the next five years. In the same framework, he would also visit the country to closely investigate ways for promoting the existing cooperation and partnership with Tunisia, and to take part in the forum on ‘Islamic Finance’ in the Tunisian capital.

Gabonese Republic Full Name: Gabonese Republic Capital: Libreville Population: 1,520,000 (estimated) Area: 267,667 square km. Official Language: French Monetary Unit: CFA Overview Gabon is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of per capita gross national income, reflecting its modest population and significant oil revenues. It has a free- market economy and encourages foreign investment. Oil accounts for around 50% of the GDP and more than 80% of total exports. Bordered to the north by Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, to the south and east by Congo and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, the country lies on the Equator and is blessed with natural forests, which cover around 80% of the territory. A former French colony, Gabon became independent on 17th August 1960. Gabon acted as a prominent negotiator in high level multilateral talks, focusing on the role of forests in mitigating climate change in Copenhagen in December 2009. The country, member of the Commission des Forêts d’Afrique Centrale (COMIFAC), has teamed up with its fellow members to work on the conservation and sustainable management of almost 30% of the world’s tropical forests. Gabon’s diversified economic growth strategy is focused on developing three principal areas: the “green sector”, industry, and services. The country has prioritized these sectors in order to reduce its dependence on oil as a key export product and revenue generator and to build food security. The Government has highlighted the following specific sectors under the three strategic pillars to prioritize for investment and development: - Tourism — particularly geotourism, including ecotourism in the national parks, - Timber — emphasizing sound management, sustainability and local added value, - Fishing and aquaculture, Agriculture and agri-business, Mining, Transport, Public works, Services specifically ICT. Gabon’s competitive advantages Gabon is rich in both mineral and natural resources, and presents unique opportunities in mining, forestry and biodiversity related investments. Gabon boasts a strong telecommunications network. An Investment Charter has been established to structure relationships with investors and ensure transparency and accountability. Gabon’s banking sector is viable and the tax system is attractive to

businesses and individuals. The country has enjoyed continuous political and social stability ever since independence. Capacity building The Government is focused on building local capacity to support the growth of the private sector, particularly by strengthening the technical competency of the investment promotion agency -APIP; the Chamber of Commerce; the National Centre of Technology Transfer and the National Forestry School. Services Services Gabon is a strategy to develop added-value through the specialization and capitalization of the country’s human resources. Gabon will become a regional reference for finance, ITCs, services related to a green economy and specific sectors in higher education and health. Opportunities for employment and wealth rely on developing new sectors with rewarding employment opportunities. Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Development Gabon Vert — Green Gabon — is one of three pillars on which ‘Gabon Emergent’ will be built. With 80% of the country covered in tropical rainforests and more FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forestry operations than the entire Amazon, Gabon is fast becoming a model of sound natural resource management. As a result in 2005, the country was classed 12th in the world and first in Africa in Yale University’s Environmental Sustainability Index. Geotourism Gabon’s 13 national parks contain unique natural spectacles, such as elephants, hippos and even gorillas on the beach; hordes of over 1000 mandrills and 400000 years of archaeological history. Gabon’s colorful masks inspired the likes of Picasso and Matisse. Gabon’s objective is to achieve 100000 mid- to high- end tourists per year by 2020 and there are significant opportunities for investment in lodges and other aspects of tourism. Forestry With more FSC certified forests than Brazil, Gabon has invested significantly in improvements in forestry management over the last decade. Its aim is to establish a world renowned brand for sustainable timber harvest and quality wood products. There is significant scope for investment in forestry and wood transformation. Agriculture and Fisheries Gabon has around a million hectares of relatively unpopulated humid savannas (rainfall 1400- 2000mm), that are perfectly adapted to low carbon agricultural and biofuel development. With 850km of coastline and a vast network of freshwater waterways, Gabon has great potential for sustainable fisheries. 67

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VIEWPOINT OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission – A Key Step towards Implementation By John Packer & Murtaza Shaikh The promotion and protection of human rights has become one of the principal functions entrusted to intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). The challenge has been that human rights are often violated by the governments of those same IGOs. Effective supervision is thus both essential and problematical for effective implementation of agreed norms and standards. From its roots in concern for the human rights of those in the occupied Palestinian territories, through a broader interest in the human rights of Muslim minorities – notably Islamophobia and UN Resolution 1618/ on combating intolerance based on religion or belief – the OIC has worked consistently on vital issues for the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims. While such an approach gave a greater voice to unheard Muslim minorities, the OIC drew criticism from some quarters of the international community for failing to address human rights within its own member-States. In this context, the OIC Secretary-General’s drive and success to establish the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) is commendable. The IPHRC can learn much from the experience of existing human rights systems at the international, regional and subregional levels. The foremost challenge confronting the current international regime of human rights is that of implementation. At the United Nations numerous human rights mechanisms have gone beyond the conventional civil and political rights to include specific instruments on the rights of women, children, racial groups, migrants, minorities, indigenous peoples, and disabled people. Unfortunately, experience has shown that too often it is bilateral pressure that compels compliance in human rights related issues rather than the deliberation of independent experts in multilateral processes. The OIC now has an opportunity to show otherwise. Additionally a number of member-States have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the international human rights framework from a cultural relativist perspective. They have asserted the incompatibility of some rights with Islam and have thus made reservations while ratifying treaties. The OIC is uniquely well-placed to address this particular issue amongst its own member-States. There are also challenges in reconciling issues of humanitarian action with human rights, which the OIC could help reconcile, drawing on OIC values. The treatment of human rights by regional or sub-regional IGOs such as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) is arguably more effective than the UN given their closer proximity to situations, familiarity with issues and the confidences amongst member-States. The establishment of the IPHRC falls within this trend of regional and sub-regional IGOs having their own instruments and mechanisms. While working with the UN system, they have forged complimentary systems tailored to their particular contexts. This has meant instead of developing new sets of rights, additional rights are supplemented or existing 68

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ones nuanced in a manner underappreciated by other IGOs. The IACHR focuses on violations such as the ‘right to know’ due to the historical problem of disappearances and extra-judicial killings. Similarly, the ACHPR lends greater importance to human ‘duties’ as well as ‘rights’ and recognises ‘peoples’ and not just ‘individuals’. The OIC has a similar opportunity to tailor the work of the IPHRC to the cultural and religious contexts of its member-States to render it as effective as possible. In doing so, the OIC will demonstrate its responsibility and contemporary relevance as an effective multilateral organization serving its member-States, their governments and populations. Furthermore the adversarial or juridical nature of existing international mechanisms has hindered effective implementation of human rights. The UN treaty bodies, which are quasi-judicial mechanisms for complaints concerning UN member-States, have arguably modest impact on State practice due to the absence of meaningful incentives or disincentives. The IPHRC will confront this challenge as well. Even with regional and sub-regional IGOs there remain issues of a judicial culture, far removed from the reality on the ground, with unrealistic chances of implementation – either for lack of will or ability. It is encouraging to see these challenges reflected in the five points that are to underpin the work of the IPHRC: complimentarity, introspection, prioritization, incremental approach and credibility. As such, the IPHRC can assist member-States address human rights situations rather than simply declaring culpability through introspection rather than in an adversarial manner. It is promising to see that the IPHRC will wherever possible undertake a prioritization exercise in an effort to uncover the factors underlying possible violations so as to work with and not against the member-States to build capacities and seek solutions. It would thus be advisable to initially focus on improving economic, social and cultural rights that are desperately needed in many of the developing member-States, especially given their necessity for the enjoyment of other rights. There is little doubt that credibility and implementation are inter-linked and OIC is committed to achieving results in the shortest possible time with member-States and the international community. Addressing questions of compatibility between Islamic law and international law are bound to be central to this. Blanket affirmation of complete compatibility will not address long-standing concerns of member-States, evident in their reservations and simple non-compliance with many ratified treaties. Alternatively, conditioning observance of all human rights obligations on unspecified ‘Islamic law’ without elucidating a more detailed matrix of compatibility or nuance, as was the case with the Cairo Declaration, will garner little support from the international community. The role of the IPHRC will be vital in this work – and the world will be watching. Prof. Packer is Senior Adviser and Mr. Shaikh is Legal and Political Officer at the Initiative on Quiet Diplomacy (IQd) – www.iqdiplomacy.org.