About OIC The year 2005 is considered a turning point in the history of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (formerly the Organization of Islamic Conference) when it launched its reform process. That year witnessed the holding of the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit at the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on 7-8 December, which adopted the OIC Ten-Year Program of Action. As a result of the continued developments experienced in the Islamic Ummah, it had become clear the need for a new headquarters suitable for the OIC, the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations. Saudi Arabia, the host country, gave great care and attention to this matter and decided to build a new permanent Headquarters for the OIC. During the historic Makkah Summit in 2005, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud unveiled the cornerstone of the new OIC Headquarters. Soon after, the OIC General Secretariat announced an international architectural design competition for its new headquarters. More than one hundred participants from around the world submitted their
designs. On 17 May 2006, the jury announced the outcome of the competition, selecting the design submitted by Bramberger (architect) & Thomas Pucher of Austria. When the design was presented to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques he expressed his admiration and gave his generous approval of the project for immediate implementation. In line with this gracious patronage, the Saudi Government allocated a 40,000sm plot of land in Qasr Khuzam district in Jeddah as the location for the Headquarters. The Austrian architecture team completed the final plans in July 2009; and the Saudi Ministry of Finance presented the detailed plans, estimated budget and design model to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques who gave his approval. The OIC Headquarters will be an international landmark in the skyline of Jeddah and a beacon for joint Islamic action, Muslim culture and its rich heritage. It will also provide a wonderful site for an international prominent institution. The design incorporates and entwines traditional Islamic architecture with modern necessities.
Main entrance hall
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various peoples of the world. Originally named The Organization of the Islamic Conference, it was established pursuant a decision adopted by the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, on 12th Rajab 1389 AH/ 25 September 1969 AD, following the criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. In 1970, the first ever meeting of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (ICFM) was held in Jeddah. It adopted the decision to establish a permanent secretariat in Jeddah headed by the organization's secretary general. Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is the 9th Secretary General who assumed office in January 2005 after being elected by the 31st ICFM Session. The first OIC Charter was adopted by the 3rd ICFM Session held in 1972. The Charter was amended to keep pace with the developments that have unraveled recently across the world. The 11th Islamic Summit held in Dakar in March 2008 endorsed the new Charter, which has become the pillar of the OIC future Islamic action in line with the requirements of the 21st century. The new Charter provides for the dissemination and safeguard of Islamic teachings and values based on moderation and tolerance, as well as the need to strive for the projection and defense of the true image of Islam. The new Charter also called for encouraging inter-civilizational and interfaith dialogue. Over the last 40 years, the OIC membership has grown from its founding members of 25 to 57 states. In 2011 in Astana, Khazakhstan, the 38th Council of Foreign Ministers endorsed changing the emblem and name to Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Organization has the singular honor of galvanizing the Ummah into a unified voice and representing Muslims by espousing all causes close to the hearts of over 1.5 billion Muslims in the world. The Organization has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental organizations to protect the vital interests of the Muslims and to work for the settlement of conflicts and disputes involving Member States. In safeguarding the true values of Islam and Muslims, the organization has taken various steps to remove misperceptions and have strongly advocated elimination of discrimination against Muslims in all forms and manifestations. It has also engaged in fighting Islamophobia by setting up a dedicated observatory to track and monitor the phenomenon and its disturbing manifestations The Member States of the OIC face many challenges in the 21st century. To address these challenges, the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit held in Makkah in December 2005, laid down a blue print called the Ten-Year Program of Action (TYPOA) which envisages joint action by the Member States, promotion of tolerance and moderation, modernization, extensive reforms in all spheres of activities including science and technology, education, and development of trade. It also emphasizes good governance and the promotion of human rights in the Muslim world, especially with regard to the children's and women's rights as well as family values enshrined in Islamic Shariah [law]. One of the outstanding achievements since the adoption of the Ten-Year Programme of Action (TYPOA) has been the recent reinvigoration and restructuring of the various OIC bodies. Among the OIC's key bodies the Islamic Summit, the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), the General Secretariat, in addition to the Al-Quds Committee chaired by the king of the Kingdom of Morocco, as Al-Quds remains the paramount issue on the OIC's agenda, and three permanent committees, one of which is concerned with science and technology (COMSTECH) that is chaired by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the second committee is concerned with economy and trade (COMCEC) which is chaired by the President of the Republic of Turkey, while the third one is concerned with information and culture (COMIAC) which is chaired by the President of Senegal. The OIC has subsidiary organs, notably Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for the Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) and the Islamic Center for the development of Trade (ICDT). Other specialized organs operating under the OIC include the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO). There are also affiliated organs such as the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS). The OIC subsidiary, affiliated and specialized organs play a vital role in boosting cooperation in various fields among the OIC Member States. For more details, visit the OIC website at www.oic-oci.org
Conference hall
Cornerstone of the Headquarters
OUR MESSAGE
Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu OIC Secretary General
Anti-Muslim violence in Myanmar must stop What started with the Rohingyas has now escalated with the targeting of all Muslim communities in Myanmar. The deliberate deadly violence targeting the Muslim minority in Myanmar is unacceptable. Concerned international organizations, countries, and individuals cannot absolve themselves from the responsibility by claiming not to have the full facts, or that this is an internal issue of a sovereign state, or that the magnitude of the tragedy was not brought to their attention. They are well informed of the escalation, the suffering of the Rohingya is a human rights issue that should not be left to the discretion of the government, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has consistently raised their issue at all levels. It is time to stop this ethnic cleansing and take all necessary measures to address it and grant the Rohingyas their legitimate rights, including the citizenship they have been stripped of illegally. The recent spurt of systematic killing of Muslims, burning their homes, schools and mosques, and displacing them from their villages at the hands of some Buddhist extremists filled with hate and bigotry towards their fellow human beings is an atrocity that should be condemned, but more importantly and urgently, be stopped and those behind this violence be brought to justice. It is not enough for the authorities in Myanmar to say that such acts tarnish the image of the country and will not tolerate these acts or that a committee will be formed to investigate the incidents. Concrete results must be presented in a factual and fair manner. Letting this kind of hate and animosity to fester towards Muslims is not good for the stability and prosperity of the country or the region. We are shocked to see, for the first time, Buddhists including monks rousing hatred and aggression against Muslims, which is contrary to the principles of their religion of promoting peace and tolerance. As we witnessed whenever hostility erupts in Myanmar, it only takes a trivial dispute to escalate into deadly violence and soon spreads to other villages, this in turn ripples into waves of desperately fleeing people to refugee camps in the country and to neighboring countries. Officials in Myanmar must be more firm and quick in dealing with the instigators of these disputes and acts of violence. The OIC has, time and time again, expressed its readiness to coordinate with the Government of Myanmar and the international community to provide the necessary support to enhance the conditions of Muslims in Myanmar, help them regain their legitimate rights and return to their land. The international community, countries of influence and individuals with the moral obligation must fulfill their binding promises and live up to their responsibilities. The international community must honor its humanitarian obligations and achieve peace and justice for the Rohingya Muslims. We should not allow genocide to happen under our noses.
OIC Journal
A WORD
Issued by The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Editor - in - Chief Isam Salim Shanti General Supervisor & Managing Editor Maha Mostafa Akeel Editors Ahmed Salem Abdelhamid Salhi
by Maha M. Akeel
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 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 authors of the articles published in OIC Journal do not necessarily represent the views of the OIC, but are the personal of
However,
the
authors
OIC
reserves
themselves. the
Polio has been eradicated from the world except in three countries; all are member states in the OIC. This should not be allowed to continue. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, affecting mainly children under five years old. There is no cure for it, but it can be prevented through safe and effective vaccines. The three countries where polio remains endemic are Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. Recently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has joined Angola and South Sudan in being declared free of re-established transmission, but Chad, another OIC member state, remains the only country with re-established transmission. However, the recent drive to vaccinate and prevent the disease has succeeded in bringing transmission of wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) to its lowest levels ever recorded, according to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Nevertheless, efforts for educating the public and implementing vaccination programs should not be relaxed now, but rather increased because of other strains of WPV, especially in areas where access is compromised due to insecurity. While it is understandable that these countries might be financially incapable of taking the necessary measures to vaccinate those at risk, it is shocking and reprehensible that their efforts are sometimes met with violent resistance. The killing of polio health workers seeking to vaccinate children in Pakistan and Nigeria is completely against religious, humane and medical principles.
The views expressed by the writers/
views
Eradicating polio in OIC member states
right/
discretion to amend, revise, edit, delete or scrutinize any part or portion of the text as and wherever deemed necessary.
The last Islamic Summit in Cairo addressed the issue of polio and appealed to the religious scholars and leaders to support the polio eradication campaign and encourage the people to respond positively to it. The OIC General Secretariat and its organs has been actively engaged with the relevant international organizations in combating this disease including the World Health Organization (WHO), GPEI and UNICEF. It is essential for the authorities in the affected countries to effectively implement the polio immunization programs.
In Focus Deadly clashes erupt again in Myanmar targeting Muslims
4
World Affairs OIC Special Envoy for Mali and Sahel to tackle the root causes of the conflict,
44
Appeals for urgent humanitarian assistance to the Syrian refugees
48
Culture
Calls for holding a donor conference for Al-Quds 20
22
Special Declaration on Mali
23
61
OIC mandated to establish Trust Fund for the reconstruction of Somalia
24
62
Stresses on drafting the covenant on the rights of women in Islam
34
OIC putting forth Framework for Cooperation on Labor and Employment
40
Iyad Madani named new OIC Secretary General
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A European study agrees with OIC on Islamophobia as a form of racism Saudi Crown Prince launches Madinah Islamic Culture Capital 2013 festivities
Media 66
Economy Innovation experts concur on common platform for socio-economic development in Muslim World
9 Underlines Syrian Government’s responsibility for the continued violence
«Cairo Declaration» calls for a Charter to preserve the cultural legacy of the Islamic world
OIC Satellite Television
The Twelfth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference:
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OIC Related Links
OIC Calendar: May – July 2013
Subsidiary Organs The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) www.fiqhacademy.org The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) www.sesrtcic.org 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 Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf (ISF) www.isf-fsi.org
7- 10 May: Workshop on Building and Enhancing Standardization,
Specialized Institutions and Organs The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) www.isdb.org International Islamic News Agency (IINA) www.islamicnews.org.sa The Islamic States Broadcasting Organization (ISBO) www.isboo.org The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Rabat (ISESCO)www.isesco.org.ma 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 World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools (WFAIS) www.wfais.org Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) www.icyf.com Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) www.ias-worldwide.org
Metrology and Accreditation Capacity in the OIC Least Developed Countries – Istanbul, Turkey. 8 -9 May: 5th Meeting of the Working Group to Develop the Operational Program on Issues Contained in the TYPOA to Clarify the Role of Organizations in the field of Dawa – Cairo, Egypt. 12- 13 May: Meeting of the Follow-up Committee on OIC Satellite Channel at the level of Experts – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 13 May: Stakeholders' Meeting on the OIC Agro-Food Industries Association – Muscat, Oman. 13 -16 May: 6th Exhibition of Agribusiness Industries of the OIC Member States – Istanbul, Turkey. 14- 15 May: 29th Meeting of the Follow-up Committee of COMCEC – Istanbul, Turkey. 18 -22 May: IDB Board of Governors Meeting – Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 27 -29 May: 1st Symposium on Islam and Muslims in North America: “Challenges and Opportunities” – Washington DC, USA. 28 -31 May: OIC-CTED Workshop on Incitement to Terrorism – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 29 May: 37th Board of Governors of IIUM – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 6- 17 June: 3rd Islamic Solidarity Games – Riao, Indonesia. 18 -19 June: Meeting to finalize the Implementation Plan of the OIC-SHPA 2013 -2022 – Bandung, Indonesia.
IN FOCUS
Deadly clashes erupt again
OIC Secretary General with members of the Rohingya community in Saudi Arabia at the launch of the Global Rohingya Center at OIC
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the “I have received reports of State involvement in some of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin acts of violence,” Tomas Ojea Quintana said in a statement. He Ihsanoglu strongly condemned the recent spreading of also pointed to “instances where the military, police and other the violence against Muslims in Myanmar at the hands of civilian law enforcement forces have been standing by while extremist Buddhists. atrocities have been committed before their eyes, including by Violence in Arakan in the West of the country continues well-organized ultra-nationalist Buddhist mobs. uninterrupted since last June and has spread to other cities and According to the statement, Quintana also received areas, particularly in the Meiktila city in the Mandalay region information indicating that the military and police may be in the middle of the country. As a result of this violence, scores arbitrarily detaining people based on religious and ethnic of Muslims were killed and their homes and properties burnt, profiling. in addition to the burning of mosques and a number of schools. The OIC convened a meeting of the Contact Group at its Hundreds of families fled their homes. headquarters in Jeddah on 30 March 2013 after this recent “Such violence should eruption of violence not continue,” implored against Muslims in OIC pledges to take all necessary Ihsanoglu. Myanmar. Ihsanoglu The clashes began measures to address the issue of Rohingya called upon the Member on March 20, apparently States of the OIC triggered by an argument Contact Group to open in a gold shop in Meiktila that turned into an escalating riot channels with the international community to implement the during which mosques were burned, houses razed and charred recommendations of the Extraordinary Summit of Makkah bodies left lying in the streets. Since then dozens of people which was held last August. have been detained in connection with the violence, which Addressing the Muslims in Myanmar, the Secretary saw armed rioters -including Buddhist monks - roam the General emphasized that the OIC would champion their streets of Meiktila, threatening visiting journalists. A dusk- cause, stressing that the Organization and its Member States to-dawn curfew was imposed on several towns, state media will follow up the issue and stand ready to take all necessary reported, as authorities tried to quell the violence. It is the measures to address it. And addressing the Government of worst sectarian strife since violence between Buddhists and Myanmar, the Secretary General stated that it must put an Muslims in the western state of Rakhine last year left at least end to the campaigns of hatred and ethnic cleansing that the 180 people dead and more than 110,000 displaced. Buddhist extremists are waging against Muslims in the country, The UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar human rights stating that the OIC will take this issue to international fora to stated after the latest violence that he had received reports of find a radical solution to it. “state involvement”. The OIC Secretary General expressed concern over the 4
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in Myanmar targeting Muslims
Myanmar Government’s failure to protect the lives of its because of that, the Centre would carry out media activities in innocent civilians. It is the responsibility of the authorities to order to provide background information and updated reports address the root causes of the issue and safeguard the lives needed to prepare accurate and in-depth news about Rohingya. and property of all the peoples of Myanmar, he stressed. He This would assist international organizations to develop plans recalled Resolutions passed by the two Summits in Makkah for providing aid to mitigate the suffering of the Rohingya. in August 2012, and in Cairo in February 2013 as well as the Meanwhile, the Secretary General expressed his gratitude Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Djibouti in November to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn 2012, seeking an end to repression against the Muslim Abdulaziz for his support for the Rohingya Muslim community minority in Myanmar with particular reference to the right and the generous hospitality accorded to this minority, thus of citizenship for Rohingya Muslims in the Arakan Region. enabling them to live and work in the Kingdom of Saudi He added that the recent outbreak of violence highlighted the Arabia. He commended the auspicious event in Makkah Al urgency for evolving a comprehensive approach to address Mukarramah on 22 March 2013 when the Saudi Government the root causes of the issue. officially gave residence permits to the Rohingya refugees in Ihsanoglu called upon the Government of Myanmar the Kingdom. to address the concerns of the international community as Abdullah Ma’arouf, Director General of the Center, said reflected in the relevant UN, UNHRC and OIC Resolutions, that despite the numerous difficulties and various afflictions in particular the restoration of the citizenship of the Rohingya Muslim minority as well as the recommendations of the UN and disasters that have been impacting the Rohingya in Myanmar for over seven decades and in the middle of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar. The Secretary General reiterated OIC’s willingness to shameful silence of the international conscience towards the provide humanitarian assistance, without discrimination, to Cause of the Rohingyas described by the United Nations as the affected in Arakan Region in Myanmar and called on being the most oppressed people worldwide, they now can see the Myanmar authorities to remove obstacles hindering the hope at the end of the tunnel. delivery of the urgent humanitarian assistance. He added that “We are optimistic because two years ago – thanks to Allah OIC was willing to cooperate and coordinate for humanitarian – the Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU) was launched after a assistance with the Aid Agencies, NGOs and other national long time under the OIC and, today, we are witnessing the and international organizations working in the region. launching of another entity, subsidiary to the ARU.” The Contact Group decided to hold another meeting at the In preparation for launching the GRC, it was registered in ministerial level on 14 April 2013 at the OIC. the Netherlands and its office shall be officially opened in The Launch of the Global Rohingya Center at OIC The OIC Secretary General patronized the launching Hague near the International Court of Justice. On his part, Ambassador Muhammad Al-Tayyeb, Head ceremony of the Global Rohingya Centre at the OIC Headquarters on 24 March 2013, which was attended by the of the Branch of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah AlMukarramah region, indicated that Saudi Arabia opened representatives of the Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU). Ihsanoglu welcomed the event and explained that the its doors to the Burmese community since the days of the Centre was established to protect Rohingya rights and improve founding king and since the first days of their ordeal. Amb. their living conditions wherever they may be. He said that Al-Tayyeb indicated that Saudi Arabia supports the OIC which local media was reflecting the views of the authorities, and plays a historic role in asserting the rights of the Rohingyas. 5
OPINION OIC Satellite Television: A New Reality in the Muslim Media World Dr. Isam Salim Shanti Chief Editor
Media, especially the visual one, has become the powerful tool and most influential in the process of forming public opinion. Through it, information crosses all borders, flies in the air freely and penetrates all walls to eventually settle down in the minds of ordinary peoples producing influence and attitudes in the forms of thoughts and actions. These thoughts and actions will inevitably contribute dramatically in the process of making the future of any state-nation. Today, Muslims as Ummah have no pan-Islamic satellite channel to form a formidable public opinion, thus should be able to address two key questions at a time communication has been witnessing a real revolution since two decades: Can the Muslim World afford to be under continuedinfluence of foreign media, particularly the visual ones? Is the Muslim World in need to have a pan-Muslim television channel to enhance intra and inter-communication for the benefit of the peoples? All scientific studies indicate simply, though extremely important, that the Muslim world is now in desperate need of having a serious and purposeful Islamic satellite channel capable of connecting Muslims around the world. This channel is to promote the overall mutual interests of all Muslims that would lead to a close and full cooperation in economy, finance, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, health, women, family, heritage, history, geography and media. These, of course, are all deeply well-established and well-designed objectives ingrained in the text and spirit of the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The geographical area and demographical diversity of the Muslim World is colossal. The map of the Muslim World shows a huge area that extends from the Far East, South East and Central Asia through the Middle East and Africa regions to reach to Latin America region, with a total of 57 countries in addition to Muslim communities in the foreign world. The estimated population of Muslims around the world exceeds 1.5 billion, speaking hundreds of different local languages in addition to three official languages of the OIC: Arabic, English and French. These simple but true data of the Muslim World legitimize the need to launch a pan-Islamic satellite channel in terms its prospect and necessity. The objectives of the pan-Islamic satellite channel would be the following: first, to bring Muslims closer together in terms of knowing each other based on culture, race, necessities, 6
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history, education, and standard of living. In general, Muslims lack true information about each others, and this can only be overcome through a powerful media tool. Second, promoting Islamic solidarity that can lead to a strong joint Islamic action as mentioned in all OIC resolutions since 2005 would necessarily require creating a wide awareness among Muslims about the real capabilities and resources of the Muslim World in terms of human and natural resources, which is extremely important to create opportunities of cooperation in all fields at the people’s level. In fact, the diversity of the Muslim World in terms of area, human and natural resources makes it among the richest on earth. Unfortunately, most Muslims ignore these facts due to lack of true information, which require a credible and powerful media tool. Third, Muslims around the world should have the primary role among all nations to promoting moderation and tolerance in accordance with the teaching of Islam. Too, these are two essential principles of the OIC’s new Charter adopted in Dakar Summit in 2008. Therefore, promoting better understanding and better cooperation between the Muslim World and the rest of the world are two inevitable pillars to fight extremism in all its forms and bring about stability and prosperity for all. Discreet and professional visual media will have an important role in this context. The new Charter of the OIC, the Ten-Year program of Action adopted by the Third Extraordinary Summit of 2005, and all ministerial resolutions led to convene the open-ended meeting at the level of experts at the Headquarters of the OIC in Jeddah on 23 -24 February 2013. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the practical measures for launching the OIC Satellite Channel as an affiliated organ of the OIC. Meaning, the Channel will be private in ownership but can work under the umbrella of the OIC to serve the overall objectives of the OIC’s Charter, and this explains the decision to grant the private sector in the Muslim World to take the responsibility of managing it. In line with this spirit, the meeting has called for the set up of a Management Board of the OIC Channel whose members would come from the private sector to begin the actual process of launching the channel. It is about time that Muslims around the world have their own channel and it is pleasing that the OIC and its Member States recognize more than ever that the dramatic events and transformation witnessed at the global level in different contexts, including media, created the dire necessity to possess a powerful tool to defend Muslim identity and interests as well as stability and security. These strategic goals cannot be served without having an advanced and powerful pan-Islamic media with the capacity of reaching out to all peoples. Otherwise, the Muslim World will remain under the influence of foreign media, particularly televisions, which usually have questionable agendas with negative impacts. The OIC, at this stage, hopes that the Muslim private sectors will be encouraged to step forward to seize this strategic project, which has tremendous prospect of success operationally and economically taking into consideration the existence of more than 1.5 billion Muslims in 57 countries and abroad eager to see the physical embodiment of this project. On its part, the OIC is and will be ready to assist in all possible way to facilitate the launching of the OIC Satellite Channel.
SPECIAL REPORT: 66PALESTINE UNGA/ACMFILE 2011
OIC advocates internationalization of Palestinian prisoners’ issue
UNICEF: some some practices practices amount amount UNICEF: to cruel, cruel, inhuman inhuman or or degrading degrading to treatment or or punishment punishment treatment According to the report, ill-treatment of Palestinian minors The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed deep typically begins with the arrest itself, often carried out in the concern about the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli middle of the night by heavily armed soldiers, and continues occupation prisons. Closely following the conditions of the all the way through prosecution and sentencing. “The pattern Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike, Ihsanoglu stressed that of ill-treatment includes ... the practice of blindfolding OIC supported the legitimate demands of the prisoners in light children and tying their hands with plastic ties, physical and of the arbitrary measures and denial of basic rights to which verbal abuse during transfer to an interrogation site, including they are subjected. the use of painful restraints,” the report said. Ihsanoglu noted that it was important to internationalize It said minors suffered physical violence and threats during the issue of Palestinian prisoners at international fora and to their interrogation, were coerced into confession and not given expose the Israeli occupation’s racist policies and violation of immediate access to a lawyer or family during questioning. the principles of human rights and the Geneva Conventions. “Treatment inconsistent with child rights continues during He called upon the international community to continue to put court appearances, including shackling of children, denial pressure on Israel to compel it to abide by the provisions of of bail and imposition of custodial sentences and transfer of international law and International Humanitarian Law. children outside occupied Palestinian territory to serve their The Secretary General condemned vigorously the death of sentences inside Israel,” the report said. Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat in Israeli jails, qualifying UNICEF based its findings on more than 400 cases his death as a heinous crime and a flagrant violation of the documented since 2009 as well as legal papers, reports by international humanitarian law and Geneva Conventions. governmental and non-governmental groups and interviews Ihsanoglu held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the with Palestinian minors and with Israeli and Palestinian death of the Palestinian prisoner. A recent report by UNICEF found that Palestinian children officials and lawyers. OIC condemns Qur’an desecration, storming Al-Aqsa detained by the Israeli military are subject to widespread, The OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu strongly systematic ill-treatment that violates international law. condemned the Israeli occupation forces storming on 3 March The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) estimated of the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard, attack against women that 700 Palestinian children aged 12 to 17, most of them boys, are arrested, interrogated and detained by the Israeli attending study circles in the courtyard, and the brazen violation military, police and security agents every year in the occupied of a copy of the Holy Qur’an by an occupation policeman, in West Bank. According to the report, most of the youths are a clear provocation against Muslims sensibilities. It is also arrested for throwing stones. Israel says it takes such incidents a flagrant violation of international resolutions and charters. seriously, noting that rock-throwing has caused Israeli deaths. Ihsanoglu also strongly condemned Avigdor Lieberman’s UNICEF said it had identified some examples of practices forceful entry into, and desecration of, the Holy Ibrahimi that “amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or Mosque in the city of Hebron on 14 January, in a wanton punishment according to the Convention on the Rights of the provocative step that forms an aggression against the Islamic sanctuaries. Child and the Convention against Torture”. 7
“Separate and not equal” Dr. Shaher Awawdeh
Dept. of Palestine & Al-Quds, OIC
In 1892, Homer Plessy, a mixed colored American, was asked to disembark an exclusive white railroad car in Louisiana and to move to a car designated for coloreds only. Plessy ended up in a prison for his refusal to comply with the instructions of the train conductor. He pursued his case at all levels including the US Supreme Court which established the phrase “separate but equal”. This phrase became a legal doctrine to justify different segregation practices in the US. Accordingly, it was allowed for services such as transportation, education and public accommodation to be separated by race and color, conditional on securing the equality of each group’s public facilities quality. While separation was maintained for decades, equality was not guaranteed. However, in 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American civil rights activist, showed extraordinary courage when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, the fact that eventually resulted a year later in ending segregation in public transportation. In February 2013, US president Barack Obama honored Rosa Parks with a proclamation marking the 100th anniversary of her birth. Ironically, the same week, Israel started operating segregated bus lines for Palestinians only. This move was designed to please Israeli settlers, illegally residing in the West Bank, who do not feel comfortable sharing busses with Palestinians. Bussing the Palestinians in segregated vehicles, interestingly enough comes as a natural culmination of growing ideological extremism that have swept the Israeli society. A report issued in 2012 by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) indicated that racial prejudice could be found in almost every aspect of Israeli life. The (CERD) document echoed the 2009 US State Department International Religious Freedom Report, which noted that Israel’s policies in East Jerusalem are designed to “diminish the non-Jewish population”. A recent poll conducted in October 2012 by an Israeli NGO confirmed the findings of the (CERD) report and noticed that most of Israelis support discriminations against Palestinians. The horrible findings include that 69% of Israelis advocate preference of Jews over Palestinians in jobs. The poll also found that 74% of them favour segregated roads. Likewise, more than two-thirds of the respondents opposed voting rights for the Palestinians living in the West Bank. The poll’s awful results show that 42% of respondents did not like to have Palestinian neighbors or have their children in the same class with Palestinian kids. In 2011, the Israeli newspaper, Yedioth Ahronot reported that “civic teachers around the country were complaining of rampant, virulent 8
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anti-Arab racism amongst Jewish students”. How can a society tolerate, let alone promote, this amount of racism? The widespread of racism means that the sense of right and wrong of that society is compromised. We should remember that problems in the collective conscience of societies begin with a small crack. When such a crack starts zigzagging in all directions, it becomes uncontrollable. Hence, quick fixes do not work in these cases. Racial discrimination against Palestinians is a given fact that exists and explicitly manifests itself in government policies. It finds roots in the Israeli education, culture, legislations and, more interestingly, receives the blessings of the rabbinical establishment. At the level of education, Nurit Peled-Elhanan, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, asserted that the Israeli public education incites hatred amongst schoolchildren whose “minds are infected by parents, teachers and leaders, who convince them that the others are not as human as we are, and therefore killing them is not a crime”. When chauvinistic discourse prevails, hatred ideologues become front-runners in elections race. This should be enough to explain why the Israeli Knesset, which is overwhelmingly dominated by right-wingers, is probably the only parliament where racist laws pass easily with remarkably slim opposition. It is worth noting that in 2010 the Knesset passed more than 30 laws that discriminate against Palestinians. For example, the Knesset approved a bill allowing Israeli towns to reject residents who do not suit “the community’s fundamental outlook”, which allows Jewish towns to keep non-Jews out. Likewise, the Israeli religious leadership is by no mean less extreme than the country’s parliament. When it comes to racism in Israel, religious decrees go hand in glove with the Knesset legislations. For example, in November 2010, the chief rabbi of Safed, Shmuel Eliyahu, issued a ruling banning Jews from leasing houses to Arabs. Dozens of municipal chief rabbis, who are on the government payroll, signed a document in support of Eliyahu’s decree. What’s more, a group called Lehava representing the wives of 27 prominent rabbis, including the daughter of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the spiritual leader of the ultra-Orthodox party Shas, signed an open letter calling on Jewish women not to date or work with Arabs. In such an atmosphere of hatred and racism, policies of the most right-wing government can never be less racist. Split bussing is just one facet of a wide range of discriminatory practices that once in a blue moon make headlines in the Israeli media. Whilst the case of Homer Plessy prompted the American legal system to coin the term “separate but equal”, and the courage of Rosa Parks lead to abolishing segregation several decades ago, it takes more than one Palestinian Homer Plessy to change the current status “separate and not equal”. By the same token, it will take more than one Palestinian Rosa Parks to abolish the Israeli apartheid. It takes the international community to utilize a variety of pressure tools to make Israel end its apartheid system. We should remember that only international pressure that made old South Africa under Frederik de Klerk to end its racial segregation policies and to transform into a multi-racial democracy. This will also require adequate courage by the Israeli society to do an urgent surgery to its collective conscience. It is only then that an Israeli Frederik de Klerk might appear and steer a different course.
The Twelfth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference Preparatory meetings lay down the agenda OIC Assistant Secretary General Amb. Alim (c ) at the opening of the preparatory meetings
Preparatory meetings for the Twelfth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference began on February 2, 2013 in Cairo with the holding of the Senior Officials meeting ahead of the Foreign Ministers meeting and the Summit of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Following the opening statement of the Ambassador of Senegal in Riyadh, representing the Chairman of the Eleventh Session of the Islamic Summit, the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Political Affairs Ambassador Abdullah
At Foreign Ministers meeting, Ihsanoglu calls for clear strategy on Al-Quds and warns against extremism
Senior OIC officials at the preparatory meetings
Alim, on behalf of the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, welcomed the participants and congratulated Egypt’s Government and people on the occasion of the second anniversary of the January 25 revolution. Amb. Alim added, “we look forward today with great appreciation to the Chairmanship of Egypt, which the Muslim world has high expectations of towards more active joint Islamic solidarity.”
Opening of the Foreign Ministers meeting: seated (L-R) OIC Secretary General, Foreign Minister of Senegal, Foreign Minister of Egypt
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu warned against the growing phenomenon of extremism and violence in a wide region of the Muslim world. In his statement at the opening session of the Foreign Ministers meeting in Cairo on February 4, 2013, Ihsanoglu called the Member States to work side by side to eradicate extremism, reminding them of the Ten-Year Program of Action adopted at the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit in Makkah in 2005, which called for moderation. The Secretary General pointed out that the OIC has become an active partner in international fora and an important player on Islamic issues, stressing that the OIC’s activities could progress more if it gets greater support
from the Member States. He also stressed that the OIC’s achievements prove that it is now standing on solid ground and has become indispensable. Ihsanoglu said this Summit was being held at a critical time for the Muslim world and stressed on the importance of Islamic solidarity underlined in the Ten-Year Program of Action and the OIC charter. He pointed to the challenges facing the Muslim world, at the forefront of which the Palestinian issue, and in this regard called for adopting a clear strategy on defending Al-Quds. On the other hand, Ihsanoglu reiterated the OIC’s solidarity with Mali, expressing his support to its efforts in preserving its sovereignty on all its territory and reiterated his support to the African-led forces. 9
SPECIAL REPORT: 12th ISLAMIC SUMMIT
Egypt hosts 12th Islamic Summit Conference
The Muslim world: New challenges and expanding opportunities
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he Arab Republic of Egypt hosted the 12th Islamic Summit Conference on February 6 -7, 2013 with the participation of around 26 heads of state under the theme “The Muslim world: New challenges and expanding opportunities�. HE Dr. Mohamed Morsy, as Chair of the Islamic Summit for the next three years taking over from Senegal, opened the conference with a speech addressing a wide range of critical issues facing the Muslim Ummah including political uncertainty and turmoil, economic backwardness, and the rising tide of Islamophobia, and called for a united, strong position to overcome them. The Summit issued a resolution on Palestine and Al-Quds, being the central issue of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Muslim world at large, and held a special session on the problem of Israeli settlements. It also issued a declaration on
Mali, which is facing exceptional challenges to its security, sovereignty and people. The Final Communiqué of the Summit, called the “Cairo Declaration”, addressed serious situations in some member states, particularly the tragedy in Syria, as well as the oppressive conditions endured by Muslim communities in some countries such as Myanmar. In addition to the political issues, the Summit did not overlook the important issue of socioeconomic development, which triggered many of the recent upheavals in the Arab and Muslim world. It also approached fundamental issues including human rights in the Muslim world, terrorism, science and technology, education, climate change and humanitarian crises. The opening statement of the OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu pointed out to many of the achievements made with regards to addressing these challenges during the past eight years since he took office in 2005. These achievements include adopting a new Charter and changing the name and logo of the OIC to reflect its new status; establishing the Independent Permanent
Human Rights Commission; establishing a specialized organization for women development; unanimous adoption of OIC-initiated Resolution 16/ 18 at the UN Human Rights Council on combating discrimination and stereotyping based on religion; creating a department for humanitarian affairs and another for family affairs in the OIC; fostering a strong Islamic voting bloc in the UN and strong international relations; forming a unit for peace, security and mediation in the OIC; the entering into force of the Trade Preferential System; the quadrupling of the average spending of OIC Member States on R&D and establishing the Science, Technology and Innovation Organization. The sidelines of the Summit witnessed two events related to these achievements: the signing by more member states of the statute of the Women Development Organization, which will be headquartered in Cairo, and the launch of two country reports – Egypt’s and Malaysia’s – as part of the Atlas of Islamic World Science and Innovation project. 11
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Our resources and capacities do not match our current realities
Morsy: Egypt will exert utmost effort to support joint Islamic collaboration The President of Egypt HE Mohamed Morsy painted a bleak picture of the current conditions and challenges facing the Muslim world in his opening statement of the 12th Islamic Summit Conference in Cairo on 6 February 2013, but promised that he will exert the utmost effort during Egypt’s chairmanship of the Summit to support joint Islamic collaboration and action and to improve the level of coordination among OIC bodies and organs. He called for establishing a conflict resolution mechanism to deal with crises in the member states. The Egyptian President began his speech by welcoming the heads of delegations and expressing the pride of Egyptians and his appreciation of the fact that Egypt is hosting the OIC Summit for the first time. This is while Egyptians are building a post-revolution better future on the basis of equity, freedom, dignity and democracy and also
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maintain strong connections for coordination, collaboration and integration with the Arab, Islamic and African contexts. Referring to the theme of the Summit, “The Islamic World: New Challenges and Expanding Opportunities”, Morsy stated that the resources and latent capacities of our nations do not match the current realities, which illustrates the seriousness of the duties to be borne. Briefly describing these realities he said that our nations combined account for one-sixth of the lands, in our countries reside almost one-fourth of the earth’s population, we own half of the world’s reserves of oil and gas, our nations teem with natural resources and riches, and we are abundant with budding youth representing half of the Muslim Ummah. Yet, he continued, economically we contribute a very modest share to the world’s GDP and a humbler share to scientific research and innovation, the average number of people enrolled in the various stages of education is much lower than the averages worldwide, the percentage of those below poverty line increased to 38% in 2011, and 21 member countries are among the least developed countries worldwide. And politically, the hotspots of conflict and tension are on the rise in our Islamic world aggravated by the continuous unjust representation of Muslim nations in international governance organizations and the adoption of double standard policies on issues of interests to Muslims. Nevertheless, Morsy recognized that the OIC exerted and continuous to exert much effort in all areas to overcome such difficulties and achieve progress and prosperity for the peoples and cooperation among the member states in economic field, commercial, scientific, technological, cultural and media as well as in the fields of agriculture, health, tourism, labor, transportation and environment. However, more action is still needed, he stressed. The Egyptian President then pointed to the major issues posing a threat to the future of the Muslim world and the problems facing some states and regions. These are: the deficiencies in the educational areas and religious culture, which led at times to extremism and violence; the negative image of Islam and Muslim societies; Muslim communities in several countries suffering from Islamophobia and discrimination, and he appreciated what the OIC has done in addressing this issue and called on world countries and international institutions to take measures and issue the requisite legislations to deal with cases of hate, discrimination and violence against individuals because of their ethnicity or belief; fostering and activating
dialogue and understanding between the Muslim world and other countries; sectarian and denominational seditions, and he commended the decision at the Fourth Extraordinary Summit in Makkah to establish a center for dialogue among Islamic schools of thought in Riyadh; and finally, the harsh economic or humanitarian situations in some member states as a result of structural flaws or natural disasters, which requires considering means for developing a relief system and restructuring the OIC relief funds as well as developing early warning mechanisms and establishing a coordination mechanism among relief agencies and NGOs within the member states. Politically, there are many challenges, said Morsy, at the top of which and in the heart of each one is the Palestinian cause. “This is our central issue and the sublime goal of our organization, established after the burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969, with the main objective of supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people, restoring their legitimate rights and founding a sovereign state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.” He said that Egypt is firmly and unequivocally committed to supporting the Palestinian people and their just cause and the besieged people in Gaza to stop the oppressive attack on them. He congratulated the Palestinians on the success achieved in obtaining observer status at the UN General Assembly. “This success testifies to the fact that our solidarity suffices to help us achieve our common goals. This resolution must motivate us to pursue collaborative action to confront the intense expansion in building settlements on Palestinian lands. It is incumbent upon us to confront the international community with its responsibility to necessarily undertake specific procedures and effective steps to immediately stop illegal settlement activities without delay.” Another important issue is Syria and the humanitarian tragedy unfolding there. Morsy said that Egypt is eager to put an end to the Syrian tragedy at the soonest. “The ruling regime in Syria must learn the history lesson: Thos who do not care for the interests of the people and set their own interests higher are doomed to vanish while the peoples remain.” Morsy added that Egypt’s continued efforts began with the quartet initiative proposed at the Makkah Summit last year are based on clear foundations: preserving the integrity of Syrian territories, avoiding the risk of foreign military intervention, and keenness that any political process involves representation of the broad spectrum of the Syrian people without exclusion based on ethnicity, religion or sect. In this context, he called upon all OIC member states to support these efforts and the important steps taken by the Syrians to unify their ranks and establish the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, which has become headquartered in Cairo. He also called upon all opposition forces that have not yet joined the coalition to coordinate and work on concerted efforts to produce a unified comprehensive vision for the democratization of a new Syria. He urged the Syrian opposition to take the necessary steps to be ready to bear political responsibility on all levels. The President also highlighted the human conditions in Syria where more than a million and a half Syrians so far are displaced and live under difficult circumstances and hundreds of thousands others have sought refuge in neighboring countries. He expressed gratitude to these neighboring countries and
called upon everyone and all competent organizations to offer all possible support to these countries and thanked those actively involved in this regard. The escalation of events in Mali is also of deep concern, said President Morsy. He reiterated Egypt’s support of the unity of the Malian lands and the safety of the people and cultural heritage. Thus, he called for dealing with the situation – and with similar cases – from a comprehensive perspective, addressing the diverse dimensions of the crisis. Meaning, the underlying causes at the political level, developmental and security while taking into account human rights of citizens. Regarding Somalia, on the other hand, with the end of the transition period and the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Morsy called for supporting reconstruction efforts and promoting development and service activities by building state institutions and human capacity. As for the sectarian violence against the Muslims of Rakhine State in Myanmar, Morsy said that with the increasing number of those killed, injured and dispossessed there is a need for a swift international response to protect Rohingya Muslims, preclude any discrimination against them and secure their full access to their legal rights as full citizens in Myanmar. He called on the government of Myanmar to take responsibility for the deteriorating conditions in Rakhine State and on the UN and the international community to adopt one standard emphasizing respect and safeguarding the rights of Muslims in Myanmar when addressing human rights issues. Within the framework of confronting political crises in the member states, the challenges of external intervention and the imbalance of justice in the international mechanisms, Morsy called for agreeing to establish self-managed and effective conflict resolution mechanism through peaceful means to deal with crises facing the Muslim countries. Such mechanism, he said, shall achieve our interests, protect the rights of our peoples, preserve the independence of our decisions and lead to reduce direct and indirect foreign intervention in any domestic and inter-OIC issues. It shall also contribute to supporting world peace and security. Moreover, Morsy urged the member states to consolidate their efforts in the OIC to reform international institutions and establish a good governance system that has real democratic mechanisms where world countries are equally represented and contribute to the achievement of world peace and security. On a different note, Morsy praised OIC’s efforts towards promoting the role of women on all levels, and called on the member states to expedite signing and ratifying the statutes of the Women Development Organization, which Egypt is hosting the headquarters of, in order for it begin its work of developing plans, programs and projects for developing women and building their capacity. He also called on the member states to promote inter-OIC youth communication in all scientific, academic, cultural, technical and other areas through organizing youth events and activities periodically, especially on the sidelines of the Islamic Summit, and through expanding the activities of the OIC Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation. In conclusion, the Egyptian President expressed his deepest appreciation to the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for his dedication and achievements during his two terms in office. 13
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The Secretary General presents a more active, diverse OIC
Ihsanoglu: This moment calls upon us to hold fast to the principles of justice and good governance
At the start of his speech the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) thanked the Egyptian people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and congratulated them on the second anniversary of the glorious revolution of 25 January. He extended his thanks and appreciation to the Egyptian President and Government for hosting the Islamic Summit Conference for the first time in Egypt’s history. Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for taking the initiative to convene two extraordinary summits, to the President of Senegal for chairing the 11th Islamic Summit and to the President of Turkey for chairing the first economic summit in the history of OIC; all five summits held during the nine years of his term as
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secretary general since 2005. The Secretary General alerted that this is a turning point in the history of the Ummah in which peoples are going through radical changes to break away from the state of stagnation and backwardness and to put an end to an age of tyranny and corruption. “This moment calls upon us all to hold fast to the principles of justice and good governance and not to pursue blindly personal whims and momentary considerations,” said Ihsanoglu. “This is a moment of self-denial in which the supreme interests should take precedence over any other consideration in order to achieve stability,” he stressed. The spark of protests that were ignited in Tunis and soon spread to Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria were inevitable, said the Secretary General. These protests have unleashed
potentials and paved the way for internal reform with a view to renewing the political and socio-economic institutions. They have also opened new horizons for peoples and nations to engage more positively with the current globalized world. “The Muslim world, or parts of it, could not remain outside the context of the current age or to remain on the wrong side of history lagging behind the other nations,” urged Ihsanoglu. A new OIC: The Secretary general went on to introduce to the leaders of the OIC Member States, after years of uninterrupted collective action, the new Organization of Islamic Cooperation, standing on unshakeable foundations; an organization that is more capable of rising up to its peoples’ aspirations, and that has become an active and indispensable player in international affairs, which raises expectations from the Organization in parallel with its successes and adds to its responsibilities. “I say sincerely that, in eight years only, the OIC has been able to put a small part of its capabilities to use and to display some of its potentials through direct engagement in decisive issues and through voicing the concerns of the Ummah. In so doing, it has come to occupy its natural position as the second largest international organization in the world and to become a center for engagement and communication between the East and the West,” boasted Ihsanoglu. This is the vision that was developed in 2005 at the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Makkah Al Mukarramah upon the kind initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, acknowledged the Secretary General. King Abdullah in that historical moment had sensed the Muslim Ummah’s need for broader horizons. The Summit initiated the Ten-Year Program of Action, which has become the roadmap that guides the OIC. “We have laid solid foundations manifested in the new Charter, which is inspired by the logic and language of the current age with the purpose of preserving the noble Islamic values, serving as a basis for more development and a mirror reflecting the moderate, modern and contemporary discourse that enables the OIC to be the voice of the Muslim world in international fora,” said Ihsanoglu. In its new capacity the OIC did not limit itself to its intergovernmental character, according to Ihsanoglu, rather, it has expanded the scope of its actions in order to be more relevant for the Muslim peoples by establishing the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, which represents a landmark development. The OIC also achieved a paradigm shift in the empowerment of women in the Muslim world, asserted Ihsanoglu. Four ministerial conferences were organized in this regard, and a special organization for women advancement was established in Cairo. As a worthy partner and key negotiator, pointed out the Secretary General, the OIC ended years of scattered efforts to eradicate Islamophobia by initiating result-oriented
dialogue with the West for the first time. With the adoption of Resolution 16/ 18, which condemns discriminatory practices against Muslims based on their religion and beliefs, and which was based on the eight points he proposed to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the OIC has come to a defining moment in its search for radical solutions to hatred based on religion and belief. The OIC has gained recognition from Western States concerning the need for action to solve the problem through a series of meetings that have come to be known as the Istanbul Process. And in a time when the Islamic World regrettably is becoming most vulnerable to natural and humanitarian disasters, the OIC was prompted to establish the Department of Humanitarian Affairs (ICHAD), which constituted a vital arm to extend a helping hand to crisis-hit areas, said the Secretary General. In this endeavor, the OIC has achieved many successes and demonstrated the necessity of this initiative. “Our goal was to advance the OIC from a mere observer role to that of a player on the scene,” stressed Ihsanoglu. “The Organization has also managed to intensify its activities, expand its work areas and diversify its programs. Therefore, it is no longer latent or absent, and its discourse is no longer confined to reaction, but has moved to being an instigator,” he added. The Organization has advanced to making events and taking the lead, demonstrating perseverance and continuing long-term efforts to address the problems of the Islamic. “It is not my achievement, but rather your confidence in me, through which you have given me the opportunity to prove to you that the Organization can change for the better and promote its image in the world,” verified the Secretary General. Through this support the OIC developed a strong and unified position for its States, making the Islamic Group a voting bloc to be reckoned with in the United Nations, and other international fora, he acknowledged. It has been able to build a network of strong international relations in a few years, and become an integral part of the solutions proposed for various hot-button issues. These successes offered an opportunity to make use of the OIC’s potential in resolving problems, so the OIC established a unit for peace, security and mediation.
The Secretary General calls for holding a donors’ conference for Al-Quds and for the establishment of an Islamic financial safety net to help Palestinians
Places of conflict: Addressing specific places of conflict, starting with the Palestinian issue the Secretary General said it has recently seen a landmark development, with the United Nations’ recognition of the State of Palestine and the upgrading of its status to a non-member observer state. “This achievement would not have been possible without our determination, strong will, good coordination and joint efforts,” he said. Consistent with its duty the OIC endeavors to exert sustained efforts to expand international recognition of Palestine as an independent state within the 4 May1967 borders. He thank the member states 15
SPECIAL REPORT: 12th ISLAMIC SUMMIT that voted in favor of the State of Palestine, and called on those that chose to abstain to review their positions and adopt a stand in support of the crucial causes of the OIC in different international fora, particularly the Palestinian cause. In light of growing Israeli violations, the Secretary General called for holding a donors’ conference for the city of AlQuds based on the Strategic Plan for the Development of Vital Sectors in the City. He also called for the establishment of an Islamic financial safety net to meet the major needs of the Palestinian people following Israel’s escalation of its measures to withhold Palestinian tax money. He also insisted on the need to work for lifting the blockade on the Gaza Strip and to start immediate reconstruction of the devastation caused by the Israeli aggression. In Syria, the Secretary General said that the situation has reached a tragic level beyond all limits with the continuation of killings and bloodshed, which creates extremely difficult humanitarian conditions for the Syrian refugees and for the neighboring states hosting them. He called on the international community, and more particularly the Security Council, to assume its responsibility in providing international peace and security and find a peaceful solution to the crisis. “We seize this opportunity to express the disappointment of the Islamic Ummah over its inaction,” he added. Regarding Afghanistan, he expressed OIC’s support of the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan under an Afghan leadership and with international and regional cooperation. As for the Sudan, he reiterated OIC’s solidarity with it for the preservation of its territorial integrity, security and stability; welcomed the recent agreements concluded with the state of Southern Sudan and called for continued dialogue; and supported the efforts geared towards the implementation of the Doha Agreement for Peace in Darfur and renewed demand for the unilateral economic sanctions against Sudan to be lifted and for its debts to be waived. With regards the situation in Iraq, Ihsanoglu called on everyone to embrace an all-inclusive and serious dialogue towards reconciliation, and once again placed the OIC in the service of this noble objective as it did in 2005. As for the situation in Mali, which is facing multiple challenges with serious regional and international implications, he announced designating Dr. Jibril Bassouli, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso and African Union’s mediator, as his own special envoy to Mali and the Sahel region to contribute to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. Somalia on the other hand is witnessing a qualitative change and unprecedented stability, said Ihsanoglu. He reflected on his visit to Mogadishu last October, a visit which was the first of its kind from an OIC Secretary General, where he witnessed for himself the positive developments underway in Somalia and the efforts of the OIC on the ground through its
office in Mogadishu. He renewed his previous call for member states to provide full support and assistance to the political process in Somalia and the reconstruction. The Secretary General also mentioned other conflicts in the Islamic world where the OIC has demonstrated solidarity – Azerbaijan, Turkish Republic of Cyprus, Jammu and Kashmir, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Guinea, Yemen, Comoros Islands, Djibouti and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meanwhile, the affairs of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC member states capture a large part of the Organization’s interest and care launching various initiatives to preserve their rights. In the Philippines, the OIC urged the Government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to continue dialogue in order to resolve outstanding issues on the autonomous region, link the framework agreement signed in October 2012 with the 1967 Tripoli Agreement and to stick to the area of the autonomous region. In Myanmar, the Rohingya Muslim community is still suffering from grave violations of their human rights and international law, stressed Ihsanoglu. Accordingly, the OIC insists on the international community’s responsibility to compel the Government of Myanmar to take the measures necessary for the protection of this Muslim minority and to give it its rights in full, including the right to nationality. The OIC also called on the Government to cooperate with it on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected population and arrange promptly a visit of the delegation of the Secretary General and the foreign ministers of concerned OIC member states.
The Secretary General proposed the convening of an OIC Summit in 2013 on Science and Technology to review the agenda of the newly established OIC Science, Technology and Innovation Organization (STI)
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Economic development and S&T advancement: In the non-political issues, Ihsanoglu pointed to the progress made in the economic field where the target of attaining 20% of intra-OIC trade by 2015 is close at hand, and the targeted interventions for the fund to alleviate poverty is growing but the Secretary General invited the member states to redeem the pledges made to the capitalization of the various poverty alleviations funds. With regards to science and technology, the Secretary General referred to some statistics proving the advancements made in this field and proposed the convening of an OIC Summit in 2013 on Science and Technology to review the agenda of the newly established OIC Science, Technology and Innovation Organization (STI) and mobilize the necessary political and financial support for the promotion of STI in the Muslim world. Finally, the Secretary General reminded the Member States that the challenges facing the OIC need their profound faith in its work and their continued support and solidarity to enable it in serving the interests of the Ummah.
A period of transition marked by reform and reinvigoration USA through US President’s Special Envoy to the OIC, working towards developing institutional relations with China, the United Kingdom and France through Many world leaders visited the OIC Headquarters during this period including official bilateral Arab League Secretary General Nabil El Arabi and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits and appointing In 2005, with the adoption of the Ten-Year Program special envoys to the of Action at the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit in OIC while other western countries expressing similar interest Makkah, the Organization witnessed a paradigm shift as well – all these indicates to one thing. The world powers and actors as a conceptual change from its previous position towards want to strengthen their ties with the Muslim world and they having a complete overhaul for addressing effectively the consider the OIC as the ‘Gate to the Muslim World’. real aspirations of the Muslim world. A reform process was This also signifies the trust the international community put launched translating the concept of “solidarity” into ‘action” into the OIC as the sole official body representing the Muslim with three firm objectives in hand i.e. (1) Reform within the world. This conviction is strengthened by the list of countries OIC; (2) Reorganization of the OIC to meet the contemporary who have officially expressed their intentions to establish challenges through a process of modernization; and (3) formal relations with the OIC either through obtaining full Establishment of the OIC’s position as a major player in membership, observer status or having special envoys to the international affairs. Organizations. The aim was to incorporate the contemporary international Given its unique nature as a cross-regional organization core values in the OIC system: tolerance, human rights, and taking advantage of this specificity, the Organization fundamental freedoms, freedom of religion, justice, equality, worked and succeeded in bringing different regions together dignity, rights of women, concept of democracy based on at physical as well as diplomatic level in order to cooperate rule of law, good governance, liberalization of political and coordinate on various issues of common concern. system, accountability and transparency in order to bring Moreover, realizing the fact that most of the political the Organization to a stature that would be at par with other hotspots fall within the purview of the OIC, it took a proactive similar institutions at international level, capable of meeting stance in dealing with peace and security issues faced by the the demands of present times. Islamic world. As a strategy, regular appointment of OIC Today, under the ongoing reform process the principal Secretary General’s special representatives and envoys to mission that the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation effectively address conflict situation in its Member States assumes is to achieve modernization and moderation in the made substantive impacts. Recognition came from the United Muslim world. These two animating principles, together with Nations to the efficacy of its new strategy when the UN a number of related measures, shape the guiding concept and Secretary General stated that OIC became a strategic partner vision of the present day OIC being implemented under the to the UN in dealing with peace and security issues in the motto of ‘Solidarity in Action’. world. The essence of all these reforms and initiatives is The leaders at the Summit recognized the importance of that the OIC is now being recognized as a global actor in strengthening the OIC and recommended some mechanisms the international affairs and an agent of moderation and and steps. modernization in the Muslim World. The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Erlan Idrissov, said This is one of the biggest successes of the OIC since 2005, that there is a need for OIC to strengthen its capacity in terms image building and opening up to the International Community. of conflict prevention and mediation so that it could be better It is about establishing relations and widening the scope of its equipped to help the brotherly Muslim nations in times of receptivity of different significant international actors with need. an aim to utilize these relations to the benefit of the Muslim President of Gambia, HE Yahya Jammeh, proposed world. Member States and non-Member States alike felt a considering the establishment of an OIC Security Council to qualitative change in this new approach of the OIC. serve as a focal platform in conceptualization of strategies Furthermore, opening up the doors of the OIC to influential responding to and preventing conflicts in the Ummah. To international actors through innovative and different ensure the effectiveness of this council, he further proposed mechanisms is one of the unique and visionary steps taken in the the creation of an OIC Stand-by force for peace enforcement post 2005 period. Granting the Russian Federation the observer and peace keeping operations. He added that disputes should status on special consideration, establishing relations with the be resolved by an OIC Dispute Resolution Committee.
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In recognition of the Secretary General’s efforts
Muslim leaders praise Ihsanoglu’s dedication and achievements
President Morsy decorates Ihsanoglu with the Sash of the Nile in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Islamic Ummah
The Heads of OIC Member States, in their statements at the 12th Islamic Summit in Cairo, bestowed praise and appreciation on the Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for his efforts in serving the Ummah and achieving the objectives of the OIC especially in implementation of the TenYear Program of Action, which has become synonymous with his two terms in office. Starting with the President of Egypt HE Mohamed Morsy in his opening statement at the Summit as Chair of the 12th Session who expressed his deepest appreciation to OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for his “efforts and dedication for the achievement of OIC goals and fostering joint Islamic work.” The President added that Ihsanoglu “has been keen that OIC plays a key role internationally, making the status of the Muslim nation prominent.” President Morsy recognized the efforts exerted by the OIC during the past eight years under the leadership of Ihsanoglu in overcoming the challenges faced by the Muslim world and
achieving progress and prosperity for the people, particularly in the areas of economy, science and technology and culture. He pointed out to specific successes including the increase in intra-OIC trade to 17.8% thus approaching the targeted 20% by 2015 according to the Ten-Year Program of Action, and the efforts towards the promotion of the role of women by establishing the Women’s Development Organization headquartered in Egypt. Other leaders joined in praising the efforts of the Secretary General. Afghan President Hamid Karzai recognized the OIC Secretary General’s hard work and that of the OIC Secretariat towards advancing the interests of the Ummah with international and regional organizations, and building awareness of Islam as a religion of moderation, tolerance,
President of Egypt Mohamed Morsy expressed his deepest appreciation to OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for his efforts and dedication for the achievement of OIC goals and fostering joint Islamic work. 18
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WORLD AFFAIRS and coexistence. The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam thanked the Secretary General and members of his staff for their tireless efforts in promoting the cause of the Islamic Ummah. The President of
for his uniting efforts for raising the profile of the OIC and supporting members’ cooperation along newer dimensions. The Foreign Minister
The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah thanked the Secretary General and members of his staff for their tireless efforts in promoting the cause of the Islamic Ummah. Nigeria recognized OIC’s efforts and commitment to resolve conflicts in Africa. He stated that the OIC Contact Group on Mali is a testimony of OIC commitment and indicates that OIC will remain a valued partner with Africa in the search for sustainable stability, peace and development in that country as well as in the Sahel in general. The President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also commended the efforts of the Organization, stating that with the wise leadership of Prof.Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in opening the OIC office in Somalia was timely and helped Somalia recover from drought and famine, extended humanitarian relief to thousands of needy citizens, raised hope and put
of Guyana, on the other hand, expressed her country’s gratitude to OIC Secretary General for his astute leadership and the valuable contributions he has made to the OIC during his tenure. The Vice President of Libya’s General National Conference Dr. Saleh Al-Makhzoom expressed gratitude to the OIC Secretary General and General Secretariat for standing beside the Libyan people and their glorious revolution. He said that the Libyan people greatly appreciate the political and humanitarian support provided by the OIC from the first moment of the revolution, which will make Libya the best supporter to OIC’s resolutions in the service of the Muslim world.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai recognized the OIC Secretary General’s hard work and that of the OIC Secretariat towards advancing the interests of the Ummah with international and regional organizations, and building awareness of Islam as a religion of moderation, tolerance, and coexistence. the country in to the right path for economic recovery. “In this regard, let me wholeheartedly repeat our vote of confidence to the OIC.” The President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Dr. Dervis Eroglu also expressed gratitude and appreciation to the OIC Secretary General and the Member States for their incessant efforts towards the cause of Islam throughout the world, and for their support for the just cause of the Muslim Turkish Cypriot people. He reiterated his gratitude to OIC Secretary General for the exemplary leadership role he has played in guiding the OIC. The President of Yemen Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi thanked the Secretary General and the staff at the General Secretariat for their effort and work, which placed the OIC in high esteem and welcomed in international fora. The President of Comoros Union also reiterated this point. The Prime Minister of Iraq Nuri Al-Malki expressed Iraq’s appreciation of the efforts by the OIC and its Secretary General in initiating and issuing HRC Resolution 16 /18 for combating religious intolerance and the eight points proposed by the Secretary General on how to do that. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Dipu Moni expressed her deep appreciation to the Secretary General
The UN Secretary General bank Ki-moon in his message said that he is encouraged that cooperation between the two organizations has significantly increased in the socioeconomic and political fields, particularly in the area of conflict prevention and resolution. He thanked the OIC and its members for their contribution in addressing some long-standing issues, namely Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and Iraq. Some heads of delegation in the Summit praised the Secretary General for his leadership and efforts in reforming the OIC General Secretariat, restructuring it and boosting its capacity including the President of Tunis, the President of Gambia, the Foreign Minister of Bahrain and the Chair of the National Council of Oman. Other leaders praised the Secretary General and the General Secretariat for the high-level preparation and organization of the Summit and making it’s a success including the Emir of Kuwait, the Emir of Qatar, the President of Palestine, the President of Sudan, the Minister of Social Affairs of Mozambique, the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan and the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan.
The President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Dr. Dervis Eroglu expressed gratitude and appreciation to the OIC Secretary General and the Member States for their incessant efforts towards the cause of Islam throughout the world, and for their support for the just cause of the Muslim Turkish Cypriot people. 19
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Called for establishing an Islamic Financial Safety Net to assist Palestinians Cairo Summit calls for holding a donor conference for Al-Quds
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas
The Cairo Summit adopted a bundle of resolutions concerning the Palestinian issue, the most significant of which is the call to hold a donor conference for the benefit of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and the establishment of an Islamic Financial Safety Net to assist Palestine, and it mandated the OIC General Secretariat to take practical measures to follow up its implementation. The Summit reaffirmed the centrality of the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif for the whole Muslim Ummah, and emphasized the Arab and Islamic character of Occupied East Jerusalem and the need to defend the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy places. It reiterated its strong condemnation of Israel, the occupying power, for its continued aggression against Islamic and Christian holy places in and around Al-Quds Al-Sharif, for its destruction and occupation of Palestinian homes in the City of Al-Quds, particularly in the Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah districts, and for all its illegal colonial practices, settlement and wall construction and other measures in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the City of Al-Quds, which are aimed at changing its legal status, demographic composition, Arab and Islamic character and geographic nature. On the other hand, the Summit welcomed the decision by the General Assembly to grant to Palestine nonmember observer State status in the United Nations. It reiterated its call on Member States to support the efforts to expand international recognition for the State of Palestine on the basis of the 4th of June 1967 borders, and stressed that the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif is the primary issue on which Member States must adopt a unified stand at the international for a. It requested OIC institutions to adopt appropriate measures to ensure support to resolutions submitted by the OIC on this issue. Meanwhile, the Summit reiterated the need for Member States, the Islamic Development Bank and private financial
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institutions to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in order to alleviate their suffering and to support the continued strengthening of Palestinian State institutions. It requested international institutions to abide by the agreements of Sharm El-Sheikh Conference on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and to expeditiously disburse pledged commitments for reconstruction. The Summit called on Member States, in coordination with the State of Palestine, to promptly hold a donor conference no later than April 2013, to finance the Strategic Sector Plan for the Development of the City of Al Quds adopted by the 4th Extraordinary Islamic Summit held in Makkah Al Mukarramah in August 2012. On the other hand, the Cairo Summit strongly condemned the violent attacks, harassment and terror being perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and their properties, including Islamic and Christian places of worship and agricultural lands, with the support and protection of the Israeli occupying forces, and called for the settlers to be held accountable for their crimes. The Summit condemned in its resolutions Israel’s withholding of Palestinian tax revenues and demanded their immediate release in line with agreements reached and international legal principles, stressing that this is essential for ameliorating the Palestinian financial crisis, and called on Member States to provide emergency assistance during this critical period to the Palestinian people and their leadership. The Summit also condemned the continued imprisonment of thousands of Palestinians, including children and women, and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, in Israeli jails and detention centers in harsh conditions detrimental to their health, including solitary confinement, torture, denial of access to proper medical care, denial of family visits and denial of trial in accordance with legal principles. It called for the immediate release of all prisoners and for their treatment in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The Summit reiterated its calls on the international community to put pressure on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza Strip and ensure free movement of goods and persons to and fro. It called on the international community, including the Security Council, to act forthwith to compel Israel to implement the relevant resolutions on the cause of Palestine, to respect the agreements signed with the Palestine Liberation Organization and implement fully the Quartet Roadmap with a view to ending the occupation of Palestinian Territory that began in 1967. The President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas in his statement at the Summit thanked each and every one for their support by voting in favor of Palestine at the UN General Assembly,
All the heads of delegations who spoke at the Summit leading to obtaining international recognition and raising the status of the State of Palestine to that of an observer state at expressed their commitment and solidarity with the the United Nations. Palestinian cause as a top priority, and the resolutions adopted “This widespread international support would boost the had reflected their common views on the issue. legal and international status of the Palestinian issue and, However, some speakers had specific points. The henceforth, prevent the Israeli occupation government from President of Indonesia Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for claiming that the land of the Palestinian State is a “disputed example suggested a number of steps to be taken regarding land” because, according to international law, it has now the Palestinian Case. In the diplomatic domain, he called become a state under occupation since 1967, and covers the for enhancing global consensus against illegal settlement West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip,” activities to prevent further expansion of Israeli settlements said Abbas. such as calling on the UN Security Council to take action, He expressed appreciation to the Human Rights Council, initiating an emergency UN General Assembly session and a which re-affirmed the illegality of settlement and requested special session at the UN Human Rights Council. In the legal Israel to end its settlement presence on the territories of the domain, the President suggested exploring the possibility of State of Palestine to which article 49 of the Fourth Geneva referring the matter to the appropriate international legal Convention is applicable. body. And in the economic field, he said that the OIC needs With regards the violations and attacks, he said, “All that to ensure that the Israeli authorities do not financially and is happening in the Holy City, in Al-Aqsa and our cities, villages and all our tents in the West Bank and the blockade of economically benefit from their illegal settlement activities Gaza require the Islamic Ummah to stand firm, take an open and that the State of Palestine is not financially disadvantaged. stand and urge the great powers to put pressure on Israel and OIC Member States must deplore Israel’s decision to withhold indeed compel it to stop its occupation and hostile policies Palestine’s tax revenue amounting to $100 million per month, against our land and our people, to end its occupation and to which has deprived ordinary Palestinians of urgent and vital proceed to the Security Council to assume its responsibility social public services. Hence, the OIC should consider regarding this plight which has continued for more than 65 appropriate means of making up for the financial shortfall, and years.” he welcomed the planned setting up of the Islamic Financial “With your support and brotherly solidarity, we can also safety net to assist Palestine and Pledged Indonesia’s funding overcome the dangerous financial and economic difficulties support. He pointed to Indonesia’s efforts in helping the facing us following the blockade and Israel’s seizure of our State of Palestine build its capacity for effective governance money, imposition of restrictions on our economy, control through a capacity building program. of our natural resources and surface water and preventing The President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmedinijad focused his us from exploiting and investing more than half of our land statement exclusively on the Palestinian issue. He suggested area,” appealed Abbas.. adopting several approaches congruently for the Palestinians On Al-Quds, he said it is of utmost importance to support to gain their rights: legally, continuing the popular resistance, the City of Al Quds Al Shareef, especially to implement the strategic plan to develop critical sectors as adopted by the 4th unity among the Palestinians, and supporting the Palestinian Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah unity. The Prime Minister of Jordan in his statement to the Summit Al Mukarramah in August 2012. He also called on the OIC Jordan being responsible for protecting the sanctities of East General Secretariat and the Islamic Development Bank to Jerusalem and supporting Jerusalemites - warned of what is put in place mechanisms to mobilize necessary resources to happening in East Jerusalem as a result of one-sided fevered implement the said development plan. Israeli policies targeting the sanctities of Al-Quds and called Meanwhile, Abbas pointed out that he is also working with all sincerity to come out of the state of division and achieve on the member states to adopt a united and effective approach Palestinian national reconciliation. to confront these violations. Al Aqsa Mosque
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Expressed its support for the quartet initiative, called for serious dialogue
T
Cairo Summit underlines Syrian Government’s responsibility for the continued violence
he Cairo Summit underlined the Syrian Government’s primary responsibility for the continued violence and destruction of property. The Summit expressed in its Final Communiqué grave concern over the deteriorating situation and the increasing frequency of killings, which claim the lives of thousands of unarmed civilians, and the perpetration of massacres in towns and villages by the Syrian authorities. The OIC Member States called for immediate cessation of violence, killings and destruction, for the respect of Islamic values, human rights, and for saving Syria from the danger of an all-out civil war, including its dangerous consequences on the Syrian people, on the region, and on international peace and security. The Summit urged the Syrian regime to show wisdom, and call for a serious dialogue to take place between the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution, Opposition Forces and representatives of the Syrian Government committed to political transformation in Syria and who have not been directly involved in any form of oppression, in order to pave the way for a transition process that would lead the Syrian people to achieve their aspirations for democratic reforms and changes. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah urged the international community to shoulder its historic and moral responsibility to end the suffering of Syrian and Palestinian people. In a speech, read out on his behalf by Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, King Abdullah also called on the Muslim World to break its silence on the ongoing carnage in Syria where “the situation is worsening by the day due to heinous crimes perpetrated by the brutal regime there.” He said the UN Security Council should find a solution to the ongoing crisis in Syria and urged the OIC Member States to turn their back on the council if it fails to solve the crises in Palestine and Syria. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, stated that resolution of the crisis in Syria would come only if the current regime gives up power or is toppled along with the immediate cessation of violence. In this, he emphasized that the Security Council has a historic responsibility that it cannot overlook and has options it cannot evade to stop the blood shedding of Syrians through the use of Chapter VII of the Charter and promptly issue a binding resolution for the cease-fire, send peacekeeping forces to implement this resolution, and ensure a peaceful transition of power in Syria. The Final Communiqué appealed to the National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces to speed up the constitution of a transitional government representing all parties and factions of its people without any discrimination or exclusion, and to be ready to assume 22
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the political responsibility in full until the completion of the political change process sought. In this vein, the Final Communiqué supported the quartet initiative launched by HE Dr. Mohamed Morsy, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, at the Fourth Extraordinary Summit held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. This initiative represents, according to the Communiqué, a tangible effort to settle the crisis through a consensus that would preserve the rights and fulfill the just demands of the Syrian people, and guarantee at the same time territorial integrity of Syria, while welcoming any efforts by Member States in support of the objectives of the initiative. The Summit extended gratitude to the State of Qatar for its appreciated efforts to achieve the Doha agreement on 11 November 2012 and called on the remaining opposition to join the national coalition that was formed so that it brings together without exception all the spectrum of the Syrian opposition. It also commended the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced Syrians and the efforts deployed by the State of Kuwait to host the donors Conference on the humanitarian situation in Syria held in Kuwait on 30 January 2013 under the auspices of the United Nations. The Summit affirmed the strong commitment to secure humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people, and urged Member States to donate generously to the Syrian people in coordination with the competent international and regional bodies, including the OIC General Secretariat to implement all its humanitarian assistance activities in Syria and to coordinate also in this connection with the Support Unit of National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces. It commended the efforts of the Syrian neighboring countries Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq in hosting massive and increasing numbers of Syrian brothers and for the assistance they have already provided. It acknowledged the security, financial, socio-economic and environmental impact on these countries and called upon OIC Member States to provide more funding, resources and support in order to assist those States and enable them to continue providing humanitarian assistance and care in line with the principle of international solidarity, cooperation and burden sharing. It also commended the efforts of other Member States in hosting Syrian brothers especially Egypt and Libya. On the other hand, the Summit strongly condemned the unjustified and unlawful Israeli aggression on 30 January 2013 against sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and requested the international community to take prompt action to stop such future aggression particularly at this very delicate situation on the ground.
Special Declaration on Mali:
Calls for accelerated deployment of AFISMA, establishes OIC Contact Group The 12th Islamic Summit Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) adopted a declaration on the situation in Mali calling for the accelerated deployment of the International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) and invited the OIC Member States to provide logistical and financial support to this mission. The Summit also called upon Member States and well-known humanitarian organizations to supply the necessary humanitarian aid in order to relieve the suffering endured by millions of refugees and displaced persons in Mali and in the sub-Saharan region. The Summit leaders extended their gratitude to the countries, which have already offered contributions in the wake of the Donors’ Conference held in Addis Ababa on 29 January 2013. The Summit firmly condemned the acts of diverse terrorist groups and movements as well as the transitional organized crime and drug trafficking networks, which constitute a real threat to the security and stability of Mali and the entire region, aimed at disrupting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Mali. It commended the various prompt assistance provided by brotherly and friendly governments at the request of the
Malian authorities. The Summit also reaffirmed full solidarity with the people of Mali and its National Unity Government and reiterated firm support for the current efforts aimed at recovering the territorial integrity and re-establishment of state authority by the Republic of Mali on its entire national territory. In this regard, the Summit took note of the adoption of resolution 2085 (2012) by the UN Security Council, which sets out a global approach for resolving the ongoing multidimensional crisis in Mali and the current initiatives by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOW AS). The Summit leaders commended the Transitional National Unity Government for preparing the road map and the National Assembly for adopting it and urged for its implementation by organizing free, transparent and credible Presidential and Parliamentary elections and the adoption of a comprehensive approach taking into consideration all the dimensions of this crisis. They insisted once again on the importance of supporting the development efforts in the Sahel region in general and Mali in particular and invite
Young girls from Mali collect water on the terrain of a refugees camp near Dori, Burkina Faso. (epa)
Remains of Islamic Police Headquarters of the militant group MUJAO in Gao, Mali (epa)
member states to extend the needed support and assistance to help it achieve its objective.
Malian forces walk down a street during running battles with militants in Gao (epa)
The Summit requested all Member States to immediately provide financial and development assistance to Mali including through the possibility to establish a Special Fund on voluntary basis for the purpose to support economic development in Mali. The Summit also requested the OIC Secretary General to elaborate, in consultation with the Government of Mali, AU, ECOWAS and with bilateral and multilateral partners, a strategy for post-conflict reconstruction. The Summit decided to establish an OIC Contact Group on Mali at Ministerial level to closely monitor the development of the situation in Mali. 23
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OIC mandated to establish Trust Fund for the reconstruction of Somalia The Cairo Summit welcomed Somalia’s significant achievement in selecting the new parliament members and the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud through a transparent and democratic process, and under supervision by regional and international organizations, most notably the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It also welcomed President of Somalia the subsequent formation of a Hassan Sheikh Mohamud new government, which was able in a short period of time to improve the security situation, promote stability, restructure state institutions, particularly security and financial institutions and the judiciary. This, in addition to opening dialogues with the political forces, and reaching out to its regional neighbors and the international community, which enabled it to establish new bilateral relations with the United States, European countries, and Arab, Islamic and African countries, Japan and China, as well as with international donor organizations including the World bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and certain Arab funds. In this context, the Summit commended the visit by the Secretary General to Somalia on 8 October 2012, and urged all Member States to enhance their engagement with Somalia in order to assist the country rebuild state institutions and capacities as a way of contributing to its stabilization. The Summit also commended the role of the OIC Office of Humanitarian Affairs in Somalia for its outstanding work in assisting the Somali people during the past two years. It mandated the OIC General Secretariat and the IDB, in cooperation with the Government of Somalia, to set up the
implementation mechanisms for the decision issued by the OIC 38th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Astana, in July 2011, on the establishment of a Trust Fund for the reconstruction of Somalia. The Summit urged Member States to open embassies in Somalia to help strengthen bilateral ties between Somalia and Islamic States, and supported the request made by the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Nations to lift the arms embargo on Somalia as a step towards rebuilding the Somali forces to enable it to promote security, stability and development in the country. It also commended the efforts exerted by the Government of Somalia in the areas of dialogue and national reconciliation, and called upon the armed opposition groups to respond to the government’s call to renounce violence and resort to peaceful means to voice their goals and demands and to ultimately achieve the Somali people’s wish to appreciate security, stability, and development. Meanwhile, the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his statement to the Summit confirmed that the OIC and its members were at the forefront for the Somalia cause for the last 22 years where many have forgotten them while swimming in an ocean of chaos and civil war. “With your efforts Somalia has rejoined again the international community. Today, I am sitting among you here as the elected President of a legitimate government of a sovereign nation-state Somalia.” He outlined his vision for the future in Somalia based on addressing a Six Pillar Policy Framework – security, reconciliation, piracy, human security, governance and the economy. He reiterated his strong desire for close partnership and cooperation with the international community and particularly with the members of the OIC in addressing these issues. He invited all the member states to re-establish their diplomatic missions in Mogadishu.
Cairo Summit calls upon all factions in Bahrain to respond positively to dialogue initiative The leaders participating in the Cairo Summit valued the initiative undertaken by His Royal Majesty King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa, the Monarch of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which called for a national dialogue among all factions of the Bahrain society. The initiative aimed at fulfilling the requirements of modernization, achieving continued reform, realizing the aspiration of the Bahraini people, enhancing understanding, strengthening, and reserving national security, safety and territorial integrity. They called upon all factions of the Bahraini society to respond positively to the initiative of HRM King of Bahrain, in order to resume the national dialogue aimed at reaching consensus on matters that would ensure the national interests and promote prosperity for the people of Bahrain. 24
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Foreign Minister of Bahrain Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
Member States urged to support Sudan overcome critical economic situation The OIC Member States reaffirmed their full support for the Sudan and respect for its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They welcomed the Framework Agreement, signed in Addis Ababa on 27 September President of Sudan 2012 between Omar Hassan Al Bashir H.E. Omar Hasan Ahmad Al-Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan, and H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, which addressed a number of outstanding issues between the two countries, and the latest agreement signed on 5 January 2013 in Addis Ababa. The Heads of OIC Member State expressed the hope that the Agreements would help find a final solution to all outstanding issues and develop bilateral relations between the two countries in all domains. Meanwhile, they further reiterated their support for the Sudan in its efforts to confront its economic and financial difficulties after the secession of South Sudan, and appealed to
the Member States and OIC financial institutions to contribute in providing all forms of support and assistance to the Sudan in order to enable it overcome the critical economic situation. They urged the Sudan and South Sudan to maintain good neighborliness and seek to resolve peacefully all outstanding issues between them through dialogue and negotiation. In this context, they commended the steps taken in implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement signed in Doha, Qatar. They called upon the non-signatories to the Doha agreement to join the process. They also called upon the OIC General Secretariat and Member States to follow up the implementation of the outcome of the International Donors Conference for the reconstruction and peace building in Darfur. Furthermore, they commended the initiative propose by the State of Qatar to establish Darfur Development Bank and its offer to support the efforts exerted to establish the Bank and to contribute to its capital. They also commended the initiative of the State of Kuwait for holding a donors’ conference for the reconstruction of East Sudan in Kuwait on 12- December 2010 and its contribution of US $500,000 to implement development projects in East Sudan. The President of Sudan Omar Hassan Al-Bashir in his statement to the Summit thanked the OIC Secretary General and the General Secretariat for the valuable report presented to the Summit on Sudan.
Cairo Summit calls on Member States to extend assistance to Yemeni leadership The Cairo Summit expressed full and continued support to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen, and called upon all the Member States to extend all necessary assistance to the new leadership to President of Yemen Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi consolidate peace, stability security and development in the country. The Summit commended the achievements of the initiative presented by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to resolve the crisis in Yemen and achieve the peaceful transition of power, and the efforts of the Yemeni President and the National Unity Government in implementing the GCC initiative and its timed mechanism. It welcomed the call of H.E. President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to start the
comprehensive National Dialogue Conference on 18 March 2013 and urged all relevant parties to participate positively in this Conference with a view to preserving the unity of Yemeni territory and people. It also commended the commitment by the international community to supporting security, unity, stability and development in Yemen, including the positive role played by the ‘Friends of Yemen’ initiative. It highly appreciated the efforts of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for organizing and holding two conferences for the ‘Friends of Yemen’ and donors in Riyadh to mobilize support for Yemen’s economy and achieve development in Yemen. The Yemeni President expressed appreciation in his statement to the Summit of the GCC initiative led by Saudi Arabia in ending the killing and violence. He said that all the Yemeni factions made big compromises to reach national reconciliation and pave the road for national dialogue to establish solid grounds for good governance and the state of regulations and law. He expressed confidence that the Yemeni people through dialogue will be able to build a modern state where freedoms and democracy and justice are strengthened. 25
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Member States express their rejection of postponing the Conference on the Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction
President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The OIC Member States expressed their rejection of the postponement of the Conference on the Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction that was scheduled for December 2012 as a serious breach of the decision taken by the Member State Parties to the NonProliferation Treaty. The Member States reaffirmed their continued support for the establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East, and called on Israel, as the only non-NPT party in the Middle East, to accede, unconditionally and without further delay, to the Treaty as a non-nuclear-weapon party, and to place all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive safeguards of the IAEA. To this end, they regretted the statements issued by the conveners of the 2012 Conference on the Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction, on postponing the conference scheduled to be held in December 2012 in Finland. They expressed their grave concern over the failure of Israel to declare its participation in the Conference on the Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction, continuation to undermine the convening of the Conference as well as the realization of Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Weapons of Mass
Destruction. They expressed their rejection to the postponement and their sincere belief that the pretexts announced for postponing the conference are rather unrealistic, especially in relation to the provisions stated in the 2010 Review Conference Final Document. Thus, they put on record their utmost reservations on what is being raised about the inability of the conveners to implement the mandate issued by all the NPT parties because of the “Non- Constructive” attitudes adopted by non-Party to the treaty, as well as, with regards to the non-conducive environment in the Middle East to hold the conference according to schedule. They called for the speedy convening of the conference. Meanwhile, the Member States reaffirmed the inalienable right of all states to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with the criteria fixed by the International Atomic Energy Agency and under its auspices, and the cooperation between OIC Member States in this regards. They called for supporting the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the adoption of the Universal Declaration of a Nuclear-Weapon-free World, as an important step towards the adoption of the Nuclear Weapons Convention, and welcomed the nuclear-weapon-free status of Central Asia. In this respect, they called upon nuclear weapon states to sign the Protocol on negative security guarantees to the Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Treaty. The Member States emphasized once more that nothing in the NPT shall be interpreted as affecting the inalienable right of the parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in conformity with articles I, II, III and IV of Treaty. They stressed that this right constitutes one of the fundamental objectives of the Treaty. In this connection, they confirmed that each country’s choices and decision in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be respected without jeopardizing its policies or international co-operation agreements and arrangements for peaceful uses of nuclear energy and its fuel-cycle policies.
Member States stress on abiding by OIC resolutions in voting at international fora The leaders called upon all OIC Member States to abide by previous OIC resolutions that call upon them to vote for resolutions submitted on behalf of OIC at international fora, in particular at the United Nations. They stressed that failure to vote for those resolutions and the announcement of positions different from those agreed upon is a departure from the consensus imposed by the duty of Islamic solidarity 26
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between Member States. They mandated the General Secretariat to follow up OIC Member States’ voting patterns on resolutions relating to issues of concern to the Organization at international fora and urged Member States to vote in favor of these resolutions that had been adopted by the OIC at Ministerial and Summit levels.
Urges Member States not to pay ransoms to terrorist groups The Summit condemns all forms of terrorism including State terrorism
Prime Minister of Iraq Nuri Al Malki
The Heads of State strongly condemned terrorism, including State terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomsoever and wherever, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen mutual cooperation in the fight against terrorism through evolving an appropriate definition of terrorism by consensus at the international level as well as international convention to combat terrorism. The leaders took note of the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006 and its three reviews in 2008, 2010 and 2012, and reaffirmed its status as a living document to be updated and called for the subsequent review mechanism of the strategy to take into account the root causes of terrorism and draw distinction between acts of terrorism, being unequivocally unlawful and rejected, and the legitimate struggle for the right of self-determination by the people under foreign occupation and colonial or alien domination. They recognized that a time-structured approach, envisaging short, medium, and long-term objectives, to the implementation of the strategy could best accommodate the contentious issues related to the strategy. They also called upon Member States to sign and ratify the OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, if they have not already done so. On the other hand, the Islamic leaders considered that financing of terrorism is a matter of grave concern to the international community and recognized that the payment of ransoms to terrorist groups constitutes one of the main sources of financing of terrorism. Therefore, they urged Member States not to pay ransoms and to cooperate for banning the payment of ransoms claimed by terrorist groups. Meanwhile, they expressed their deep concern over the rise of systematic State terrorism manifested, among others, by blatantly assassinating Iranian scientists and researchers and condemned such abhorrent terrorists acts. They also
strongly condemned the terrorist attack against the Gas compound in Ein Aminas, Algeria perceived not only as an aggression against Algeria and the neighboring countries, but also against the very values of Islam, particularly tolerance and dialogue. They highly valued the prompt and firm action of the Algerian authorities, which defeated the criminal objectives of the terrorist groups and saved the lives of hundreds of innocent human beings. They, furthermore, reaffirmed their full support with the Algerian people and authorities. The leaders commended the continuous efforts of all Member States in strengthening global efforts in order to effectively eliminate all forms of terrorism. In this regard, they reiterated their support to the continued efforts made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud in establishing the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, and the commencement of its activities. The Afghan President Hamid Karzai in his statement to the Summit called on all OIC Member States to not only condemn acts of terrorism, but also to take decisive and concrete action to prevent extremis and terrorism from abusing our religion and tarnishing its image. He said that to address the challenge they need not only strong political unison but also sustained effort at raising the standard in human capital and economic development. The Prime Minister of Iraq Nuri Al-Malki also sounded the alarm bells on the need to confront terrorism and extremism. He called on the OIC Member States to sign a draft code of conduct document for confronting terrorism in all its forms; working on drying up its intellectual, media and financial sources; depriving it from establishing safe havens for its operations to target lax and unstable Arab and Islamic states; and prevent terrorist organizations from taking advantage of popular movements and protests demanding democracy and freedom to divert these legitimate demands towards religious and sectarian conflicts. On his part the President of Nigeria requested all OIC Member States to align themselves with the evolving global consensus on control of the movement of conventional weapons, in order to make Africa a safer place for investment and development. UN Secretary General in his statement requested continued cooperation to combat terrorism highlighting the need to set up the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and intensify joint efforts to build the institutional capacities of States to effectively deal with terrorism.
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SPECIAL REPORT: 12th ISLAMIC SUMMIT
OIC Member States commend the Secretary General’s efforts in addressing issues of Muslim communities around the world
Ihsanoglu going over documents with Haji Murad of MILF at the Cairo Summit
The Muslim leaders reiterated their support to the Secretary General’s efforts, initiatives and good offices aimed at finding just solutions to the political, cultural and economic issues of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States. They commended the expansion of these efforts to include new countries in North America, Australia, and Europe, and the Secretary General’s continued efforts to address the issues of Muslims in Southern Philippines, Southern Thailand, Republic of Myanmar, as well as the issues of Muslims in the Balkans, the Caucasus, India, etc., in total respect of the sovereignty of the States in which these communities live. They affirmed that the current challenges require the adoption of the principles of dialogue and cooperation and the obligation to respect the culture and traditions of peoples. With regards the issue of Muslims in Southern Philippines, they urged the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to continue their efforts in order to find a solution to pending issues, consistent with the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, related to the autonomous region, revenue sharing, definition of strategic minerals and the Transitional Mechanism. Furthermore, they welcomed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed on 15 October 2012 between the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia. They urged the GPH, the MILF and the MNLF to continue their efforts in close cooperation in order to find solutions to pending issues. They also affirmed the need to relate the FAB to the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and urged the OIC Secretary General to exert his efforts with the GPH, MILF and MNLF to avoid any discrepancies between the two tracks of negotiations. As for the continuation of atrocious acts against Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar, which represents a serious violation of the international law and international human rights covenants, they urged the Government of Myanmar 28
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to take all necessary measures to protect their basic rights, including their basic right to a nationality and from all forms of discrimination in accordance with UNGA Resolution A / RES / 67 / 233. They also affirmed the responsibility of the international community to work with the Government of Myanmar to take all necessary measures to protect minorities in its territories and put an end to violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority. They also called on the Government of Myanmar to grant easy access for humanitarian aid to be channeled to the affected and the needy. The leaders welcomed the invitation extended by the Government of Myanmar to the OIC Secretary General to visit Myanmar, including the Rakhine State and urged the Government of Myanmar to facilitate this visit as soon as possible. They welcomed ASEAN Member States’ firm commitment to help resolve this issue, and the participation of the OIC and the international community to work closely with the Government of Myanmar to continue addressing this issue in support of the democratic and reform process in Myanmar. The Member States requested the OIC General Secretariat to coordinate with the authorities in Myanmar for the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Contact Group on Rohingya to visit Myanmar to assess the needs of humanitarian assistance for those affected and coordinate with the authorities in Myanmar to develop a plan for the urgent provision of this assistance. They appreciate all assistance offered by Member States to Rohingya Muslims, including the significant USD 50 million financial support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and humanitarian assistance provided by Turkey, UAE and others. On Thailand, the leaders commended the efforts of the Secretary General in following up the situation of Muslims in Southern Thailand, and were encouraged by the Government of Thailand’s continued efforts to overcome the obstacles in the implementation of the commitments included in the 2007 Joint Statement. They expressed hope that the Government of Thailand will make further constructive steps and request the Secretary General to continue the constructive dialogue with the Government of Thailand in the interest of Muslims in Southern Thailand towards the achievement of peace and stability therein. And concerning the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace and the Muslim population of the Dodecanese, the Member States expressed their support to their just cause and called on Greece to take all necessary measures to ensure the respect of the rights of Muslim community and their identity and culture, taking into account the widespread reactions of the Muslim Minority in Western Thrace against the latest regulations on the appointment of 240 Imams in Greece. They also called for refraining from taking further steps on that matter against the will of its Muslim citizens.
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Member States called upon to support OIC Human Rights Commission
eads of the OIC Member States reaffirmed that Human Rights in Islam are an integral part of the overall Islamic order and it is obligatory on all Muslim governments and organs of society to implement them in letter and in spirit within the framework of that order. In that context, they commended the progress made by the Independent Permanent Human Rights’ Commission within the short time since its establishment, welcomed the finalization of its Rules of Procedure, and called on all Member States to lend their full support to the Commission to enable it to function in accordance with the mandate as provided for in its Statute, with particular emphasis on the four priority areas identified by the Commission in the initial stage of its work, namely the Human Rights for Women, Rights of the Child, the Right to Development, and Human Rights Education. On a related note, they recognized the importance of the Tunisian initiative on creating an international constitutional court within the United Nations System as a consultative and judicial structure mandated with ensuring respect and development of the concepts of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
CFM held in Djibouti in November 2012, allowing the Commission to be fully functional. In this regard, working groups were held in Jeddah in December 2012 with a view to initiating discussions on priority areas, which included women’s and children’s issues, political and minority rights, as well as the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is being seen and acknowledged as a paradigm shift. The Secretary General hopes its work would dispel the misperceptions regarding Islam’s incompatibility with human rights. It would represent a confluence of universal rights and freedoms and Islamic values. It would catalyze a coherent and strong OIC system aimed at facilitating the full enjoyment of all human rights in the Member States.
Establishing the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission is a paradigm shift
The OIC started the process of establishing of an Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), based on the mandate of the Ten-Year Program of Action and the new OIC Charter. The statute of the Commission was adopted during the 38th CFM held in Astana in June 2011and entered into force following its adoption. The 38th CFM also elected 18 independent experts composing the Commission, which would constitute an important pillar of the ongoing process of reform at the OIC. Establishment of the Commission that was achieved in half the stipulated period, constitutes a singularly significant event in the four decades long history of OIC. It symbolizes the new OIC propelled by the vision of ‘moderation and modernization’. It is based on the collective will of Member States to mainstream the human rights dimension across the programs and activities of the OIC. It is a major focus of international attention as the first cross regional human rights mechanism owing to the nature of OIC’s membership. The Commission, having been established, held its first formal session in Jakarta in February 2012. The Commission elected a distinguished Lady from amongst the 18 Commissioners to serve as its First Chairperson. The second formal session was held in Ankara, Turkey, in August 2012, where Rules of Procedure were finalized for onward submission and adoption by the CFM. The Rules of Procedures were adopted at the 39th 29
SPECIAL REPORT: 12th ISLAMIC SUMMIT
Muslim leaders affirm the need to coordinate relief efforts
Leaders at the 12th Islamic Summit affirmed the need to coordinate the relief efforts and activities of relevant civil society institutions to improve the collective performance of the Organization and Member States, and to coordinate efforts, exchange experiences, and encourage the institutions to work through those coordination mechanisms. The leaders took note of the various initiatives of the OIC General Secretariat in the humanitarian domain to assist affected Member States, and reiterated their support for the OIC in its various humanitarian activities, despite its very limited financial resources. They urged all Member States and their philanthropic and humanitarian civil society organizations to provide the General Secretariat with all necessary means and assistance to enable it to fulfill its duties towards the needy and vulnerable populations in the face of increasing humanitarian challenges, in accordance with rules and regulations in force in each State. They mandated the Secretary General to convene an Expert Group Meeting to conclude discussions on preparing a document for the establishment of a Special Emergency Fund and present it to the next session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. Some of the speakers at the Summit voiced their support for establishing the Fund. The President of Mauritania Foreign Minister Mohamed Ould of Bangladesh Abdel Aziz Dr. Dipu Moni said, “We need to expedite the on-going process for establishment of OIC Humanitarian Emergency Response Fund.” On the other hand, the President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz urged serious consideration for establishing an Islamic organization specialized in aiding refugees to intervene in an efficient
manner to relieve their suffering and provide consultation to the countries hosting them. On a related note, the leaders welcomed the “Justice for Khojaly” international civil awareness campaign initiated in the framework of the “OIC Memorial Day Program” and aimed at disseminating of historical truth on the mass massacre of Azerbaijani civilians perpetuated by the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia in the town of Khojaly in February 1992, which constitutes the crime against humanity. They called upon Member States to support and actively participate in the events of the Campaign and exert due efforts for recognition on national and international levels of this genocidal act as a crime against humanity”.
Humanitarian Affairs Department, an active addition to the OIC The geographical area covered by the OIC Member States is highly prone to natural disasters. In addition, because of the presence of almost all the political hotspots, again, within the geographical boundary of the OIC, it is extremely vulnerable to manmade disasters as well. This fact legitimizes the frequent need and requirement for humanitarian assistance to be extended to the OIC Member States. The OIC as an Organization was not born with any specific mechanism for dealing with humanitarian situations in its Member States. Whatever actions were taken were on ad hoc basis. It was as early as January 2005, at the aftermath of Tsunami, that a concerted humanitarian effort was launched for the first time in the OIC by the Secretary General. At the same time, a need for having a concrete mechanism to deal with humanitarian disasters was felt more than ever. Keeping in line with its new mission and vision enumerated in the OIC Ten Year Program of Action and the new Charter, a process was initiated and the department of International Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs (ICHAD) was created in June 2008 by the 35th Council of Foreign Ministers. Subsequently in May 2009 the OIC adopted a document covering the strategic objectives of the OIC’s action in the humanitarian areas. What is important about this newly created mechanism is that it works as a unifying force of the efforts deployed by various government and civil society institutions of the Muslim World working in this field. As a result, the efficiency of such assistance increases manifold because of its channeling in a coordinated and target oriented manner and avoiding duplication towards its optimum utilization. This last factor related to ‘avoiding duplication’ is very important as the fact remains that our resources are limited but needs are never ending.
Nevertheless, during this short period since its establishment ICHAD had achieved many things: • Energizing humanitarian action and establishing the Alliance of OIC Humanitarian Institutions to facilitate relief operations and field intervention in natural and man-made disasters. • Reaching out to NGOs and civil society institutions in the humanitarian field through paving the way for their access to a consultative observer status subject to certain conditions. • Launching a program to sponsor 25000 orphans who lost their families as a result of the Tsunami in Banda Aceh, Republic of Indonesia, through coordination with the IDB and at a total cost of US$135 million. • Holding donor conferences for Niger, Sierra Leone, Comoros Islands, Mali, Pakistan flood-affected people and Darfur. • Relief campaign for Gaza (US$14 million). • Inaugurating an eye hospital in Gaza at a cost of US$1.5 million and establishing a logistic unit in Arish, Egypt to reach the population in Gaza. • Construction of 200 housing units in Pandang, Western Sumatra, Indonesia at a cost of US$2 million for the earthquake victims. • Setting up special funds for the refugees of Bosnia Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. • Cooperating with the UNDP and the South- South Cooperation Unit in the United Nations. OIC-UNDP Partnership Program at a cost of US$25 million to establish training, health, and educational projects in Somalia. • Field visits to assess damages in Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, Comoro Island, Gaza, Yemen, Kenya (Somali refugees), Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. • Establishment of the OIC Humanitarian and Development Office in Niamey for the implementation of the recommendations of the Doha international conference on food self-sufficiency in Niger in July 2009. • Opening of an OIC humanitarian coordination Office in Mogadishu, Somalia in March 2011. • Opening of an OIC humanitarian coordination Office in Islamabad in March 2010. • Signing of a MoU with WFP for the distribution of food for 366,000 IDPs in the Afgoy Corridor in Somalia. • Enhancing cooperation with key international humanitarian actors such as DFID, ICRC, Australian Aid Agency, OCHA, Swiss Development Agency, ICRC, Medecin Sans Frontieres, etc. • Despatching Emergency humanitarian missions to the Tunisian-Libyan borders and to the Libyan-Egyptian borders • Established an OIC Coalition from major Humanitarian actors in the OIC Member States to assist Somalia. • NGOs conferences in Libya, Islamabad, Doha and Khartoum. • Construction of houses for the floods victims in Pakistan. OIC is committed to construct 600 houses for Pakistani floods affected people. Work has already started for the construction of 225 houses.
• Extraordinary Conference in Istanbul for Somalia which received pledges for 350 million US dollars from OIC Member States.
OIC relief efforts in Somalia
Sponsorship program of orphans victims of the Tsunami in Banda Aceh
OIC’s Eye Hospital in Gaza
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s relief campaign for Palestinians
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SPECIAL REPORT: 12th ISLAMIC SUMMIT
Member States to develop unified strategy for effective measures against intolerance
Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud
Muslim leaders, meeting at the 12th Islamic Summit in Cairo, expressed their grave concern at the continued rise of attacks on Islam and Muslims and in particular the attack on the sacred image of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the burning of the Holy Qur’an and negative stereotyping and discrimination against Muslims. Furthermore, the leaders expressed their alarm at the rising trends in some national policies, laws and administrative measures that stigmatize people belonging to certain religions and beliefs, particularly Islam, under a variety of pretexts, hence impeding their freedom to express their identity, legitimizing discrimination against them and impairing their ability to observe, practice and manifest their religion freely without fear of coercion, violence or reprisal. Therefore, Member States were called on to develop a unified strategy to impress upon the international community to take effective measures against such acts of incitement of intolerance and hatred that may lead to violence and loss of lives. Member States’ Initiatives: In addition, the leaders called for developing educational curricula in such a way as to inculcate the true Islamic values of mutual understanding, tolerance, dialogue and pluralism, and for establishing bridges between the members of the Islamic Ummah to enhance unity and solidarity through the holding of symposia and conferences that would explain these values. They also called for combating extremism disguised as religion and doctrine, refraining from declaring followers of other Islamic schools of thought as disbelievers and deepening dialogue between these schools to promote moderation and tolerance. Hence, they commended the proposal by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during the 2012 Makkah Al- Mukarammah Extraordinary Summit to establish a centre for dialogue among the schools of thought to promote unity and solidarity among Muslims. The Summit also commended the efforts of His Majesty 32
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King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein in holding in Amman in 2005 an international conference to discuss the manifestations of defamation of Islam, which produced the ‘Amman Message’. It further appreciated the numerous initiatives of His Majesty on bridge-building and elimination of misconception among followers of different religions, including the initiative of the ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ endorsed by the UN General Assembly in October, according to which the first week of each February was declared the ‘Interfaith Harmony Week’. The Summit leaders also reiterated their strong support for the initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco calling for developing an international charter that defines appropriate standards and rules for exercising the right of freedom of expression and opinion, and the obligation to respect religions symbols and sanctities as well as spiritual values and beliefs. In addition, they welcomed and commended the initiatives taken by Member States, including the 10th Anniversary of the initiative of Kazakhstan Leader Nursultan Nazarbayev to conduct the ‘Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions’; and the ‘Global Movement of Moderates’ initiative by Malaysia; the ‘alliance of civilization’ initiative by Turkey. They called upon the Member States to support the request of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for United Nations to adopt a resolution condemning any state or individual or group that insults divine religions, prophets and messengers while taking preventive measures in this regard. The leaders condemned any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audiovisual or electronic media or any other means. In this regard, they commended the ‘Istanbul Process’ initiative, and urged for further progress in implementing the steps unanimously agreed in relevant United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council resolutions towards the common global goal to combat religious intolerance. Legal instruments: On the other hand, they recognized the need to further institutionalize cooperation among Member States to effectively implement the ‘Strategy on Combating Islamophobia’ adopted by the 11th Islamic Summit and the importance of expediting the implementation process of its decision on developing a legally-binding international instrument to prevent intolerance, discrimination, prejudice and hatred on the grounds of religion, and defamation of religions and to promote and ensure the respect for all religions. Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia HRH Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud strongly advocated, in the statement he read to the Summit on behalf of King Abdullah, issuing a legally-
binding international instrument to prevent defamation of Interreligious and religions and the promotion of respect for all religions. Intercultural Dialogue The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani in (KAICID) in Vienna. his statement indicated that the challenges that emanate from They also called on Muslim communities themselves are no less dangerous than OIC Member States to those coming from abroad. To meet these challenges, the participate effectively Emir suggested adopting dialogue, negotiations and other in the activities and peaceful means to prevent fueling religious racism. He also programs of the called for paying attention to human development and youth KAICID. issues and not to marginalize them in addition to continuing The Summit the dissemination of the correct concepts about Islam and commended the deepening rapprochement and peaceful coexistence with Secretary General for the other as well as promoting tolerance and recognition of engaging in dialogue diversity as a source of strength and richness. with the United Nations, The participants in the Summit took note of the legal and other international advice and conclusions of the Eminent Persons Panel, held organizations, including on 7- 8 January 2013, in Istanbul and requested the Secretary the Organization General to commission the studies recommended as a for Security and matter of priority. Furthermore, they recognized the need for Cooperation in Europe the Panel to continue its work in close coordination with (OSCE) and the the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission Council of Europe, (IPHRC) to address the malaise of Islamophobia, and political leaders requested the Commission to report in this regard to the next and civil society to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. On the other underscore the concerns hand, they called upon all States to ensure, in accordance as well as raise global with their obligations under international human rights and awareness over the humanitarian law, that religious places, sites, shrines and dangers of Islamophobia, and for his initiative in building symbols are fully respected and close working cooperation protected, and to take additional with the UN Alliance of the Summit called upon all States Civilizations. It called on the measures in cases where they are vulnerable to vandalism, to ensure, in accordance with their Member States to support desecration or destruction. this collaboration towards obligations under international Islamophobia Observatory: successful implementation human rights and humanitarian of the recommendations Expressing satisfaction of the work by the Islamophobia law, that religious places, sites, contained in the High Level Observatory in the General Group (HLG) of the Alliance shrines and symbols are fully Secretariat, the Summit leaders of Civilizations. requested the Secretary General Taking note of the recent respected and protected. to propose a mechanism for establishment of the League response to such observed of Ulemas, Preaches and incidents with full cooperation with Member States to Imams of the Sahel countries in Adrar, Algeria, the Summit make the work of the Observatory more effective. They leaders expressed their support for their role and action in also requested the Observatory to further its cooperation combating religious extremism and the dissemination of with similar organs in partner organizations. The leaders Islamic values of tolerance and dialogue. impressed upon the Office of the United Nations High Meanwhile, the leaders underlined the important role Commissioner for Human Rights to establish as a matter of of education and responsible media in the promotion priority an international observatory to monitor advocacy of of tolerance, and appreciated the efforts of the High national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement Commissioner for Human Rights to promote and include to discrimination, hostility or violence throughout the world, human rights aspects in educational programs, particularly so as to serve as an early warning mechanism to assist States the World Program for Human Rights Education proclaimed in fulfilling their obligations under International Human by the General Assembly on 10 December 2004. They called Rights Law. upon all States to promote, particularly through education, Encouraging dialogue: understanding and respect in all matters relating to freedom The Summit called on the OIC to take the lead and on of religion or belief, in an effort that involves acceptance by the Member States to contribute towards strengthening the public of, and its respect for, diversity, including with inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue and dialogue among regard to religious expression. They urged non-governmental civilizations, and welcomed the establishment of the organizations, religious leaders and institutions and the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for media to support and foster such efforts. 33
SPECIAL REPORT: 12th ISLAMIC SUMMIT
Cairo Summit stresses on drafting the covenant on the rights of women in Islam
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eaders at the Cairo Summit stressed on the significance and necessity of drafting the covenant on the rights of women in Islam, and underscored the need for taking practical steps
to that end. They welcomed the efforts by the Arab Republic of Egypt to advance the role of women, as reflected in the establishment of the OIC Women Development Organization (WDO), as a specialized agency based in Cairo, and invited Member States to join the Organization by signing and ratifying its statute so that it could enter into force, be fully functional and carry its mandate. They also commended the OIC General Secretariat and the Governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Indonesia for convening the Third and Fourth OIC Conferences on ‘Women’s Role in the Development of OIC Member States’ respectively in Tehran on 19- 21 December 2010 and in Jakarta on 4- 6 December 2012. They encouraged all related stakeholders including the private sector, civil society institutions and the general public to promote gender equality, gender justice and the advancement of women in their work and activities in a manner that would not contradict the Islamic Sharia. On the other hand, the leaders reemphasized the importance of family in the process of the political, economic and social development of the Islamic societies; and recognized that the issue of family should continue to be part of the discussion of all meetings and forums related to women in the OIC. The Summit commended the OIC Secretary General for his extensive efforts in promoting the cause of women and in empowering them in the OIC Member States, promoting the status of children and preserving their rights as well as empowering the youth and their role in society. In this regard, it called upon Member States to improve child conditions in the Muslim World and strive towards developing adequate methods for the education and
rehabilitation of Muslim youths so as to enhance their role in society with a view to meeting future challenges. It further affirmed the leaders’ interest in the promotion of contacts among the youth of their countries in various scientific, academic, cultural, technical, sports, and other domains through regular youth events and activities, and to expand the activities of the OIC Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation to become a channel of continuous engagement and mutual knowledge, to develop cooperation in programs, and grant training and student exchange. In this regard, they welcomed the establishment of the Islamic Countries Young Entrepreneurs Network (ICYEN) initiated by the OIC Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation, an affiliated organ of OIC, and called upon Member States to support the activities of the Network. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his statement to the Summit said that the OIC and the UN have an important responsibility to address people’s aspirations, particularly by promoting democratization, good governance, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as socio-economic progress. To that end, he stated that empowering youth and women is crucial. “They have been at the forefront of the recent changes and must be given the opportunity to realize their full potential. The United Nations stands ready to work closely with you on all fronts,” said Ban.
Achievements in empowering women
The OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu endeavored to empower women from the start of his first term. Success in the field of Women, Children and Family issues is depicted through launching the Conference on Women’s Role in the Development of OIC Member States in 2006, the establishment of the Department of Family Affairs at the General Secretariat in 2009, adoption of the OIC Plan of Action for Advancement of Women (OPAAW) in 2008 as well as through the establishment of a specialized institution called Women Development Organization.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya and Guinea signed on February 4, 2013 the statute of the Women Development Organization, a specialized organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on the sidelines of the Foreign Ministers meeting that preceded the 12th Islamic Summit Conference. 34
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Cairo Summit adopts resolutions on environment and climate change
he Cairo Summit underscored the 2015 development agenda. They called upon need for robust global cooperation, Member States to undertake consultations so especially for countries vulnerable as to make a unified, substantial contribution in to adverse consequences of these processes. They reiterated that Sustainable climate change, including adequate financing Development, in keeping with the outcome of and transfer of technology, capacity support the Rio+20, should be one of the core priorities from developed to the developing countries, in the post-2015 development framework with particularly to the least developed and the a strong means of implementation backed by most vulnerable countries, under the UN the requisite resources. Convention on Climate Change. It stressed that The Summit emphasized the need to actively the provision of finance should be in addition engage in preparation of EXPO-2017 exhibition to the existing commitments for official in Astana, Kazakhstan, with a view to exploring development assistance (ODA). With regard to Foreign Minister of Tajikistan possibilities for the mutual cooperation in area Hamrokhon Zarifi the post-2015 global development architecture, of environment, renewable energy, and transfer it reiterated that Sustainable Development should be one of of green technologies the core priorities with a strong implementation framework Furthermore, they welcomed the initiative of Tajikistan backed by the requisite resources. adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on The Summit’s Final Communiqué welcomed the designating 2013 as the UN International Year of Water adoption of the OIC Water Vision by the Conference of Cooperation and called upon the OIC Member States to Ministers Responsible for Water held in Istanbul in March effectively participate in the event of this International Year. 2012. It invited the Member States to cooperate for the implementation of the Water Vision including cooperation Achievements in the field of environment: to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The challenges of environmental degradation and The Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Hamrokhon Zarifi climate change are assuming increasing significance for OIC in his statement to the Summit hoped for the OIC Member countries. The OIC General Secretariat and OIC institutions States to take an active part in the fruitful cooperation for have accordingly stepped up their activities and programs seeking mutually beneficial solutions of water related issues, in these areas. preparation and approval of joint programs for supervision, rational water resources protection in the trans-boundary Adoption of the OIC Water Vision rivers, and thereby contribute to the establishment of peace The OIC Water Vision was adopted by the Conference of and stability in various regions of the Islamic world. He Ministers Responsible for Water held in Istanbul in March pointed out that in the case of the construction of hydropower stations cascade in trans-boundary rivers and application of 2012. The OIC Water Vision gives a brief overview of the huge hydropower resources of Tajikistan, which generate diverse water environments across the OIC countries and 60% of water in Central Asia, the Muslim countries of Central the different dimensions of water related challenges being Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran would be provided by faced by them. It recognizes the critical role of the OIC in cheap electricity and safe drinking water, which in turn, will promoting cooperation among Member States on waterbe a contribution by Tajikistan to advancement of “green related issues and its ability to bring together expertise from economy” based on renewable energy sources development. diverse countries with unique water characteristics. The Water Vision not only identifies the opportunities for The Minister said that at the initiative of Tajikistan the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted several important concerted action but also lays out a roadmap for promoting resolutions on water, the most recent is proclaiming the year collaboration among Member States in all aspects of water. The Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water also 2013 as the “International Year of Water Cooperation”. adopted a set of recommendations for the implementation The Summit’s Final Communiqué has invited the of the OIC Water Vision. The next meeting of the Water COMSTECH to accord special attention to the promotion Ministers, to be convened in 2013, will be considering of cooperation among OIC Member States in areas such follow up actions. as renewable energy and green technology, and effective OIC Green technology Blue Print utilization of the existing expertise in the Member States in The OIC General Secretariat is coordinating closely such fields. with COMSTECH for the preparation of the OIC Blue Print The participants underlined the importance of a transparent on Green Technologies. The feasibility study for the Blue and inclusive inter-governmental negotiation process within Print is being conducted by the University of Technology the UNGA on sustainable development goals and post- Malaysia (UTM) and will be funded by the IDB. 35
SPECIAL REPORT: 12th ISLAMIC SUMMIT
Member States stress the need to strengthen Scientific Research
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he Muslim leaders recognized the crucial role of science and technology in the socio-economic development of the OIC Member States and in addressing the contemporary challenges of development, poverty eradication, environment, climate change, human health, energy and water resources. Hence, they welcomed the fact that despite many other immediate priorities and recent economic crises, the OIC Member States have on the average been able to move closer to the OIC Ten-Year Program of Action (TYPOA) target of budgetary allocations of 1% of the GDP for research and development (R&D). From 2003 to 2011, national spending on R&D on the average quadrupled from 0.2% to 0.81% of the GDP. In this regard, they expressed appreciation for the national actions and strategies, bilateral and multilateral cooperation among Member States, ongoing OIC programs and activities and appreciated the vision and strong interest of the OIC Secretary General. The Member States stressed the need for continuing activities and programs for strengthening R&D as part of institutional framework for science, technology and innovation (STI), national strategies for science and technology, conducting STI Foresight Studies, encouraging private sector participation in R&D, promoting emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology and enhancing of quality education. The Member States recalled the decision of the 4th Extraordinary Session, held in Makkah on 14 -15 August 2012, to adopt clearly defined measures to promote scientific and technological development and innovation and higher education. Therefore, they mandated the COMSTECH Secretariat to study and take necessary measures to propose an Islamic Summit on Science and Technology and its impact on the Islamic Ummah, under the auspices of the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH). In this regard, the COMSTECH Executive Committee will finalize the concept for the Summit in coordination with the Member States. The Member States also welcomed the convening of the 19th International Conference of Islamic World Academy of Sciences to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 6 -9 May 2013 with a view to forging greater cooperation among the scientists for socio-economic development of Member States. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Dipu Moni said in her statement to the Summit that the Member States need to invest more in science and technology, and as part of Bangladesh’s ‘Vision 2021’ it has taken programs towards establishment of a knowledge-based and technology dependent Digital Bangladesh.
Achievements in advancing S&T
As a result of national actions and strategies, cooperation among OIC Member States, ongoing OIC programs and activities and concerted efforts by the relevant intuitions, encouraging progress has been registered in the domains 36
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of science, technology, higher education, health and environment. Some of the indications of the progress made in certain areas include: • Since the adoption of the TYPOA, substantial increases in research budgets have been reported by certain OIC Member States. In certain cases gross R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP nearly doubled. • Prior to the adoption of the TYPOA (in 2003), the OIC Member States were, on an average, spending 0.2% of the GDP on R&D. From 2003 to 2011, this percentage has quadrupled to 0.81% which is in the vicinity of the target set by the TYPOA. • In the year 2000 scientific publications in international journals by scientists and engineers from 57 OIC Member States numbered 18, 391. This number increased five folds to 92, 503 in 2011. • In 2003, the number of researchers, scientists and engineers in the OIC countries engaged in R&D was around 250 per million i.e. one-tenth of the world average of 2532 per million. This number has nearly doubled to 457 i.e. onefifth of the world average. Six Member States have more than 1000 researchers per million people: Tunisia 3240; Jordan 1934; Turkey 1715, Iran, 1491; Azerbaijan 1218; Egypt 1018. • The Global Innovation Index 2012 (GII), published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), lists a number of OIC Member States, such as Malaysia, Jordan and Senegal as good performers. • In the domain of Higher Education, nine universities from the OIC Member States are included in the top 400 World University Rankings Supplement of the QS for 2012. The key activities, programs and achievements by the OIC since 2005 in science and technology are: Establishment of the Science, Technology and Innovation Organization (STIO) as a Specialized Organ of the OIC. The Statute of the STIO came into force with its adoption in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 24 February 2010. Atlas of Islamic World Science and Innovation Project Launched in 2008, the Atlas is an initiative to map key trends and trajectories in science and technology-based innovation in the OIC Member States. Promotion of peaceful application of nuclear energy In collaboration with the IDB and IAEA, the OIC General Secretariat is pursuing projects for the strengthening and establishment of cancer radiotherapy facilities in the OIC member States from Africa. Likewise, projects on isotope hydrology and mosquito sterilization are being pursued in earnest in collaboration with the IDB and IAEA. OIC project on Communications Satellite The aim of the project is to provide cheaper and better satellite services in OIC countries and, foster the development of a satellite manufacturing and services industry. Selection of Centers of Excellence The OIC General Secretariat, COMSTECH and IDB
have selected five Centers of Excellence which will Agronomy Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco. receive IDB support for high level training of scientists Institution of Awards and prizes for Science and and engineers and for promoting cutting-edge research in Technology science and technology. These five Centers are as follows: COMSTECH Award is offered every two years during i) International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research COMSTECH’ General Assembly to two prominent Muslim (ICDDRB), Dhaka, Bangladesh; ii) International Center for scientists in the disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Chemical and Biological Sciences (HEJ Research Institute Physics and Mathematics. The IDB Science & Technology of Chemistry), Karachi, Pakistan; iii) Department of Physics, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey; Award is offered every year to three prominent scientific, iv) Institute of Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences, Zanjan, research institutions. ISESCO Award is offered every three Islamic Republic of Iran; and v) National Institute of years.
Launching of Egypt's and Malaysia’s Scientific Innovation Reports
Ihsanoglu launching the first country reports on scientific innovation
The secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on 5 February 2013 in Cairo inaugurated the launching of Egypt and Malaysia’s country reports as part of the Atlas of Islamic World Science and Innovation project. This was on the margins of the 12th Islamic Summit Conference in Cairo. The Atlas of Islamic World Science and Innovation project was approved during the 11th session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Dakar, Senegal in 2008, and it is being implemented by the OIC General Secretariat in partnership with the Royal Society of UK, the Qatar Foundation, the British Cultural Council, the International Development Research Centre in Canada and the specialized and subsidiary organs of the OIC – the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre (SESRIC), the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO). The Atlas project has been able to map key trends and trajectories in science and technology-based innovation in selected OIC Member States. The aim of the countries’ case studies is to come with an independent and objective assessment of how innovation capacities in OIC Member States are changing, and the opportunities and challenges for progress in the future. The various case studies on different OIC Member States conducted in line with the Atlas project witness strong and growing commitment to promoting knowledge, science and technology in the OIC Member States.
Concerning the Egypt report, it highlights the contributions of Egyptian scientists, researchers and intellectuals in the domains of space, mechanics, medicine, philosophy and architecture spreading over thousands of years, and how the quest for knowledge gained momentum in the early period of Islam in the 8th century. The report also presents an analysis of current policies and their strong points in the area of sciences, the challenges facing them, as well as the scientific and innovation system in Egypt. It also contains proposals to improve the science, technology and innovation framework in Egypt. The report also outlines cooperation and partnership opportunities in the area of science and technology at the regional and international levels. In Malaysia, science and technology are playing a pivotal role in economic transformation. Malaysia has been able to achieve that thanks to the commitment of the Government to science, technology and innovation systems, policy frameworks and strong administration as well as the availability of human resources. While the report highlights the strong points of the science, technology and innovation framework in Malaysia, it also outlines areas that can be improved upon and offers recommendations on necessary measures in this regard. The Atlas of Islamic World Science and Innovation project partnership between the OIC and various Member States aims to present a model to be copied in developing a more inclusive partnership for the sake of scientific and technological advancement and scientific diplomacy. 37
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Muslim leaders call for finalizing OIC Strategic Health Program Cairo Summit appeals to religious leaders to support polio eradication campaign
streaming lining and monitoring implementation of the resolutions and declarations emanating from the ICHMs and to provide expert advice on health related issues. International partnerships for preventing and combating diseases The OIC General Secretariat continues to work in cooperation with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Secretariat in Geneva in accordance with the bilateral work programme to enhance collaboration on polio eradication for 2009 and beyond. The OIC General Secretariat has been instrumental in obtaining religious injunctions (Fatwa) and mobilizing political support and funds in favor of polio eradication campaigns in the Member States. The OIC has also been pursuing close cooperation with the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides in 2009. The General Secretariat is also elaborating a Joint Work Plan with the Stop TB Partnership. Mother and Child Health projects in Mali and Bangladesh The OIC and the US Government signed a Cooperation Framework in 2009 to implement projects on Mother and Child Health. Currently Mother and Child health projects are being implemented in Bangladesh and Mali based on collaboration between OIC, USAID, other international partners and the governments of the two countries. Self-Reliance in vaccine and drugs The OIC General Secretariat and relevant OIC institutions have been carrying out efforts for the promotion of self-reliance in vaccines and drugs in the OIC Member States. These include coordination with private sector manufacturers and relevant international partners for the participation of experts from the OIC Member States in international capacity-building activities in the area of vaccine and drug production. Preparation of the OIC Strategic Health Program of Achievements in addressing health issues The OIC General Secretariat gave considerable attention Action: 2013- 2022 In line with the decisions of the Islamic Conference of to health issues in the member states during the past years. Health Ministers, the OIC General Secretariat, SESRIC and Some of the achievements in this regard are: Institutionalization of the Islamic Conference of Health IDB are collaborating in the preparation of the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action 2013- 2022. Ministers (ICHM) Pakistani security officials escorting health In order to pursue effective action in the domain of workers administering polio vaccination (epa) health and promote international cooperation, the OIC General Secretariat initiated the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers on biennial basis. Establishment of the OIC Health Implementation Unit (HIU) A Health Implementation Unit is being established in the Department of Science and Technology at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah. Functions of the HIU include The Muslim leaders gathered at the Cairo Summit resolved to accord high priority to the health sector and take steps for the mainstreaming of health issues in national planning. They reaffirmed that preserving the wellbeing and physical health of children is the duty of every parent and society as prescribed by Islam. They, President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan therefore, appealed to the religious scholars and leaders to support the polio eradication campaign and encourage the people to respond positively to it. The leaders endorsed the recommendations and decisions of the 3rd Islamic Conference of Health Ministers held on 29 September-1 October 2011 in Astana, Kazakhstan, and called for the early finalization of the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action 2013 -2022, which will provide a framework for more collaborative efforts and international cooperation for addressing the various health challenges facing the OIC Member States. They urged the OIC General Secretariat to further strengthen its cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other international partners.
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Member States urged to continue efforts for quality education The Cairo Islamic Summit lauded the increasing interest of the Member States in the ‘OIC Educational Program: Solidarity through Academia in the Muslim World’ being pursued by the General Secretariat. Member States were invited to generously support the initiative and actively participate in the Educational Exchange Program. The Sultan of Brunei was one of those who offered Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dipu Moni scholarships for studying in Brunei Darussalam and expressed support for the educational programs of the OIC.
Educational Exchange Program With a view to taking practical steps towards strengthening the bonds of Islamic solidarity and achieving its renaissance, the OIC General Secretariat has put in place a framework for greater cooperation and linkages in academia i.e. learning, teaching and research. The ‘OIC Educational Exchange Program: Solidarity through Academia in the Muslim World’ aims at promoting solidarity through academia and cooperation among Member states in the crucial field of higher education. The Program is receiving increasing attention at the international level. Under the OIC Program, scholarships have been announced by several public and private sector universities in the OIC Member States. A dedicated webpage for the Program facilitates timely provision of information about scholarship offers to the widest possible audience. The Program also involves faculty exchange, short term student exchanges, research collaboration and vocational training.
The Member States affirmed their support for the efforts of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to contribute to the establishment of an International Islamic University in Afghanistan as well as to the Bank’s efforts to mobilize financial resources for this purpose.
Strengthening of OIC universities The period 2005 to 2012 has seen progressive strengthening of the OIC universities i.e. Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Dhaka, Islamic University of Niger (IUN), Niamey, Islamic university in Uganda (IUIU), Kampala, and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuala Lumpur. The OIC universities have seen expansion of faculties, development of infrastructure, new ICT facilities, training of staff and improvements in educational standards.
Adoption of ‘Key Performance Indicators: A Guide for Assessment and Quality Enhancement for Universities in the Islamic World’ In October 2011, the OIC Ministers of Higher Education adopted a document entitled ‘Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): A Guide for Assessment and Quality Enhancement for Universities in the Islamic World’. This document is The Summit’s Final Communiqué called upon all meant to serve as a guide for universities in the OIC Member Member States to continue their efforts for quality education States for achieving academic excellence, enhancement of R that promotes creativity, innovation, and research and & D, improvement of quality of education to compete with development, and in this regard promote collaboration, the World Class universities. Further guidelines to facilitate academic interaction and exchange of knowledge between the implementation of the KPIs by the universities in the their academic institutions. It invited the Member States OIC Member States are being developed. and financial institutions to assist in the efforts of the OIC universities - the Islamic University of Technology Establishment of the Association of Quality Assurance (IUT), Bangladesh, the Islamic University in Niger Agencies of the Islamic World (IUN), the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and the The Association of Quality Assurance Agencies of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) - for Islamic World which was established as a follow-up of the development of quality education, human resources the decision of the 36th session of the Council of Foreign and physical infrastructure, including appropriate facility Ministers in 2009 and is based in Malaysia. The Association for female students. It underscored the importance of non- provides a platform for cooperation in capacity building and discrimination between members of the native academic exchange of best practices, experience and expertise among staff and those from other Member States in the universities quality assurance agencies of countries of the Islamic of the OIC. world.
Achievements in higher education
The OIC Secretary General has never forgotten his academic background and stressed on advancing higher education in the member states.
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OIC putting forth Framework for Cooperation on Labor and Employment Muslim leaders express concern over high unemployment
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uslim leaders at the Cairo Summit, which concludes the second program on the Development of Africa was the first Islamic Summit after the Arab to be implemented in the next five years. uprisings triggered mainly by poverty and • Hailed the establishment of the OIC Plan of Action for unemployment, expressed their concern Cooperation with Central Asia. that global growth remained modest and unemployment • Commended the role of COMCEC and all OIC high. They emphasized that youth unemployment crisis is committees and programs in operationalizing the OIC a major challenge to the OIC Member States, especially in projects and activities, particularly the frameworks for the least developed countries and those who lack the fiscal tourism, transportation and agriculture. space needed to finance the creation of job opportunities as • Called on the General Secretariat and IDB to take well as social protection schemes. necessary measures to speed up the implementation of the The leaders stressed that youth employment crisis, OIC Dakar-Port Sudan Railway Project. aggravated by the global economic and financial crisis, • Commended the initiative of His Highness the Emir of is a global challenge. Therefore, it needs to be addressed the State of Kuwait to establish a Decent Life Fund with by relevant mechanisms at the international level, taking US$100 million. into account its social and economic characteristics that • Commended the endeavors under the COMCEC for vary considerably in size and nature, within and among deepening economic and commercial cooperation among countries and regions. It requires actions by governments, the member states, in particular the operationalisation of employers and workers at the country level to promote the Standard and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries create and maintain decent and productive jobs. The leaders (SMIIC), the launch of S&P OIC/COMCEC Index 50 acknowledged that the youth are part of the solution and Shariah Index, establishment of COMCEC Capital Markets their voices should be heard, their creativity engaged, and Regulators’ Forum, establishment of OIC/COMCEC their rights respected in dealing with the youth employment Private Sector Tourism Forum and Transport Cooperation crisis. Framework within the OIC (Izmir Document 2011). Consequently, the Muslim leaders announced their Requested the Member States to actively participate in the determination to work collectively in order to prioritize programs and projects developed under the auspices of the job-generating growth policies and promote youth COMCEC. entrepreneurship. They look forward to working closely • Welcomed the decision of the 39th Session of Council with the ILO with a view to generating partnerships that can of Foreign Ministers, held in Djibouti on 15 -17 November help OIC Member States in addressing these challenges. To 2012, to establish an OIC Food Security institution in Astana, this end, they welcomed the convening of the OIC Labor Republic of Kazakhstan. Ministers Conference to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from The President of Turkey Abdullah Gul in his statement 23 -26 April, 2013, which aims at putting in place an OIC to the Summit focused on the economy and gave a brief Framework for Cooperation among its States on issues overview, as Chair of COMCEC, of what COMCEC has related to labor and employment. achieved since 2008. Gul indicated that he submitted the Other recommendations: strategy and Statute of the COMCEC at the 4th Extraordinary • Called upon the Member States to continue coordinating Islamic Summit in Makkah Al-Mukarramah last year. He their efforts on global economic issues including issues of noted that the purpose of the strategy was for the OIC to be stabilization and reform of the financial system. regionally oriented and for the COMCEC to be a platform • Commended the progressive increase in intra-OIC trade for knowledge provision and dissemination towards a from 14.44% in 2004 to 17.71 % in 2011. Urge Member common language and understanding. The objectives also States to complete the necessary procedures to make the include bringing the policies of OIC Member States closer. Trade Preferential System operational. In light of this, two new mechanisms were set to achieve • Called on all Member States to work together in the objectives of the strategy, i.e. the need to form working supporting the economies of Arab Spring countries and groups in the fields of cooperation set by the strategy, and increasing the volume of investments targeted at them in a management of the project cycle that aims to provide developmental and services domain. financing to implement the projects of Member States in • Invite the IDB Group to take effective measures with the field of cooperation. The third function of the working the view to scaling up the contribution of the Private Sector groups would be to provide a regular consulting mechanism to development. among Member States. Moreover, the amended Statute shall • Reiterated the need for strengthening the Islamic enhance the efficiency of services provided by the General Solidarity Fund for Development with proper mechanisms Secretariat to the COMCEC. for supporting vital areas. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Dato’ Sri • Recommended that the Islamic Development Bank Anifah Aman also focused on the economy in his statement 40
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to the Summit. He said that Malaysia has constantly been (SMIIC) in 2010. Cooperation in the advocating the need to create awareness about economic and trade potentials among developing countries. In 2005 Tourism Sector: The it initiated the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) adoption of a Framework which has evolved from the OIC Business Forum. Another for Development and important economic initiative that could bring tremendous Cooperation in the domain benefits to the Muslim world, according to Aman, is that of Tourism between OIC Malaysia has taken the leading role in the establishment of an Member States 2008international zakat institution. “We believe zakat collection 2018 has paved the way can serve as the main and basic tool for economic and social for participation in the development and as a means to alleviate poverty.” He added implementation of a that Malaysia is now in the final process of establishing project on a Network of the World Zakat Organization (WZO). Malaysia has also Cross Border Parks and initiated Capacity Building Program for OIC Countries for Reserves in the West President of Turkey Abdullah Gul reducing poverty and strengthening economic development, Africa, in collaboration especially in the underdeveloped OIC countries through with such partners as enhancing capacity building in human resource development, UNWTO and KOICA. OIC Dakar Port-Sudan Railway Project: aimed at management skills and development of infrastructure. Under Phase One of this program, three capacity building projects covering a network of 10,000 km, was initiated in 2008. The feasibility studies of the Project have reached an advanced were initiated in Mauritania, Bangladesh and Sierra Leone. stage and are being executed in alliance with African Union/ OIC working for stronger economic cooperation The promotion of economic cooperation among its NEPAD, including funding from IDB Group. Common Agricultural Policy: Under the IDB Jeddah Member States is one of the main objectives of the OIC since its establishment. Foremost among the major achievements Declaration, established in 2008, an amount of US$1.5 in the domain of economic cooperation for sustainable billion was committed to financing over 27 projects in OIC Member States with the technical participation of FAO development in OIC Member States have been: Harmonization of Tariff: Through the execution of the and IFAD respectively. Also, a Framework for intra-OIC three main OIC/TPS instruments namely the Framework cooperation in Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Agreement, PRETAS and the Rules of Origin and their entry Security was elaborated. Establishment of OIC Cotton Action Plan: aimed at into force in 2002, 2010, and 2011 respectively. Trade Financing Intervention: Through the establishment revitalizing the cotton sub-sector. 27 priority projects were of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) selected for implementation, out of which 6 are already in 2008. The cumulative net trade financing approvals for disbursing. Enhancing the role of Private Sectors in the OIC OIC Member States has increased by 63% from US$24.4 activities: through the establishment of agencies such as billion in 2005 to US$39.9 billion in 2011. International Islamic Corporation for the Development Increased Intra-OIC Trade: The net result of the of the Private Sector (ICD) within the IDB Group and the efforts made in trade facilitation, promotion and financing closer cooperation with institutions such as Islamic Chamber and the reinvigorated activities of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) is an increased volume of of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (ICCIA). Cooperation with Regional Organization: framework intra-OIC trade from 14.44% in 2004 to 17.71% in 2011. Creation of Poverty Alleviation Fund: The establishment agreements were signed with such institutions as: United the Economic Cooperation of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) in Nations, FAO, IFAD, May 2007 as a Waqf with a capital of US$ 10 billion. Up Organization (ECO), Intergovernmental Authority on to date, the Fund has extended funding to 29 projects in the Development (IGAD), West African Economic and various OIC countries, amounting to about US$1.06 billion. Monetary Union (WAEMU) and D-8 Organization. Assistance to Member States for Capacity Building: three Establishment of Special Regional Programs for Africa and Central Asia: The establishment in 2008 of a five-year pilot projects in Sierra-Leone, Bangladesh and Mauritania Special Program for Development of Africa (SPDA) with a under the Malaysian Capacity-Building Program for OIC financing window capital of US$12 billion has facilitated Countries were launched. Cooperation among Stock Exchanges of the OIC OIC targeted interventions in such areas as human and Member States: The efforts in this domain led to launching agricultural development, social infrastructure, energy of the Standard and Poor’s (S&P) OIC COMCEC index, the and transportation. Similarly, the OIC Plan of Action establishment a Forum for the Capital Markets regulatory for Cooperation with Central Asia is expected to expand Authorities of the OIC Member States to work on such issues cooperation with OIC Member States in Central Asia in the domains of trade and investment, human capital and as Market Development, Capacity Building, Islamic Finance and Financial Literacy respectively as well cooperation infrastructure development, environment and culture. Development of Halal Standards and Establishment of between Central Banks and Monitory Authorities in OIC the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries Member States. 41
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Iyad Madani named new OIC Secretary General starting 2014 Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsy announced formally the appointment of former Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Madani as the new Secretary General of OIC. At the concluding session of the 12th Islamic Summit, Morsy congratulated Madani and wished him every success in discharging his responsibilities as the secretary general of world’s second largest organization after UN. The 67-year-old Madani is the 10th secretary general of OIC, following Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the current Secretary General, whose term expires end of 2013.
Iyad Madani’s election was unanimous because he was the lone candidate for the post. There were three potential contenders from the African continent for the post, but all of them withdrew in favour of Madani. Iyad Madani is the first Saudi to fill this key post. Madani was Minister of Hajj until 2005. Then he served as Minister of Culture and Information from 2005 to 2009. Madani was appointed chairman of the Board of Directors of Knowledge Economic City on 10 March 2012. He also serves as vice president of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Housing Development.
At his last Islamic Summit, Ihsanoglu: I put all my modest capabilities and humble experience at the disposal of the OIC At the closing session of the 12th Islamic Summit, the Secretary General of the OIC, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu thanked Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy with all sincerity for putting around his neck the Grand Cordon of the Nile. “Egypt has granted me many favors, and here is a new one that you have embraced me with in the name of dear Egypt.” He expressed his thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the Member States, each and every State, for the care and support they have lent him over the years, particularly the host country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, whose support for the Organization since the first day, and for him personally since he assumed his term of office, was of great help, and a badge of honor on his chest. Ihsanoglu also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Government of his country, the Republic of Turkey, for
allowing him this opportunity to serve the Islamic Ummah, and for its support all these years. He gave special thanks to President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their continuous attention and support. He also reiterated his thanks to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, its president, government and people for their great support and their efforts to make the conference a success. Then, Ihsanoglu addressed his dear friend and colleague, Iyad Madani, congratulating him. “I am confident and sure that he will shoulder the responsibility of the General Secretariat as I did and even more.” “I put all my modest capabilities and humble experience at the disposal of the Organization, at any time, and in any form, in order to accomplish the goals we set together,” added Ihsanoglu. “I also put my modest experience at the disposal of Member States for the good and the elevation of the Islamic Ummah.”
In his brief but eloquent statement upon being appointed the new Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iyad Madani thanked President Morsy for giving him the opportunity to “express his gratitude for the great trust, which the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses, leaders of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have bestowed on me by electing me to become the OIC Secretary General after the end of the tenure of my dear brother and friend Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the man who deserves appreciation and praise from all of us for his perseverance, determination, diligence, successes and accomplishments.” Madani said that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is not merely a gathering of the nations of 57 countries bonded by faith and Islam, but before that a genuine expression of the
Ummah’s yearning for solidarity and concretization of the spirit of Islamic civilization. “This civilization was prized for establishing unique values based on Tawhid (oneness of God), centered on moderation, reasoned by justice, equality, tolerance and development of the earth, and with freedom entrenched by the fact that God, and no one else, has released us from our burdens and from the yokes upon us.” However, he pointed out that there is no dynamism for the Ummah without a will; no will without a leadership, no leadership without a vision, and no vision without a path. “You, by the grace of Allah, are the leadership of this Ummah, reflecting its will. Your vision is crystallized by this Organization, and your resolutions, observed by the Ummah, determine the path of this Organization. How honored I am to join your path as a servant in the march of the Organization.”
Madani: No will without a leadership, no leadership without a vision, and no vision without a path
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WORLD AFFAIRS
Ihsanoglu underlines to President Obama:
Peace in the Middle East, socio-economic development and combating religious intolerance priority for US-OIC collaboration Jeddah, Saudi Arabia settlement policies in the – The Secretary General occupied Palestinian territory of the Organization of including East Jerusalem are Islamic Cooperation (OIC), neither acceptable nor viable. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, sent Ihsanoglu stated that upgrading a letter to the President of the status of Palestine to nonthe United States, Barack member observer state at Obama, on the occasion of his the UN General Assembly re-election. In it, Ihsanoglu last November is a golden recalls the great strides of opportunity that should not US-OIC collaboration on a be lost and urged Obama to range of issues during the accelerate the realization of past four years of Obama’s peace and stability. administration including Ihsanoglu referred to health, humanitarian aid Obama’s speech to the Muslim and women’s empowerment world in Cairo in 2009, in the Muslim world and which he attended, calling that he looks forward to it visionary and a positive furthering the cooperation in statement with far reaching key areas of mutual interest implications that raised and concern in the upcoming expectations for a common four years. He underlined future anchored in mutual that peace in the Middle respect and understanding. East, socio-economic In this context, Ihsanoglu development and combating mentioned that OIC will religious intolerance are continue to combat extremism, priority areas for the OIC. terrorism, intolerance The letter was handed to and incitement to hatred President Obama’s Special and violence on religious US President Barack Obama waves after delivering his Envoy to the OIC, Rashad grounds. The consensual inaugural address in Washington DC on 21 January 2013 (epa) Hussein, during the visit passage of UN Human Rights of Hussein to OIC General Council resolution 16/ 18 on Secretariat in Jeddah on 23 January 2013. The Secretary combating religious intolerance, which codified the eight General stated in his letter to President Obama that his points identified in his address to the 15th Session of the reelection is testimony to the trust placed in his dynamic Human Rights Council, has been widely acknowledged as leadership by the American people and could be viewed as a positive development and a triumph of multilateralism, a vote of confidence in his policies signifying ‘change’ with Ihsanoglu added. It must also be seen as a poster child of particular reference to the policy of engagement with the OIC-US cooperation, he said, pointing out to the Istanbul Muslim world. He pointed out that OIC, being essentially Process that he initiated with Secretary of State Hillary a political organization operating along the principles of Clinton to build on the consensus achieved. moderation and modernization, aims at sustaining a policy The Secretary General also highlighted the issue of of engagement and not confrontation. Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar in his letter. While he Ihsanoglu stressed that the Palestinian issue remains acknowledged Obama’s efforts to bring the issue of the at the heart of the most pressing concerns to the OIC Rohingya Muslim community to the attention of the national and the international community, which requires firm authorities during his recent visit to the country, he urged commitment by the US, and that the status quo of political Obama to support protect the human rights of the Rohingya stalemate and continuation of Israeli occupation and ethnic minority and to restore their citizenship.
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OIC Chief congratulates the new Pope of the Vatican: An invitation for historical reconciliation between Islam and Christianity Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu sent a letter of congratulation to the new Pope of the Vatican. In the letter Ihsanoglu stated that with immense pleasure and satisfaction he received the news of his Eminence’s election as Pope of the Vatican. The Secretary General said that he seizes this opportunity to express ardent hope that under the new Pope’s guidance and leadership the relationship between Islam and Christianity will regain its cordiality and sincere friendship. He expressed to the new Pope that the legacy as champion of the poor
Pope Francis waves from a window in Vatican City (epa)
and the most vulnerable, who carries a message of love, brings to us all the tidings of a better and more peaceful world. It also induces the OIC to look forward, for an era of dialogue among civilizations, with more meaningful amiability and cooperation. Finally, the Secretary General emphasized that over the last eight years, the OIC has called for and worked hard to propagate the idea of “Historic Reconciliation between Islam and Christianity”, whose followers count for two third of humanity. He concluded: “I would like at this historic moment to reiterate this call, while praying for success in your holiness’ lofty and noble mission.”
OIC Special Envoy for Mali and Sahel to tackle the root causes of the conflict, emphasize tolerant values of Islam Jeddah, Saudi The Special Envoy briefed the Secretary General on the Arabia – OIC Special latest developments in Mali particularly on the situation in Envoy for Mali and the North and the ongoing international military offensive Sahel stressed that against terrorism. OIC can and will On his part, Ihsanoglu presented and explained the play a major role in mandate of the Special Envoy and reiterated OIC’s firm promoting the true position for the respect of the territorial integrity and values of Islam as sovereignty of Mali and its unwavering support for the opposed to what the country. He requested the Special Envoy to lead the terrorist groups in implementation of all OIC Resolutions on the conflict and Mali is claiming to devise a strategy that would focus on identifying its root be acting in the name causes. He further requested him to continue to emphasize of Islam, and the on the noble, peaceful and tolerant values of Islam and OIC will be actively dissociate it from the activities of terrorist groups. contributing to Speaking to the OIC Journal after his meeting with existing international the Secretary General, Bassole said that the military efforts aimed at intervention alone will not solve the problem that is why Djibrill Bassole finding mediated and OIC and its Member States need to help Malians and provide durable solutions to humanitarian assistance and promote socio economic the conflict. Djibrill Yipènè Bassole, the Foreign Minister development because poverty is part of the problem. of Burkina Faso who is also the Special Envoy of the OIC “The OIC can and will play a major role, first, because Secretary General for Mali and the Sahel Region, met with Mali and all its neighboring countries are members of the the Secretary General of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in OIC, and secondly, because some of the terrorist groups the latter’s office on 11 March 2013. are claiming to be Islamic and we should not allow them The Secretary General and the Special Envoy held to act in the name of Islam,” he stressed. In this regard, the extensive discussions and exchange of views on the crisis OIC can play a role to promote true Islam and reconciliation. in Mali. In particular, they examined the ways and means “We will promote dialogue but not with the terrorist group. to stabilize the country by facilitating dialogue among the The armed group should distance themselves from terrorist stakeholders and supporting the transitional government. activities.” 44
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OIC, UN Secretaries General discuss recent developments expressed their satisfaction New York, USA – OIC over the successful holding Secretary General had of the donors’ conference a meeting with the UN for the Syrian people held Secretary General at the UN in Kuwait on 30 January Headquarters in New York 2013. They underlined the on 12 February 2013 after importance of following addressing the open debate the path of dialogue and of the UN Security Council peaceful solution. on “Protection of Civilians Earlier during the day in Armed Conflict”. During OIC Secretary General the meeting both Secretaries addressed the Symposium General discussed some titled “The Role of Interfaith recent developments of Dialogue in Peace building common concern including and Women Empowerment”, Syria, Mali, Palestine and jointly organized by the Muslim Rohingya Minority OIC Permanent Observer in Myanmar. Mission and the Peace Secretary General OIC and UN Secretaries General at the UN in New York Islands Institute at the UN Ihsanoglu briefed his Headquarters, on the occasion counterpart on the outcome of the Twelfth OIC Summit recently held in Cairo. The of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. In his address he OIC Secretary General particularly referred to the OIC called for increasing women’s participation in every aspect Summit decision for the establishment of a financial safety of life in the society and underlined the importance of their net to meet the major needs of the Palestinian people and role in the development of societies and peace building. hoped that the peace process between Palestinians and Taking this opportunity, he reiterated his rejection of and Israelis will be re-activated. Both the Secretaries General opposition to violence against woman.
OIC: Dialogue between Thai Government and National Revolutionary Front should involve other stakeholders
Secretary General of Thailand's National Security Council Paradorn Pattanathabutr (L) speaks with Chairman of the Advisory Council for Peace Building in the Southern Border Provinces Aziz Benhawan ahead of talks with Thailand's National Revolutionary Front (BRN), (epa)
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The OIC, commenting on the agreement signed on 28 Feb. 2013 between the Government of Thailand and the National Revolutionary Front (BRN), expressed hope that this dialogue will be accompanied by concrete confidence building measures to allow other stakeholders to join the process and create an environment favorable to the realization of a just and durable peace. The Agreement signed is meant to start a peace dialogue aiming at solving the Southern Border Provinces (SBP) problem under the framework of the Thai Constitution and with the
facilitation of Malaysia. The OIC Secretary General believes that, for dialogue to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the people, it should address the root causes of the problem and deals with issues underlining the problems of identity, culture, language, justice, development and political participation and domestic affairs. The OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has written to both the Governments of Thailand and Malaysia expressing the wish to see other parties and stakeholders in the Southern Border Provinces included in the dialogue process seeking to achieve a lasting peace in the region. The OIC Secretary General reaffirmed the spirit of friendship on which the constructive relationship between the Royal Thai Government and the OIC is based as reflected in the Joint Statement issued on 1 May 2007 by the Foreign Minister of Thailand and the OIC Secretary General. Based on this joint Statement, the Secretary General reiterated his willingness to expand his constructive cooperation with the Thai authorities to engage in a meaningful and lasting solution to the problem, which would enable the people of the SBP to assume the responsibilities over their domestic affairs and a decentralization process that allows the people to practice their own cultural and linguistic specificity and manage their natural resources in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand. 45
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Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy Priorities By Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan H.E
The 24th October 2011 was a historic day for Azerbaijani diplomacy and its pursuance of peaceful and cooperative foreign policy since its regaining of independence. On that day Azerbaijan, a relatively young state with an old history and prospering economy, managed to gain support of 155 member states of the United Nations and won a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. This was indeed a historic turnaround. This achievement also demonstrated that Azerbaijan deserves international community’s support as a respectful and peaceful member of the international relations. The non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council allows Azerbaijan to make its own contributions to the maintenance of global peace and security. As President Ilham Aliyev declared while addressing the UN Security Council in May 2012: “as a rotating chair of the UN Security Council, Azerbaijan will support international law and justice”. This position takes its roots from the fact that despite itself being subject to military occupation of its lands through violation of international law and norms, Azerbaijan is still a true and strong believer in the crucial importance of international law as the only basis of the current international system. Through carrying out a principled and consistent strategy, Azerbaijan has turned into a regional leader and reliable partner in international relations. Nowadays it is on the way to becoming a regional transport and transit hub. Alongside with currently operational regional oil and gas pipelines like Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-TbilisiErzurum, the expected completion of the Baku-TbilisiKars railway would add another transport dimension to the successful energy and transport strategy thus taking the trilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to a new stage. While it dearly needed foreign direct investment in order to develop its energy sector after the signing of Contract of Century, Azerbaijan now has become a source for exporting foreign direct investment towards mainly neighboring and regional countries. Large scale undertakings and projects initiated by Azerbaijani investment in the countries in the region is now expanding towards Eastern and Central Europe as well as the Central Asia. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the relations with brotherly Islamic countries and enjoys strong and 46
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growing cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It is worth noting that over the recent years we have managed to further strengthen our already strong relations with the OIC through mechanisms such as bilateral interaction and political dialogue. The Republic of Azerbaijan has always supported and will continue to support the activities and initiatives of the OIC. Another important dimension of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is the promotion and encouragement of peaceful coexistence and understanding among different civilizations and faiths. It has always been a place where Muslims, Christians and followers of other faiths have lived in peaceful coexistence for centuries. It is therefore our historic responsibility that we continue our efforts to strengthen intercultural dialogue and understanding. Azerbaijan and in particular its capital Baku has hosted a number of large-scale events such as the Forum on Intercultural Dialogue and Baku International Humanitarian Forum with a view to creating a platform where people of different faiths and cultures can share ideas and exchange views on the current global issues. The continuation of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan stands out as the main challenge facing young and dynamic diplomacy of Azerbaijan. The international community, in particular, OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs (US, Russia and France) continue their efforts, to end the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian armed forces and total ethnic cleansing of indigenous Azerbaijani population of the occupied territories. The continuing occupation undermines the regional and international efforts to restore lasting stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus region. The UN Security Council Resolutions, 822, 853, 874 and 884 of 1993 alongside with similar decisions and resolutions by other regional and international organizations reinforce Azerbaijan’s position by reaffirming its sovereignty and territorial integrity and calling for the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Peace talks have been ongoing for more than twenty years with no concrete outcome under the premises of the OSCE Minsk Group. Azerbaijan has shown its commitment to the peaceful solution of the conflict and remains in its position however the lack of political will on the part of the Armenian side brings the peace process into a stalemate and seriously damages the negotiations. The continued, firm and unequivocal support of the OIC to the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan is indispensable and in particular, personal devotion of H.E. Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary General of the OIC and his principled stance in holding the profile of this conflict high on the agenda of the OIC is highly appreciated by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan’s diplomacy has managed to lay down a strong foundation to build on and will carry on strengthening its regional and international role through the exercise of its available diplomatic resources in the years ahead.
OIC expresses concern at the deteriorating security and political situation in Iraq Baghdad, Iraq – The Secretary General of the before any other consideration and to spare no effort to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin preserve the unity, security and stability of Iraq in such a Ihsanoglu, expressed serious concern at the deteriorating way as to preserve social peace and stability. He also invited security situation and the continuing political crisis in Iraq, all Iraqi parties to embark on a comprehensive and serious insisting on the need for the Iraqi Government to assume its dialogue leading to a genuine national reconciliation among duties in restoring security and stability throughout Iraq. the Iraqi people away from sectarianism and marginalization The Secretary General called once again on all political of the other and to seek to improve the conditions of the and religious leaders in Iraq to join their efforts in order to Iraqi citizen. The Secretary General renewed the preparedness of the put an end to the mounting violence and to endeavor to build true national reconciliation among all members of the Iraqi OIC, which enjoys acceptance with all Iraqi factions and people in order to ensure Iraq’s security, stability and unity. parties, to send a high level delegation to Baghdad to contact The Secretary General reiterated OIC’s willingness to all Iraqi parties and to contribute to the rapprochement of the play any role desired by different Iraqi parties to support views and to consider preparations to activate the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Document of 2006. their reconciliation. The Secretary General had issued several statements The Secretary General reiterated his call for proper during the last three months appealling to the political and handling of the Iraqi protesters’ requests in order to preserve eminent religious leaders in Iraq to place Iraq’s interest social peace, security and stability in Iraq.
OIC Secretary General congratulates Jordanian Monarch over successful parliamentary elections Amman, Jordan - During a reception held by His majesty democratic environment together with popular participation. King Abdullah II for heads of delegation of international Ambassador Kaabachi expressed to the monarch the observers for the Jordanian parliamentary elections at the Royal satisfaction of OIC delegation with the good conditions Court in Amman on 24 January 2013, the head of delegation under which the election was held, under the supervision of of the OIC election monitors, Ambassador Habeeb Kabachi, the independent electoral commission and in the context of conveyed to the Jordanian monarch the congratulations of the King’s commitment to developing and strengthening the the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu over the reform process he started since assuming the throne of the success of the electoral process held in a transparent and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Ihsanoglu condemns assassination in Tunis of opposition figure Tunis, Tunisia – The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has strongly condemned the assassination in Tunisia of the late Chokri Belaid, one of the icons of the Tunisian political terrain. He denounced this heinous terrorist act and expressed his condolences to the
family of the deceased. The Secretary General appealed to all Tunisians to imbibe the spirit of responsibility and stand against violence and physical elimination, and to place the interest, security and stability of Tunisia above all other considerations.
OIC hails signing of Implementation Matrix for Cooperation Agreements by Governments of Sudan and South Sudan Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu commended the signing of the implementation matrix for the nine cooperation agreements concluded between the Government of the Sudan and the Government of South Sudan concerning bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the domains of security arrangements and economic cooperation. The Secretary General requested
the two governments to abide fully by the provisions of these agreements within the agreed timeframe in a bid to realize the hopes and aspirations of the people of the two countries for peace, stability and development. In another respect, the Secretary General commended the efforts of the African Union High-Level Mechanism and all regional and international efforts which helped realize this significant achievement. 47
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Appeals for urgent humanitarian assistance to the refugees Ihsanoglu: Syrian conflict puts Security Council’s ability to protect civilians at a test have been displaced to neighboring countries due to the situation in their country. The donor countries have pledged more than $1.5 billion for Syrians displaced by nearly two years of fighting, Ban Ki-moon announced after the conference. Ban Ki-moon told the final session of the one-day conference that the meeting has “reached its target” of $1 billion of aid for Syria’s neighbors hosting refugees and another $500 million to fund humanitarian work for 4 million Syrians afflicted by the civil war inside the country.
Syrian refugees at Mafraq, Jordan (epa)
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu reiterated OIC’s call on the Security Council to assume its responsibility and do its utmost to protect the Syrian people and bring a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict through a political dialogue. “The real and grave challenge that needs the urgent action of this Council is the ongoing violence in Syria,” he said. Ihsanoglu addressed the UN Security Council on “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict” at the United Nations Headquarters on 12 February 2013. The OIC Secretary General stated that the conflict in Syria puts the Council’s, and the international community’s ability to protect civilians in armed conflict to a clear test. He affirmed that neither the Security Council nor the international community has passed this test. The Secretary General expressed his disappointment that the Syrian leadership perpetuated violence against its own people. Meanwhile, Ihsanoglu launched an appeal in January to the Member States and to their various nongovernmental organizations active in the area of charity and relief, as well as to all civil society institutions, to urgently extend their assistance to the Syrian refugees in Jordan, particularly at the Al-Zaatari camp in the province of Al-Mafraq, and in the other neighboring countries. Ihsanoglu expressed his deep sympathy and full support for the Syrian refugees in the face of their present ordeal made even more intolerable by the severe winter conditions and their repercussions on those sheltered in camps. Ihsanoglu also expressed his appreciation for the efforts put in by Jordan to offer secure and appropriate shelter to the refugees in accordance with the resources available to the country. Donors’ conference exceeds $1 billion target The Secretary General, upon the invitation by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, participated in the donors’ conference in Kuwait for the Syrian people on 30 January 2013. The conference came in response to the call for coordinated efforts aimed at assisting the Syrian people who 48
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Number of refugees reaches 1 million mark The UN refugee agency, citing data received from UNHCR’s offices in the Syria region, on 6 March announced that the number of Syrians either registered as refugees or being assisted as such has reached the 1 million mark. “With a million people in flight, millions more displaced internally, and thousands of people continuing to cross the border every day, Syria is spiraling towards full-scale disaster,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres. “We are doing everything we can to help, but the international humanitarian response capacity is dangerously stretched. This tragedy has to be stopped.” The number of Syrian refugees fleeing their country has increased dramatically since the beginning of the year. More than 400,000 people have become refugees since January 1, 2013. They arrive traumatized, without possessions and having lost members of their families. Around half of the refugees are children, the majority under the age of eleven. Most have fled to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. Increasingly, Syrians are also fleeing to North Africa and Europe. The High Commissioner noted that the impact of this large number of refugees arriving in neighboring countries is severe. Lebanon’s population has increased by as much as 10 per cent. Jordan’s energy, water, health and education services are being strained to the limit. Turkey has spent over US$600 million setting up 17 refugee camps, with more under construction. Iraq, juggling its own crisis with more than 1 million Iraqis internally displaced, has received more than 100,000 Syrian refugees in the past year. “These countries should not only be recognized for their unstinting commitment to keeping their borders open for Syrian refugees, they should be massively supported as well,” said Guterres. In December, the UN’s Regional Response Plan for Syrian Refugees estimated that 1.1 million Syrian refugees would arrive in neighboring countries by the end of June 2013. UNHCR is adjusting this plan, in light of the new figures. Currently, the plan is only about 25 per cent funded.
Watch out! Syria May Turn into a Case of Exceptionalim By Aiman Abboushi Dept. of Information, OIC
The Syrian crisis seems today to be heading toward a phase that could be touted ‘Syrian exceptionalism’. This attribute could apply to a raging and sustained crisis for which the contending parties seem simply unable to work out any foreseeable way out. The attribute seems to carry a string of terrifying implications for the entire region and whatever conventional concepts and terminology regional actors have been so far used to. About two months ago, the Egyptian Al-Ahram newspaper published a news story reporting that four French TV channels aired a movie on the Syrian revolution. This development could be read as a mutation of the Syrian crisis from being perceived as a fleeting crisis to being characterized as a dramatic or ‘dramatizable’ phenomenon with its own literature that reflects facts inspired by the upshots unfolding from the dark tunnel in which the crisis is stuck. As time passes, the Syrian crisis appears to turn into an enduring emotional state that inspires dramatic creativity. This is precisely what happens with protracted crises, just like the literature on the Palestinian cause and the profuse and creative literature on the Lebanese situation and many other such cases. The news report claimed that the website ‘Sham Network’ alone has nearly two hundred thousand video clips shot by members of the opposition to the Syrian regime. The clips feature scenes of the raging war in Syria. The huge number of the clips underlines the magnitude of the crisis, not just in security and political terms, but also in terms of the accumulated tragedies that daily punctuate the Syrian scene. Syrians today scramble to have their most basic living needs fulfilled. They lack heating under the severe winter cold. Many of them are homeless with no sense at all of security or stability. Worse, the State apparatus itself is on the verge of utter collapse and the country’s unity is facing the danger of being shattered to pieces while sectarian and ethno-centric sentiments are growing rampant. Though the Syrian case of presumed exceptionalism, if metaphorically so described, is characterized by the elements shaping a potentially region-wide crisis, it is still, at least up to this moment, a crisis threatening internal disintegration that barely affects the broader regional
neighborhood. Contrary to the political buzz amid political pundits, it is clear that the crisis will not spill over beyond its intra-Syrian confines, as the warring factions seek to keep the conflict as inter-Syrian as possible, and make sure that the region does not, and would not, have any unbearable price to incur as part of an unstated agreement to never move beyond the red and non-negotiable lines. Conversely, Israel, which has so far proved to be the ‘present absentee’ in the Syrian conflict, conducted last January a blitzkrieg which injected a greater dose of confusion into the picture. True, Israel could have purposely staged the blitz to send a signal that it holds a direct stake in the unraveling developments in Syria. In point of fact, Israel appears to be the only party that could benefit from the situation. Tel Aviv seems to be aware that the Syrian crisis, promising to be protracted as it looks, would offer a more comfortable regional environment with Arab States so crisisladen that they would relegate the Palestinian issue to the lower rungs of their priority ladder. This grave situation is set to confront us once again with a radical change of the terms and concepts linked to the much-touted Middle East crisis, or what some analysts call the ‘crisis of all crises’, namely the Arab-Israeli conflict. Tensions across the region exacerbated into what has come to be known as the ‘Arab Spring’. Now that the entire region has turned into a hot spot, the Palestinian issue has again hit the rock bottom of the concerns of both the Arab political and media circles. Israel is, to be sure, quite conscious that over the long term the Syrian crisis will raise a different type of sensibility about the reality of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The concept of resistance will no doubt be redefined and its traditional mantras revisited. Expectedly, the Palestinian cause will no longer hinge on any accommodation of domestic considerations, as has hitherto been the case, in the sense that it has been time and again tapped to secure perennity of rule. Within this perspective, the Syrian crisis could be seen as a severe shudder for the Arab vision about the problems of the whole region. The Arab regimes have brandished trite and hostile political clichés as part of an acrobatic game slated to keep a right distance from the Arab-Israeli conflict without ever getting sucked into an open war with the Israeli enemy. The regime in Damascus has failed to nurture the age-old slogans as a way of inflaming animosity toward Israel and turning the Arab-Israel conflict into a front of intransigent resistance to serve nothing but the interests and clout of some regional actors. Eventually, this policy undermined people’s confidence in the Syrian leadership which has consistently projected itself as the last bastion of anti-Zionist resistance. In point of fact, the issue of the Arab-Israeli conflict has not proved to be the decisive element in determining the position of the masses toward the political regimes, as the demands for radical political changes have been, calling principally for an immediate rotation of power
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The Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States Calls for Establishing the Supporting Institutions of OIC Structure Khartoum, Sudan – In the statement delivered on his behalf by Amb. Abdullah Alim, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, at the eighth session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUOICM) held on 21 and 22 of January 2013 in Khartoum, capital of Sudan, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reiterated the importance that OIC Members States that witnessed peoples’ demands should deal with them wisely and reasonably through energizing the democratic channels and governance and improvement of economic and social conditions. He also asserted that the OIC considers the PUOICM a highly important partner in its efforts towards the realization of its objectives in all political, economic, social, and cultural areas. The final communiqué of the eighth session of the PUOICM called for the need for effective at all international fora to protect and promote the collective interests of the Muslim Ummah, including the UN reformation process and the expansion of the UNSC membership. Moreover, the final communiqué expressed concern regarding the rise in the acts of Islamophobia that contradict the principle of freedom of religion and called upon OIC Member States to take all appropriate measures, including working under the framework of the UN, to issue the required international legislations that ban any action that defames religions or instigates hatred, discrimination or violence against the religious symbols and characters.
The Palestinian Cause
The final communiqué stressed the centrality of the Palestinian Cause and that it should remain the main issue at the international fora and events until the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish their independent viable State with Al-Quds Ash-Sharif as its capital. In the same context, it strongly condemned the Israeli expansionist settlement policies and called for the immediate stoppage of all settlement operations and all other legislative and administrative measures that aim to change the legal situation of Al-Quds City. In addition, the final communiqué called upon the UNSC to take prompt action to remove the settlements. It also welcomed the UNGA recognition of the Palestinian State in November 2012 and its obtainment of the observer status. It confirmed the recognition of the independent Palestinian State and called for the immediate application of this recognition. The final communiqué requested all OIC Member States to raise the level of diplomatic relations with the Palestinian State. The final communiqué also called for the release of the members of the Palestinian Legislative Council as well as all Palestinian prisoners held unjustly in the prisons of Israeli occupation. 50
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Other Issues
The final communiqué commended the efforts of the Government of Sudan both regionally and internationally to achieve peace in Darfur. It welcomed the Doha Agreement and called the factions that had not signed it to join the peace procession. It also called the International Community and donors to abide by their pledges for helping achieving comprehensive peace there. The final communiqué called for the immediate and unconditional revocation of the resolution of the International Criminal Court against the Sudanese President Omar AlBashir as being a flagrant infringement of the International Law and the national sovereignty of the Republic of Sudan. It also condemned the Israeli attack on Al-Yarmuk Complex in Khartoum. The final communiqué called for the respect of the rule of law and conventions adopted at the international organizations, notably the UN and noted that the unfair application of their provisions resulted in double standards that made people lose confidence in the efficiency and fairness of these institutions. It indicated the need to activate the proposal of establishing an Islamic Court of Justice and issue a practical resolution in this regard to contribute to conflict settlement among the Muslim countries without prejudice to the sovereignty of OIC Member States or their independent national judiciary. The final communiqué also called for the establishment of the supporting institutions for the OIC structure to strengthen its existing institutions and activate its activities in the field of economic cooperation through the support of the Islamic Bank of Development (IDB) and the establishment of an Islamic monetary fund to help the Muslim countries. It called for the expansion in the scope of political participation through Shura and ensuring equality and civil freedoms and social fairness and promotion of transparency, accountability, end of corruption in the OIC Member States. It also called for the development of an Islamic Human Rights Charter. The final communiqué urged Member States to promote the international values of democracy, Shura, human rights, and Humanitarian International Law in line with the noble Islamic values. The final communiqué stressed that inter-cultural dialogue and highlighting the common values and denominators, inter-faith dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding, and equality among peoples are necessary for the international peace and security, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It indicated the need for taking appropriate legislative and political measures and adopting the appropriate programs and plans to promote the important role of woman in society and support the efforts of woman members of parliament in particular on national, regional, and international levels.
HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
Norwegian Refugee Council discusses closer cooperation with OIC Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Elisabeth Rasmusson, the Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), visited the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah at the head of a high-level delegation on 1920- February 2013. Rasmusson and her six-member delegation held fruitful talks with the Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Ambassador Atta El Manaan Bakhit and his staff. The two delegations discussed best ways and means of
developing a closer cooperation in the humanitarian field. The NRC is an important partner since it is the first Norwegian International NGO, established in 1946, and enjoys a field operational presence in over 20 countries worldwide. The NRC Secretary General paid a courtesy call on the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and briefed him on the outcome of the mission and the way forward with regard to OIC and NRC relationships.
Expert Group Meeting on Humanitarian Affairs discusses establishing the Special Emergency Fund Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Fifth Expert Group meeting on Humanitarian Affairs held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah to discuss the modalities of the establishment of a Special Emergency Fund concluded its work on 18th February 2013. The meeting was in implementation of a resolution by the 39th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) on 1517- November 2012 in Djibouti and in compliance with the provisions of the Final Communiqué of the 12th session
of the Islamic Summit Conference held on 67- February 2013 in Cairo, which mandated the Secretary General of the OIC to convene an Expert Group Meeting to conclude discussions on the document dealing with the establishment of a Special Emergency Fund. The document is to be submitted to the 40th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting to be held in 2013 in Conakry, Guinea.
OIC delivers fully-serviced village to flood victims in Pakistan Punjab, Pakistan – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) delivered one hundred housing units, a school, a health center and a mosque to the people of the D. G. Khan village in Multan, Punjab Province, Pakistan. The handover ceremony was held for the D. G. Khan villagers, affected by the disastrous floods that hit Pakistan in the summer of 2010, in the presence of officials from OIC General Secretariat, the Government of Pakistan, and some OIC Member States. The project was launched at the directions of the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu who had announced the pledges at the OIC Donors’ Conference for the benefit of the victims, held in July 2010. The OIC thanked Cameron, whose permanent
representative to the OIC Ambassador Tijani handed over the keys to the villagers, for contributing the largest share towards the financing of the project. Guyana was also thanked for its contribution to the building of the village. The OIC also paid tribute to Pakistan for providing facilities to the OIC to complete the project. The D. G. Khan village project had been planned by the OIC in collaboration with the Youth Parliament of Pakistan. It received donations from the staff of the OIC General Secretariat and other OIC organs. The OIC intends to provide a similar project within three months, including 125 housing units, a school, a health center and a mosque for the benefit of the Dado villagers in Punjab province.
OCHA Director of Operations visits the OIC Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – OCHA Director of Operations John Francis Ging paid an official visit to the OIC General Secretariat on 67- March 2013 on a familiarization tour. Ging held fruitful discussions during the two-day visit with the OIC Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Ambassador Atta El Mannan Bakhit and ICHAD staff. Discussions centered on the most effective ways of improving coordination between the OIC and OCHA, for a better and speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance to the needy and vulnerable people during humanitarian
crisis, and also on their respective experiences regarding the humanitarian situations prevailing in Mali, Myanmar, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, etc. The discussions also recognized and stressed the fundamental need to develop a more inclusive global humanitarian system which will embrace new actors from the Muslim world, and reiterated the call made previously to see the two organizations play a more complementary role in terms of negotiating access. 51
OIC NEWS Ihsanoglu, Kosovo Foreign Minister exchange views on rallying support for recognizing Kosovo
The Foreign Minister of Kosovo with OIC Secretary General
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the OIC, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, received on 12 January 2013, in his office, Enver Hoxhaj, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kosovo along with his accompanying delegation. The Secretary General and his guest held a useful and extensive exchange of views on current issues and
the role of Kosovo in ensuring peace and stability in the Balkans. In particular, they exchanged views on ways towards rallying further international support and recognition for Kosovo, including by an increasing number of OIC Member States. The last being Pakistan; 31 out of 57 OIC Member States have so far recognized Kosovo. Kosovo Foreign Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Secretary General for his enduring support to Kosovo and reiterated his invitation to the Secretary General to visit Kosovo in the coming months. The Secretary General accepted the invitation to visit Kosovo in the near future. He also commended the role of Kosovo towards ensuring lasting peace in the Balkans and welcomed the interest of Kosovo in the activities of the OIC. He further stressed on the need to further strengthen OICKosovo relations, particularly in connection with the welfare of Muslims in the Balkans and Kosovo’s expectations from the OIC and its Member States.
Foreign Minister of Austria proposes opening OIC office in Vienna
Foreign Minister of Austria (C) with OIC senior officials
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Vice Chancellor and interest in establishing regular dialogue with the OIC and Foreign Minister of Austria Dr. Michael Spindelegger proposed to the OIC to open an office in Vienna. To this end, invited the OIC to open a regional office in Vienna to he invited the OIC Secretary General to pay an official visit facilitate closer cooperation. The Foreign Minister visited to Vienna to discuss issues of mutual interest and to explore the Headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation opportunities for cooperation between the OIC and Austria, (OIC) on 11 February 2013, upon the invitation of the OIC including on sharing experience in water management, an Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The Minister issue of concern for many OIC Member States. and his accompanying delegation met with senior officials “We found that there are many issues of common interest, of the OIC. Assistant Secretaries General Amb. Samir and I would like to cooperate closer with the OIC,” said the Bakr for Palestine and Al-Quds, Amb. Hameed Opeloyeru Austrian Foreign Minister to the OIC Journal. “The water for Economic Affairs and Amb. Abdul Moiz Bokhari for management issue is a big concern for some parts of the Science and Technology as well as other officials of the Muslim world and we have lots of experience in it, and there General Secretariat briefed Vice Chancellor about OIC is also the issue of interfaith dialogue especially with the activities and called for further enhancement of OIC-Austria opening of the King Abdullah Center for Interreligious and and OIC-EU relations. The Director General of the Cabinet Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna.” Amb. Vefahan Ocak congratulated Dr. Spindelegger on the During the talks, Dr. Spindelegger reiterated Austria’s opening of the King Abdullah Center for Interreligious support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna last November, conflict. Austria was one of the European countries that the inauguration ceremony of which Secretary General voted in favor of Palestine, which obtained the status of Ihsanoglu had attended. non-member observer state at the United Nations General The Austrian Foreign Minister from his side expressed Assembly in November 2012. 52
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Sweden latest European country to express interest in enhancing relations with OIC to a higher level political dialogue and consultations at various levels. They also underlined the importance of promotion of tolerance, intercultural and interfaith dialogue. During the visit, the OIC Secretary General was received by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, Speaker of the Parliament Per Westerberg, and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. He had extensive consultations and working lunch with Foreign Minister Carl Bildt with the attendance of Minister of Integration Eric Ullenhag, and Minister for Public Administration and Housing Stefan Attefall. The OIC Secretary General also addressed the foreign policy experts, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf with OIC academicians and Ambassadors resident in Stockholm at a Secretary General and his accompanying delegation Stockholm, Sweden – Upon invitation by Carl Bildt, seminar organized by the Swedish Institute of International Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, the Secretary General Affairs (UI) under the theme ‘OIC: Past, Present and Future’ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin where he presented an outline of OIC reforms since 2005 and Ihsanoglu paid an official visit to Stockholm on 45- March underlined the growing profile of the OIC as a global actor 2013. During the meetings with various officials, recent and as the sole official representative and collective voice of developments in the Middle East, Northern and Western the Islamic world. Furthermore, the Secretary General also Africa were discussed. Furthermore, both sides explored came together with the OIC Ambassadors in Stockholm at a ways for increased dialogue and potential cooperation working dinner at the Turkish Ambassador’s Residence and about matters of common interest, expressed their readiness visited the Stockholm Mosque and exchanged views with the for enhancement of relations, including through regular representatives of Muslim community living in Sweden.
OIC and Finland to develop bilateral relations
President of Finland receiving OIC Secretary General
Helsinki, Finland – Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu paid an official visit to Helsinki on 56- March 2013 upon the invitation of Errki Tuomioja, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
During the visit, Ihsanoglu was received by H.E the President of the Republic of Finland Sauli V. Niinistö and the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Eero Heinäluoma. He had consultations with Minister Tuomioja on issues of mutual concern and discussed ways and means to further improve bilateral relations between Finland and the OIC. The Secretary General also came together with the members of the Finnish Religions Forum and exchanged views about the conditions of Muslims living in Finland and discussed ways to enhance interfaith dialogue and tolerance including under the Alliance of Civilizations. During the meetings in Helsinki, recent developments in the Middle East, Northern and Western Africa were discussed. The OIC Secretary General and Minister Tuomioja expressed their mutual interest towards development of bilateral relations between the OIC and Finland and agreed to continue regular political dialogue and consultations at various levels.
Ihsanoglu and Kerry discuss situation in the region
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, on 24 February 2013 received a telephone call from the Secretary of State of the United States of America, John Kerry. During the conversation held ahead of Secretary Kerry’s tour of the region, both sides discussed the situation in the Middle East, in particular Palestine and Syria, the situation of the Rohingya in Myanmar and the situation in Mali, among other issues. The conversation also touched on the bilateral relations between the OIC and the US and how to enhance their
agreements and joint programs, especially the bilateral cooperation in the area of health and the Istanbul Process meetings. The Istanbul Process is discussing putting in place mechanisms for the implementation of resolution 16/ 18 on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief. The conversation was the first discussion between the Ihsanoglu and Kerry since the latter’s assumption of office as US Secretary of State in the administration of President Barrack Obama. 53
OIC NEWS
New Memorandum of Understanding strengthens partnership between UN and OIC
OIC Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General of the UN sign the MoU
Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on 28 February 2013, formalized their continued partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of OIC, and Sally FeganWyles, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, Director ad interim of UNITAR, officialized the MoU at a ceremony. The objective of the MoU is to provide a cooperative framework within which UNITAR and OIC can create and implement capacity development and research activities in line with their common priorities in the areas of international
peace and security; economy, science and technology; and cultural and social issues. The MoU is an outcome of discussions between the OIC and the United Nations (UN) and its agencies, which took place in May 2012, regarding key themes for further enhanced cooperation between the two organizations. These discussions indicated the following areas to be enhanced by the overall partnership between the UN and OIC: collaborate more closely on promoting peace and security in different contexts (from conflict prevention to peacebuilding, from peace-keeping to peace-making processes in OIC countries); address urgent humanitarian needs in OIC countries affected by man-made or natural disasters or by violent conflict; more concerted efforts to mobilize resources for priority activities of both organizations; foster economic and social reforms; and promote intercultural dialogue. Since the initial discussions, OIC has funded a joint seminar (between UNITAR and OIC) on sustainable development, which took place in May 2012 in New York, and two workshops on sustainable cities, which took place in June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro in the framework of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). In accordance with the MoU, UNITAR’s scope of involvement moving forward will include, among other activities, developing joint capacity building and training programs to assist OIC Member States in promoting education for sustainable development, and developing training programs and capacity building projects for youth.
OIC Secretary General receives Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, received in his office on 24 February 2013, Dr. Bouabdellah Ghlamallah, the Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, and Mr. Saleh Attiya, the Consul General of Algeria in Jeddah.
During this meeting, the Secretary General commended the important part played by Algeria in promoting solidarity among Islamic States and developing joint Islamic action. The developments in the region were also reviewed. The Secretary General underscored the Organization’s continued support for security, stability and development in Algeria.
OIC launches Peace, Security and Mediation Unit at its Headquarters Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The OIC Secretary General announced on 20 March 2013, the establishment of a specialized Peace, Security and Mediation Unit (PSMU) at its General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in accordance with the decision taken by the 39th Council of Foreign Ministers in Djibouti in November 2012. Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said that the OIC is in the process of finalizing the working methods of the PSMU with a view to its full operationalization. It is hoped that the PSMU would strengthen OIC’s role in mediation and quiet diplomacy as tools in conflict prevention and resolution. It would seek to support the intensification of the use of Good Offices of the Secretary General, Special Representatives and 54
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enhance cooperation with other regional and international organizations. The Unit initially will focus on its capacity building, after which it is expected to function principally through monitoring current and potential crisis situations and undertake timely diplomatic response. This would be coupled with identifying and analyzing major root causes of potential conflict and determining ways and means to address these conflicts. The PSMU would also seek to interact with the Member States and the international and regional organizations to share experiences in mediation and conflict issues.
HRH Prince of Wales pays a historic visit to the OIC Headquarters experiences to interested OIC Member States through the OIC and its specialized institutions, particularly the Islamic Development Bank Group. The Secretary General and His Royal Highness also agreed on the need for regular exchange of views and information on energy and water issues, including the ongoing actions to boost sustainable use of water and energy resources for agricultural production and enhancing food security.
OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu receiving Prince Charles at the OIC
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Upon the invitation of the Secretary General of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, His Royal Highness Prince Charles paid a historic visit to OIC Headquarters in Jeddah on 17 March 2013. During their meeting, the Secretary General welcomed the interest shown by His Royal Highness Prince of Wales in the activities of the OIC aimed at scaling up food, energy and water security programs in the OIC Member States. The Secretary General and some senior officials of the General Secretariat gave a comprehensive briefing on the various intra-OIC programs and activities in support of agricultural development, food security and drought resilience. His Royal Highness Prince of Wales praised the programs and activities of the OIC under the leadership of the Secretary General and expressed his readiness to encourage the Prince’s Charities to make available its vast
Prince Charles looking over a picture book on Al-Quds by IRCICA in the Secretary General’s office
OIC Secretary General explores consolidation of OIC economic relations with Tatarstan Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The OIC Secretary General noted that the Republic of Tatarstan can play a crucial role in the implementation of the various OIC economic programs. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the OIC, made this observation when he met at his office in Jeddah on 16 March 2013, with H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation and his accompanying delegation. While commending the positive role of Tatarstan in the broader context of OIC’s growing relations with the Russian Federation as an observer member of the OIC, the Secretary General particularly referred to the increasing participation of Tatarstan in the development of Halal food industry and the promotion of Islamic financial products. The meeting hailed the increasing participation of the Tatarstan in the various OIC trade fairs, exhibitions and other private sector events and underscored its great potentials in building intra-OIC capacity in the agroindustrial and agro-food sub-sectors. Both sides agreed to cooperate in the field of science and technology as well as education, especially in the Scholarship Programs. Ihsanoglu and President of Tatarstan during a press conference at the OIC
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HUMAN RIGHTS
OIC Chief: UN Human Rights Council’s role should be constructive and remedial
Geneva, Switzerland – The Secretary General of the On Palestine, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Secretary General Ihsanoglu gave a speech on 28 February before the 22nd reiterated the urgent Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. In necessity for this Council his speech he emphasized the importance of avoiding to address the longpoliticization of the Council’s resolutions. The Secretary standing and permanent General reiterated subscription to the view that this Council’s sufferings of Palestinian main role should be constructive and remedial, and not people. The Israeli judgmental or selective. occupation and policies The Secretary General pointed out that Human Rights at pose a continuing threat to the OIC is witnessing an increasing importance during the the entire body of human High Level segment each year and it has in fact become now rights in the occupied a major pillar of the reform and restructuring exercise. He Palestinian territories. added that the establishment of OIC Independent Permanent Key issues including Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) - in half the stipulated the Palestinian refugees; time - symbolizes the transformation accomplished at Civil, political, economic, the OIC. The IPHRC reflects the resolve -expressed at social and cultural the highest level in OIC- towards mainstreaming human rights in Occupied East rights perspective across programs and activities of the Jerusalem; settlements organization, he said. in the occupied Arab Moreover, the Secretary General stressed that the territories; apartheid Commission – operationalized last year – developed its wall; blockade of Gaza Rules of Procedures (RoP) in a record time. It has clearly Strip; and the Palestinian identified rights of women and children as well as human prisoners have all been Ihsanoglu delivering his speech rights to education and right to development (RtD) as the riddled with violations of at the UNHRC in Geneva first list of priorities. It simply represents a paradigm shift, the whole range of Human it is a major exercise in institution building at OIC, he Rights, Ihsanoglu emphasized. stressed. Ihsanoglu pointed out that the IPHRC deserves On Kashmir, the Secretary General of OIC said that encouragement as the World’s first cross regional human promotion and protection of human rights of the Kashmiri rights mechanism. I am confident that the Member States people continues to form part of the OIC’s agenda and intend to and will utilize its potential optimally. expressed concerned at the Human Rights situation in the The Secretary General said that this session of the Indian Occupied Kashmir. He said that the recent arrests of Council is being held at a time when the international scene Kashmiri leadership also constitute a matter of concern. The is littered with hotspots of armed conflict. Situations in Syria, OIC continues to call for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir Mali and Myanmar are of particular concern to OIC. With the dispute in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and new trends and techniques of warfare emerging in conflict aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he added. ridden areas there is a need to ensure that the international “We believe engagement between Pakistan and India is a law is not violated in any case. Ihsanoglu stated that the positive development that must be continued and intensified 12th OIC Summit in Cairo – held earlier this month - clearly with a view to resolving all outstanding issues.” pronounced and underlined the Syrian Government’s primary Finally, on the issue of Islamophobia the Secretary responsibility of the continued violence and destruction of General emphasized that it continues to form a vital concern property. Thus, the Summit called for immediate cessation at the OIC. He said that the increasing trend of Islamophobia of violence and respect for human rights. On the situation is indeed ominous in an increasingly interconnected and in Mali, the Secretary General stated that the OIC has interdependent world, and that the OIC has a principled condemned the acts of terrorist groups reaffirming solidarity position against denigration of all religions as well as sacred with the people of Mali and its National Unity Government. symbols and veneered personalities in each case. As for the situation of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Ihsanoglu stated the consensual passage of HRC Ihsanoglu said it constitutes a major concern of OIC with resolution 16/ 18 has been widely acknowledged as a positive particular reference to their right to citizenship. The OIC is development and forms a triumph of multilateralism, along confident that the substantive work of this session will duly with the ‘Istanbul Process’, which has come to be recognized address all the issues in terms of a result oriented approach, as the way forward by all stakeholders. He added that within and that this Council’s role would continue to figure the framework of the Istanbul Process, we must continue to prominently in forging and implementing international address interrelated issues, and that OIC will be hosting the consensus, he stated. next event in the Istanbul Process. 56
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Ihsanoglu: No sustainable development is possible without strong and empowered women attitudes that perpetuate inequality,” said Ban. In his remarks, Ihsanoglu said that no sustainable development is possible without strong and empowered women, adding that women are at the core of building societies; and the vast potential of OIC Member States women population must be extended to all fields of social life including economic, commerce, professional and political decision-making. As part of its reformed agenda, the OIC did not fall short in envisioning and enhancing the role of women in the everevolving Muslim societies. The OIC Ten Year Program of Action, which was adopted by the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit held in 2005, highlighted the importance of Participants in the OIC symposium in New York the role of women in society, and provided a road map for New York, USA – OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin women to play their due role in social development. Ihsanoglu addressed the Symposium on “The Role The Secretary General had taken the initiative to of Interfaith Dialogue in Peace-building and Women convene the first ever Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment”, which coincided with ‘World Interfaith Role in the Development of OIC Member States in Istanbul Harmony Week’. The event was co-organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of the OIC and Peace Islands in 2006. The adoption of the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW) by the Member States at Institute at the UN Headquarters on 12 February 2013. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in his message the 2nd Ministerial Islamic Conference on Women’s Role in to the Symposium delivered by Lakshmi Puri, Assistant the Development of the OIC Member States was a landmark Secretary General for Intergovernmental Support and event. In this regard, the Secretary General emphasized Strategic Partnerships, UN-Women, commended the OIC that the establishment of the OIC Women Development and the Peace Islands Institute for organizing the symposium. Organization in Cairo as an OIC specialized institution “Only when we achieve a fundamental change in mind-sets is another major achievement. The Secretary General can we realize true progress. Faith-based organizations can also considered the establishment of an OIC Independent challenge prejudices and support the full participation of Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) a major women in political, economic and social life by refuting step in furthering the cause of women.
OIC observes International Day of Women
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation joined the International Community in observing 8 March, the International Day of Women. In his message on the occasion, OIC Secretary General said that it is indeed important for the international community to take cognizance of the chosen theme for this year, “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”. It seeks to strengthen and make good on the international community’s commitment to put an end to violence against women, he stated. The theme is also in consonance with the aspirations of the Islamic Ummah towards promoting the social welfare and well-being of women in OIC Member States. “Our efforts must remain focused at removing discrimination against women and addressing such
impediments,” stressed Ihsanoglu. This would require a determined, sustained and committed collective effort to devote our energies and resources towards bringing women into the mainstream of the societies by creating conditions that would facilitate playing their due role as partners in development. Their legitimate claims and demands for equal treatment, access to opportunities, role in affairs of the state including policy and decision making and protection from violence and abuse must be met. Women in OIC Member States are and have been holding high positions as Heads of Government, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, Ambassadors, and civil and military bureaucracy. Much, however, remains to be done and OPAAW has afforded the opportunity to make targeted interventions to that end.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) congratulated the Saudi people and Government on the appointment of 30 women into the new configuration of the Shoura Council, describing it as part of the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz for women issues in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 57
CULTURE
5th Annual Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations: Role of responsible leadership in diversity and dialogue
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon giving his speech at the opening of the 5th Global Forum of the UNAOC (epa)
Vienna, Austria - The Organization of Islamic in addressing acute inter-ethnic and inter-religious tensions, Cooperation participated in the Fifth Annual Global Forum the incoming High Representative for the Alliance of of the Alliance of Civilizations (AoC), held on 26- 28 Civilizations Nassir Al-Nasser from Qatar, one of the OIC February 2013 in Vienna, Austria. The 5th Forum, which Member States, stated, “We will strive to use the tools at our was entitled “Responsible Leadership in Diversity and disposal in the difficult settings around the world. We will Dialogue”, focused on how responsible leadership could not shy away from them.” make a difference, particularly in the following three major Ambassador Ömür Orhun, OIC Special Envoy to the issues: AoC, was one of the speakers at the workshop on Social • the promotion, protection and full enjoyment of Media: how a new ethics of communication will help to the right to religious freedom in a context of religious combat intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization. pluralism, which consists not only of greater diversity, but of Other panelists included Islam Muhammad, Anna Lindh perceptions of that diversity and new patterns of interaction Foundation, Susan Moeller, International Center for Media among religious groups, and Public Agenda, Alfonso Molina, Fondazione Mondo • media pluralism and diversity of media content and Digitale, and as moderator Daniela Krautsack, Cows in their contribution to fostering public debate, democracy and Jackets. awareness of diverse opinions, and The idea was that main social media providers debated • the shaping a new narrative for migration, integration how to become platforms for the exercise of free speech while and mobility in the global economy. taking up a responsible role regarding practices that might The 5th AoC Global Forum brought together over subdue violent confrontations at the same time. The aim 2,000 delegates from more than 100 countries and of this workshop was to engage attendees in a constructive international organizations. Attendees included youth discussion on these topics taking into consideration the leaders, representatives from the private sector and civil need to implement the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) society, journalists, foundations, alongside governmental Resolution 16 /18 that calls for “strengthened international and multilateral representatives. efforts to foster a global dialogue”. During the two day event, leaders from around the world, The said workshop then focused on the emerging role including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President of social media and the balance between regulation policies, Heinz Fischer of Austria, the Emir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad ethics of communication and freedom of expression. Al Thani, Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey, Romanian The OIC, being the political voice of the Muslim world President Traian Basescu and Foreign Minister Margallo of with a say when it comes to dialogue among civilizations Spain, Foreign Minister Salehi of Iran, and others conducted to bridge the gap in the Muslim-West divide, is expected to closed door meetings to address current global issues such remain actively involved with the AoC, as this is one of the as Syria, Mali, Israel-Palestine, and the future of sustainable best fora to continue sensitizing the international community development. on the dangers of discrimination against Muslims and Forum outcomes included the Vienna Declaration, intolerance against Islam as a global issue. a document affirming the commitment of numerous During the concluding session of the 5th Forum, governments and international organizations from around participants were informed that the 6th UNAOC Global the world to advancing cross-cultural dialogue. Forum will be in Indonesia in 2014, the most populous Outlining his vision to make the Alliance more active Muslim country in the world and an OIC Member State. 58
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«Cairo Declaration» calls for a Charter to preserve the cultural legacy of the Islamic world Ihsanoglu calls for criminalizing assault on monuments Cairo, Egypt – Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), called upon OIC Member States and international organizations to protect ancient monuments, stressing the importance of enacting laws that maintain the safety of cultural heritage, and confront those who sabotage it. In his statement at the Conference on the Protection of Cultural Heritage, held in Cairo on 31 March 2013, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), he called for the restoration and maintenance of these monuments and not to relegate them to vandalism and erosion. Ihsanoglu called upon the international community represented by the United Nations, UNESCO, and other stakeholders interested in human heritage, to protect these antiquities and criminalize any attempts to lay hands on them and called for enacting laws in this regard. Ihsanoglu indicated that there were recent statements about the desire to "cleanse" the country of some features claimed to be incompatible with Islamic religion in the opinion of some people. He added that "whether this has been exaggerated or not, it reflects rigid and extremist trends that indicate a total ignorance of the noble Islam." The OIC Secretary General stressed that if the ideology calling for the destruction of ancient monuments continues to spread, it will affect many parts of the world, and portray Islam and Muslims as ignorant and intolerant. Ihsanoglu mentioned the incident of destroying the shrines of Imams Ali Al-Hadi and Hassan Al-Askari in Iraq which heavily impacted the national unity in Iraq between Sunnis and Shiites. He also pointed to the activities of some fanatics who called for the destruction of Pharaonic monuments in Egypt. On the other hand, the Secretary General warned against the continuing systematic Judaization of the Palestinian cities and establishments, especially in Al-Quds Ash-Sharif through excavations in the area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the displacement of the Arab population of Al-Quds Ash-Sharif and other policies In the same context, Ihsanoglu indicated that the historic monuments in Syria have been randomly destroyed by air strikes or ground attacks without the slightest regard for their historical, cultural, or religious value. He also denounced the demolition of Islamic shrines in both Mali and Tunisia. At the end, the Conference issued the 'Cairo Declaration' that expressed deep concern over the grave situation in some parts of the Muslim world as far as cultural heritage is concerned. The Declaration noted that this risk is reflected in the hostilities, violations, destruction, and desecration to which the architectural, archaeological, and intellectual
heritage is subject. It indicated that religious intolerance is the reason because it drives some parties to call for the destruction of monuments because of such that are alien to Islam or for political reasons; as well as extremism and occupation and eradication policies in occupied Palestine. The Conference was held under the title ‘The Importance of Cultural Heritage and its Preservation: the Islamic Vision of Cultural Heritage’ and attended by the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, Egyptian Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, and Dr. Halit Eren, Director General of IRCICA in Istanbul. The Declaration stressed the need for the scholars and specialists of the Islamic world to discuss the risks to heritage in the Islamic world and take measures to address them. It warned against the recent damage and destruction of Islamic Cultural Heritage and that before it in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya during the revolutions in these countries, during the ongoing war in Syria and Mali, and earlier in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, and most seriously, what has been happening for decades by Israel in the occupied territories. The Cairo Declaration pointed out that the preservation of cultural heritage is not limited to the physical continuity of buildings, but should also ensure the continuity of nonmaterial aspects of culture, including heritage conservation. The Declaration stressed the need to continue preserving the heritage in accordance with the principles and policies set forth in international and Islamic conventions, and declarations in force and in particular, the Riyadh Declaration of the International Conference on Architectural Heritage in Islamic Countries in May 2010. It stressed that all States and authorities are required to take measures to stop any aggression or destruction that affects heritage irrespective of its source or location. It demanded that the preservation of cultural heritage be part of sustainable development policies and educational and media policies. The Declaration also called upon the OIC, its concerned organs, and IRCICA, to issue a ‘Charter on Heritage Preservation’ based on Islamic principles, which include a clear vision to maintain it, and to seek its adoption by international institutions working in the field.
Ihsanoglu at the Conference on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Cairo
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ISLAMOPHOBIA Legal experts prepare OIC strategy on religious intolerance Istanbul, Turkey – A panel of legal and human rights experts prepared the groundwork for the political strategy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to tackle religious intolerance against Muslims and the growing incidents of Islam bashing. The two-day meeting held in Istanbul of the Panel of Eminent Persons on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims expanded on a working paper drafted by the OIC General Secretariat for a politically tenable strategy that is anchored firmly in international law. With the increasing trend of Islamophobia, such as the reprehensible episodes of burning of copies of the Holy Qur’an by a Pastor, the Utoya massacre in Norway, and most recently the release of the trailer of ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ on YouTube, in addition to indications of institutionalization and constitutionalization of Islamophobia, there is mounting public pressure on OIC Member States to draw a line and take concrete action, according to OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. “The OIC strategy must be proportionate to expectations
of the Muslim World - being their political voice. It must be substantive and credible to shift the initiative away from the street to the table of meaningful and result oriented multilateral discourse,” said Ihsanoglu in his opening remarks to the meeting on January 7, 2013. “We must emphasize that there is no hierarchy of human rights whereby a single right can trump others. OIC believes that the relevant provisions of international law on freedom of opinion and expression support our position. If so, it must clearly be brought out with cogent legal arguments. Or we should look for other legally tenable options to engage the negotiating partners in a result-oriented fashion,” he added. As mandated by the 39th Council of Foreign Ministers held in Djibouti in November 2012, the significance of the Panel lies in furnishing a set of available options, in terms of legal merits and demerits, on combating discrimination and intolerance against Muslims. The output of the Panel’s work was presented to the OIC leadership at the 12th OIC Summit in Cairo on 2 -7 February 2013, which endorsed it.
Ihsanoglu calls for an international warning system against instances of religious intolerance London, UK – Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary and human rights practitioners in Istanbul agreed that the General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation provisions of existing legal instruments, including articles (OIC), called for an effective international mechanism that 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political could act as an early warning system against instances of Rights (ICCPR), suffice in covering OIC’s concerns, and that discrimination and intolerance on religious grounds. He according equal weight to the concerns on both sides could proposed an International Observatory, perhaps at the Office form a good point of departure for developing a common of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), understanding. with a broad mandate to monitor and document all instances The London meeting came after the 67th Session of the of discrimination and intolerance on religious grounds. UN General Assembly in December 2012, which adopted The Secretary General was speaking at the high-level the resolution on combating religious intolerance for the international meeting on 22 January 2013, in London, second year in a row. The London meeting was the third in a UK, upon the invitation of Baroness Saiyda Warsi, Senior series of meetings after Istanbul and Washington D.C. Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to OIC to hold the next event of the ‘Istanbul develop a common understanding on the way forward on Process’ on combating intolerance in Geneva the issue of intolerance on religious grounds. the Organization of Islamic Cooperation announced The Secretary General pointed out that the OIC has an plan to convene the next event of the Istanbul Process ‘Observatory’ monitoring Islamophobia and the Organization geared towards combating discrimination and intolerance for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has a on religious grounds in Geneva in June 2013. OIC Secretary mechanism to monitor hate crimes, but what is needed is an General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and former US Secretary of international observatory with global coverage that would State Hillary Clinton jointly launched the Istanbul Process monitor intolerance and discrimination against all religions in 2011 for consensual implementation of the approach to and their respective followers. He said that this would combating discrimination and intolerance signified by the help develop an empirical basis to understand the extent of OIC-sponsored UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16 the problem, which in turn would figure into evolving an /18. The Process was furthered by subsequent events held in effective and concerted international response. Ihsanoglu also called for building on the consensus Washington in 2011 and Wilton Park in London in 2012. The that went into the UN Human Rights Council resolution Spokesman added that the event was likely to be held on the 16 /18 on combating intolerance on religious grounds and sidelines of the 23rd Session of UN Human Rights Council the ‘Istanbul Process’ for implementing the resolution. He in June this year, with the exact dates to be announced in also pointed out that the recent meeting of eminent lawyers due course. 60
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A European study agrees with OIC on Islamophobia as a form of racism Brussels, Belgium – A first of its kind pan-European qualitative survey of Islamophobia found that discrimination against Muslims in Europe is widespread. According to the study by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) released on 21 March 2013, Muslims continue to experience discrimination in a range of areas, more specifically in employment, education and access to goods and services. Based on this, ENAR, representing EU-wide network of NGOs, called on the European Union (EU) institutions to recognize Islamophobia as a specific form of racism. “This is what we have been saying for a long time, that Islamophobia should be recognized as a form of racism and dealt with accordingly,” commented the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which recently released its fifth annual Islamophobia Report that clearly indicated the rising trends in some national policies, laws and administrative measures that stigmatize Muslims. “Western leaders need to recognize Islamophobia as a threat to peaceful coexistence and understanding among people,” said the Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The ENAR study found that Muslim women and girls are the most affected because of their hijab or niqab (head or face veil) and face double discrimination on the basis of both their religion and their gender. Moreover, increasing hatred against Muslims in Europe manifests itself as opposition to, as well as protests against, the building of mosques and property damage to Islamic places of worship. Examples of this include the height restrictions for mosques in Austria and the attacks by activists of the Bulgarian party ATAKA on the Sofia mosque and Muslim worshippers. The ENAR report also found that Islamophobia is promoted both by extremist political parties, as well as mainstream parties to gain votes and popularity. As an example Italy where Mario Borghezio, of the Lega Nord Party and a current member of the European Parliament (MEP), recently proposed taxing Muslims who have too many children in order to ‘slow down the great Islamic advance in Europe’. More worryingly, according to the report, is that an uninhibited form of racism has emerged, using freedom of expression and ‘white victimhood’ as justifications for promoting exclusion and discrimination. Last but not least, the report pointed out that media has contributed to the rise of Islamophobia in Europe through biased reporting. In Belgium, for example, 51% of complaints on the ground of religion targeting Muslims in 2011 related to media and the Internet. The OIC Secretary General pointed out that the OICinitiated resolution 16 /18 at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) seeks to bridge the gap of understanding, promote tolerance and develop a consensus to make the proponents of intolerance and hatred that lead to violence and deaths,
accountable before the eyes of law. This consensus around resolution 16/ 18 was retained with the adoption of a similar Resolution at the HRC in March 2013, which could strengthen the Istanbul Process, an implementation mechanism jointly initiated by the OIC and the US. Furthermore, Ihsanoglu assured that OIC Member States are all committed to the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” and other international instruments that safeguard the individual’s right to freedom of religious practice and freedom of expression and also to live a life free of intimidation, discrimination, coercion, fear or threat. • Muslim women and girls are the most affected by discrimination because of their hijab or niqab. • Islamophobia is promoted both by extremist and mainstream political parties to gain votes and popularity.
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Ambassador Alim: The selection mirrors the prominent standing of Taiba among world cities
Saudi Crown Prince launches Madinah Islamic Culture Capital 2013 festivities Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, inaugurated on 12 March 2013 celebrations to mark Madinah as the Capital of Islamic Culture for the year 1434 AH - 2013 AD. In his address, the Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud for his unstinting support to joint Islamic action in all fields and to the ISESCO, which selected Madinah as the capital of Islamic culture for the year 2013 under its Program of Islamic Culture Capitals. “The selection of Madinah is in fact an extension of the great civilizational message of enlightenment carried out by the city of the noble Prophet (PBUH), during his era and afterwards. Madinah was the capital of the then nascent Islamic State, a center of Islamic radiance that spread to the distant horizons reached by the Arab Islamic conquests, and was a center of Islamic sciences and a beacon of Arabo-Islamic culture,” said Dr. Altwaijri. The Director General pointed out that ISESCO’s Program of Islamic Culture Capitals falls within the framework of strengthening Islamic cultural unity, promoting relations of comprehensive cultural cooperation among the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and deepening the concept of interdisciplinary Islamic solidarity. He explained that the ISESCO’s ten-year program to celebrate capitals of Islamic culture includes in its new version for the years 2015 - 2024 thirty-one capitals. The Program of Islamic Culture Capitals aims, inter alia, to renew Islamic civilization contribution, promote its intellectual, scientific and cultural heritage, and revive the historical memory of Muslim peoples to boost their motivation, strengthen their determination and help them link the past to the present. For his part, Ambassador Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Alim, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, emphasized that the selection of Madinah to be the Capital of Islamic Culture for the year 2013 mirrors its grand and distinctive place among the cities of the Muslim world in the East and the West. He also highlighted the sanctity and specialty of Madinah as the Messenger of Allah’s shelter and migration destination. Ambassador Alim added that: “it is Taiba Al-Tayeba, about which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “faith would recede to Medina just as the serpent crawls back into its hole”, which is an indication that the noble and pristine religion of Islam spread from Madinah, though it originated in Makkah, and that Muslims did not have a state and a stature until they immigrated to Madinah. It was, still is and will continue to be a visitor’s destination during Hajj and Umrah seasons”. Amb. Alim added that from Madinah, the pristine religion of Islam radiated light of spiritual, noble and sublime nature for the Islamic culture, given its long history and lofty civilization as the jewel in the crown and the glory of Islam. Ambassador Alim expressed his thanks and appreciation to Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Medina and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Celebration of Madinah as the Capital of Islamic Culture for the year 2013 for inviting the OIC to participate in the opening ceremony.
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EDUCATION
Muslim leaders laud OIC Educational Exchange Program Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The ‘OIC Educational Exchange Program: Solidarity through Academia in the Muslim World’ is drawing increasing interest and participation from Member States, and their public and private universities. A significant number of students from the OIC Member States are currently benefiting from the higher education scholarships offered under the Program by high-ranking universities in various Member States and many more offers are in the pipeline. Leaders of the OIC Member States who had gathered in Cairo for the 12th Islamic Summit Conference from 2 to 7 February 2013 expressed their appreciation for the Educational Exchange Program launched by the OIC General Secretariat. The Final Communiqué of the Summit called upon all Member States to actively support and participate in the Program. “The OIC Educational Exchange Program is based on the recognition of the central role of knowledge, higher education, research, and science and technology in the advancement of the Muslim world,” said OIC Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology Ambassador Abdul Moiz Bokhari.
“Accordingly, the OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has particularly focused on the promotion of cooperation between the OIC countries in these fields.” The Program, which aims at developing greater cooperation and linkages in academia deals with the post-graduate, masters, doctoral, research levels and includes exchange of students, faculty members and researchers for short durations between interested institutions of higher education in the Member States. Various elements of the Program include scholarships, faculty exchange, distance learning, research projects, and specialized courses meeting the specific requirements of Member States. Amb. Bokhari pointed out that 18 universities from the OIC Member States are now included in the top 500 World University Rankings Supplement of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) for 2012. These universities can pair up with other universities in the OIC Member States for exchange of experience and expertise.
Ihsanoglu calls on Islamic Universities to strive for world class standards Mbale, Uganda – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called on universities in the OIC Member States to improve their quality of education and enhance R&D in order to compete with world class universities. The Secretary General made the call in a statement delivered at the 20th Graduation Ceremony of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) held in Mbale, Uganda on 16 March 2013. The Secretary General further congratulated the graduates and advised them to continue to upgrade their knowledge and skills, and keep
abreast with the rapid technological advances in order to ensure continued progress in their lives. The colorful ceremony, which coincided with the Silver Jubilee cerebrations of IUIU and the 50th anniversary of Uganda’s independence, attracted thousands of guests from the East African region as well as from countries as far as Nigeria in West Africa. A total of 1,856 students graduated this year. 55 % of them (1,022) were males while 45 percent (834) were females.
Initiative to unify Islamic universities in Africa
Muslims in various countries, especially in Africa. Under the initiative, academic conferences will be organized along with joint education and exchange programs for students and staff, study grants, sabbatical years in Islamic universities, and journals and books. Academic networks among Islamic universities will be set up along with a directory for disseminating information on institutions and courses offered. According to a 2007 report, ‘Islamic Universities Spread through Africa’, there are about 17 Islamic universities in Sub-Saharan Africa states populated by around 250 million Muslims including in Chad, Ghana, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Financial support for at least six African Islamic universities has been provided by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Islamic Development Bank. They include Islamic universities in Uganda and Niger, Zanzibar University in Tanzania, King Faisal University in Chad, Mogadishu University in Somalia and Al-Hikmah University in Nigeria.
Khartoum, Sudan – An initiative to unify Islamic universities in Africa has been launched in an effort to foster cooperation, enhance academic mobility and promote mutual recognition of degrees. The initiative was launched by the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World at the First International Conference on the Biography of the Prophet held at the International University of Africa in Khartoum, Sudan, from 10- 13 January 2013. It focuses on expanding cooperation frameworks and communication between African universities as well as strengthening links between universities in Nile Basin countries. The initiative will seek to unify systems and programs between African Islamic universities, including in the areas of admission, planning, curriculum, examinations and degrees granted. It will work on mutual recognition of degrees, promote joint research in areas related to the development of Islamic studies, and study problems facing
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HEALTH OIC condemns the killing of polio vaccinators in northern Nigeria Ihsanoglu urges media in member states to raise awareness about polio
The Islamic Fiqh Academy and OIC Health Ministers Kano, Nigeria – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin have endorsed the safety and efficacy of polio vaccines. Ihsanoglu condemned the killings of polio vaccinators that Around 54 OIC Member States had successfully eradicated took place in early February in northern Nigeria and reiterated polio through polio vaccination without any reported the support of the OIC for the polio eradication campaigns in harmful effects on the vaccinated children. The Secretary General urged the media in the OIC Member States. The Secretary General referred to the strong support for polio eradication expressed by the 12th Islamic Member States to raise public awareness regarding the Summit Conference held in Cairo from 2 -7 February 2013. safety and efficacy of polio vaccines and the support of the He reiterated his appeal to the religious scholars and leaders OIC for polio eradication activities. Ihsanoglu reiterated his to support the polio eradication campaigns and encourage request to all OIC Member States, the private sector and all parents to ensure polio vaccination for their children in Islamic philanthropic organizations to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. order to protect them from life-long polio paralysis.
Medicine and vaccine manufacturers from OIC Member States to work towards self-reliance
Dubai, UAE – The first meeting of Medicine and Vaccine Manufacturers from OIC Member States was held in Dubai on 27- 28 February 2013. The meeting was convened by the OIC General Secretariat in cooperation with the Science, Technology and Innovation Organization (STIO), which was hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Abdul Moiz Bokhari, Assistant Secretary General of OIC and was attended by a select-group of vaccine manufacturers and the relevant OIC institutions. The participants vowed to work together for promoting self-reliance and recognized that the objective could be achieved through joint action in a phased manner under the spirit of Islamic solidarity and fraternity. The meeting discussed the status of medicines and vaccines production in the OIC countries, major challenges to self-reliance, possible avenues for collaboration and the role that the OIC can play
in facilitating cooperation and joint action. The meeting agreed on a set of recommendations that included short, medium and long term measures, industry-academia linkages, harmonization of standards, creation of pooled procurement facility for vaccines and related supplies through public-private partnership, and establishing a strategic stock of medicines and vaccines for emergency. The meeting welcomed the offer by the three participating companies to fund R&D activities for human and veterinary vaccines for OIC countries and training courses and workshops on Quality Management System (QMS), Validation, Clinical Trials and CGMP. The meeting agreed to hold its next session soon after some of the technical assessment studies are completed and shall submit its recommendations to the forthcoming meeting of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers to be held on 21 -23 October 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – On the occasion of the World TB Day, 24 March, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Stop TB Partnership reaffirm their commitment to take effective action to overcome the deadly disease of Tuberculosis and to work together in this regard. The OIC-Stop TB statement recognized the threat posed by TB, an airborne disease that is developing drug-resistant strains, in an increasingly interconnected world. The disease feeds on and perpetuates poverty, stifles economic development and prospects of better future for families. The OIC countries accounted for half a million deaths out of the total 1.4 million who died of the disease in 2011. Accordingly, the statement emphasized the need for prioritizing the fight against TB within OIC-Stop TB spheres of influence and improving access for TB diagnosis,
treatment and care for everyone. It called upon the relevant authorities in the OIC Member States to allocate necessary resources for this purpose. TB prevention and treatment will be one of the priority issues during the 4th Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 21- 23 October 2013. The OIC looks forward to working with international partners, including the WHO and Stop TB Partnership, to benefit from the new tools and tests being developed for the prevention diagnosis and treatment of TB including development of new drugs and vaccines. The joint statement underscored that TB is preventable and curable, and deaths from the disease are avoidable through ensuring timely and effective action.
Joint Statement of OIC-Stop TB Partnership: Deaths from the disease are avoidable
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MEDIA Handling Islamophobia from Media Perspective: Correcting the Image of Islam and Muslims
OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu (C ) and Director of Information Department Shanti (L) at the meeting
Dr. Isam Salim Shanti An open-ended meeting at the level of experts was held at the Headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah on 25 February 2013 at the invitation of their Excellencies the Ministers of Information during the 9th session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM) held on 19- 20 April 2012 in Libreville, Gabon. The meeting meant to discuss the implementation of the resolution 2 /9-INF to deal with the issue of the rise of Islamophobia in the Western World and the practical mechanisms to handle the issue. Previously, the OIC General Secretariat has circulated to all Member States a concept paper with specific mechanisms to correct the misconception and misunderstanding of Islam in many western societies. The paper was based on the workshop, which the OIC held in Brussels in February 2012 and was attended by prominent academics, media specialists, and civil societies. The Secretary General of the OIC Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed during the meeting the OIC’s deep concern about growing intolerance against Islam and Muslims in the West due to reports and literature being published and offensive films being disseminated targeting Islamic symbols and values in numerous and various mass media. This, he said, leads to negative stereotyping, racial discrimination and targeting of Muslims in order to distort the image of Islam, which is based on the fundamental values of peace, tolerance, moderation and peaceful coexistence with other religions and beliefs. He stressed on the importance of media in shaping the international public opinion and that media, if well-utilized, would bring immense benefits for all peoples around the globe. However, he warned that media, if misused, could lead to the spread of disunity and enmity among the peoples of the world. The Secretary General emphasized the need to provide member states with the financial and logistical capacities to finance projects related to direct interaction with foreign media, especially the establishment of a fund to which member states, institutions and individuals would contribute. He added that the establishment of the fund is urgently needed to begin the actual process of interplay with external media for the benefit of the Muslim world. The meeting decided the following important steps. First, it approved the concept paper submitted by the Department of Information of the General Secretariat, entitled “Proposal for Mechanisms to Correct the Image of Islam and Muslims in
Europe and North America” and urged its implementation. Second, the meeting approved the proposal by the State of Kuwait to establish a waqf (endowment) fund to defend Islam, its values and sanctities. It is to be supported by the OIC Member States and the private sector such that it would be of a waqf investment nature and its proceeds would be allocated for engagement with external media on issues relating to combating Islamophobia to rectify the distorted image of Islam and defend it and its sanctities and symbols. The fund would be based in Kuwait and the State of Kuwait will provide the OIC General Secretariat with a paper on the establishment of this waqf fund. This fund would replace the Interaction with External Media Fund which was approved during the7th session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers. Third, the meeting welcomed the initiative of the State of Kuwait, which would commence practical steps towards the establishment of the fund and lay down its working mechanisms through setting up its Board of Trustees, whose membership would be restricted to the states, institutions and individuals who contribute to the fund as well as the OIC General Secretariat. Fourth, the meeting decided to set up a committee comprising the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the OIC General Secretariat to launch a marketing campaign for this fund in order to provide the necessary financial resources. Fifth, the meeting recommended cooperating with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Center for Inter-faith and InterCultural Dialogue in Vienna, Austria, on media affairs to counter Islamophobia. Sixth, the meeting recommended leveraging the expertise and programmes of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in media and cultural aspects related to addressing Islamophobia in the media. Seventh, the meeting called for cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations initiative established by Turkey and Spain in 2005 to promote understanding and tolerance among cultures. Eighth, the meeting welcomed the Malaysian’s initiative to provide the “Salam Baitullah” documentary on Hajj which Malaysia offered to share and broadcast on TV channels in OIC and non-OIC member states. Ninth, the meeting called to consider the possibility of establishing cooperation partnerships with research and study centers and universities to combat Islamophobia in the media and in public relations. Tenth, the meeting welcomed the Amman Message. Eleventh, the meeting called for interaction with civil society institutions in various fields in order to correct stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. 65
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OIC Satellite Television: A New Reality in the Media World Dr. Isam Salim Shanti OIC Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF). An open-ended meeting at the level of experts was held at Third, the meeting called for the creation of a Management the Headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Board of the OIC Channel whose members will come from (OIC) in Jeddah on 23 -24 February 2013 at the invitation the private sector. The board shall be responsible for the of their Excellencies the Ministers of Information during overall supervision and management of the OIC Satellite the 9th session of the Islamic Conference of Information channel and shall report to the advisory board as regards the Ministers (ICIM) held on 19 -20 April 2012 in Libreville, channel’s general policy aimed at achieving the objectives the Republic of Gabon. The meeting meant to discuss the of the OIC Charter. implementation of the resolution 8 /9-INF to launch an OIC Fourth, the meeting decided that the OIC Satellite Satellite Channel under the umbrella of the OIC. Channel shall commit to the OIC Charter, and that the The Secretary General of the OIC Prof. Ekmeleddin Department of Legal Affairs at the OIC General Secretariat Ihsanoglu delivered a statement in which he stated that shall define the nature of the legal relationships between the the Muslim world lacked efficient media tools and most Advisory Board and the Management Board. particularly an all-inclusive Islamic satellite channel with Fifth, the meeting took note of the candidatures of Egypt, a clear message to educate peoples about the importance of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey to host the the joint Islamic action and the various sectors related to headquarters of the OIC Channel, with the decision on the the economy, finance, investment, science and technology, headquarters being left with the private sector, which would tourism, culture, sports, media, heritage, history and be the investors. The Channel shall have branches in the geography. He stressed that such a channel would bring different regions of the OIC (African Group, Asian Group Muslims closer together, helps increase awareness about the and Arab Group). various capabilities and resources of the Muslim World, and Sixth, the meeting decided that the Channel shall start would convey Muslims’ message to the rest of the world its official work with the three official languages of the OIC concerning their positions vis-à-vis international issues. (Arabic, English and French), and shall introduce other The meeting adopted several practical measures. First, languages subsequently. it adopted the concept paper submitted by the Information Seventh, the meeting decided to constitute an ad hoc Department at the OIC with regard to the launching of the committee to follow up the process of launching the OIC OIC satellite channel. Channel. The committee shall be composed of Afghanistan, Second, the meeting called for the creation of an Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Gabon, Palestine, Qatar, Advisory Board with a membership of 15 Member States Egypt, Mauritania, and the OIC General Secretariat. representing the official three geographical regions of the Eighth, the OIC Satellite Channel would request OIC World: Africa, Asia, and the Arab region. The members for membership as an OIC affiliated institution after its will be elected by alternation at the sessions of the Islamic establishment. Conference of Information Ministers, in addition to the Finally, the General Secretarial would invite the members State of Palestine as a permanent member, the General of the committee to a meeting at a future date to follow up Secretariat, the Islamic Broadcasting Union (IBU) and the the process of launching the OIC Channel.
Holding Media Conference on Africa
Dr. Isam Salim Shanti An open-ended meeting at the level of experts was held at the Headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah on 25 February 2013 at the invitation of their Excellencies the Ministers of Information during the 9th session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM) held on 19 -20 April 2012 in Libreville, the Republic of Gabon. The meeting meant to discuss the implementation of the resolution 6 /9-INF to implement a Special Media Programme Highlighting Africa’s Position and Role in the Muslim World. The meeting decided to hold a special two-day media conference to discuss the importance of Africa in terms of natural and human resources for the Muslim World and to highlight Africa’s potentials and investment opportunities in the mass media in the Muslim world and worldwide. The
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meeting took note that this conference might be held in Tunisia, Morocco or the United Arab Emirates, or any other state interested in hosting the conference. The conference would take place prior to the 10th Islamic Conference of Information Ministers, which will be held in 2014 in Tehran, Iran. States interested in hosting the forum should inform the General Secretariat accordingly before the end of March 2013. In addition, the meeting welcomed the proposal by Malaysia to provide capacity-building programmes to train media practitioners in the domain of radio and TV broadcasting for African states willing to benefit from these programmes. Finally, the meeting welcomed the proposal by Malaysia to publish all information on African states’ capacities through ‘South-South Information Gateway’.
ECONOMY IDB and IFPRI explore cooperation in food security Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – A delegation of senior experts Group and explored grounds for cooperation to enhance from the International Food Research Policy Institute food security in IDB member countries. On the occasion, Dr. (IFPRI) headed by Dr. Shenggen Fan, Director General of Shenggen Fan stated that an integrated approach is required IFPRI, met with Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the to go beyond agriculture and support social safety nets as IDB Group on 5 January 2013 and reviewed current global well and generate employment and income opportunities for food security situation and discussed possible areas of the poor and thus eradicate hunger. relevant collaboration between the two institutions. The team IFPRI seeks a mandate of achieving sustainable food also discussed IFPRI’s 2012 report on Global Food Policy. security and reducing poverty in developing countries Also featuring on the agenda were elaborations on a recent through scientific research and research-related activities in decision of the Organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC) to the fields of agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries, policy, create an OIC Food Security Institution and the possibility and natural resources management. It is one of the 15 centers of cooperation between IDB and IFPRI on the Qatar-led supported by the Consultative Group on International Global Dry-land Alliance Initiative to boost food security in Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global partnership that the arid regions using high-tech methods of farming. Later unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure on, the IFPRI delegation reviewed policy developments future. with senior economic and agricultural experts from the IDB
IDB follows up projects in Somalia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – In line with its continued support to the people of Somalia, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) follow-up in mid-January on its various projects in the country worth around US$ 450,000. They mainly comprise supplying orphanages, hospitals and schools in Somalia’s second largest city, Hargeisa, and other parts of the country with medicine, medical equipment and other much needed items. It is also following up on the progress of the delivery of supplies and equipment to women empowerment centers in different Somali cities.
The IDB has also provided financing for construction or rehabilitation of 19 irrigation canals in Mudug in the north-central region, Hiiraan and Middle and Lower Shabele regions in the drought hit areas. Once operational, the canals will benefit 2.5 million residents. Since 1991, IDB has provided US$ 17.3 million in the form of project financing and relief aid in the sectors of education, health, irrigation, construction and rehabilitation of water canals and digging of new water wells in Somalia.
Jakarta, Saudi Arabia – The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group signed an agreement with the Government of Indonesia on 28 February 2013 to establish the IDB Group Country Gateway Office in Indonesia signifying a new milestone in its strategic partnership with the country. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Finance of Indonesia Agus Martowardojo and the President of the IDB Group Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali. The IDB Group President said that the gateway office is a proof of strong bilateral relations between IDB Group and the Government of Indonesia, as it will help accelerate economic growth and development of the country within the framework
of the Member Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) for Indonesia, which is based on the development of the private sector and infrastructure as key pillars. Leveraging on its key strengths, the IDB Group Country Gateway Office will serve as a platform for all entities of the IDB Group to effectively generate more business opportunities particularly in energy and transportation, implement projects and programs, expand cooperation in Islamic financial products and services, trade and project financing, and provide technical and advisory services, both in the public and private sectors.
IDB Group establishes Country Gateway Office in Indonesia
IDB, WCO sign MoU
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Brussels-based World Customs Organization (WCO) on 5 March 2013 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IDB Headquarters in Jeddah. The document, signed by Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the IDB Group, and Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the WCO, envisages providing a general framework for cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions aimed at supporting socio-economic development of IDB
member countries by assisting their respective Customs administrations in capacity building, income optimization and developmental and modernization efforts. The two institutions will collaborate to identify and implement joint Customs capacity building programs in IDB member countries with a view to promoting modernization and cross-border trade. It is also expected to facilitate regional cooperation and integration, exchange of knowledge and expertise. 67
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Libyan delegation discusses Islamic banking and other development agenda with IDB Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – A Libyan delegation comprising Finance Minister and Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Governor for Libya Al Kilani Abdel Karim El Jazi, Economy Minister Mustafa Mohammed Abufunas, and IDB Board Member for Libya Bader Abdullah Abuaziza met with IDB Group President Dr. Ahmad Mohammed Ali and other senior IDB Group officials on 29 January 2013. They agreed to increase existing volume of cooperation including establishment of an Islamic fund for small and medium enterprises in Libya, exchange of expertise in Islamic banking as well as the Bank’s participation in Libyan efforts to launch a border economic zone between Libya and Tunisia. The Libyan ministers praised the active role of the IDB Group in countering the economic, investment and commercial challenges the country has been facing since
the recent developments in the country. The IDB Group President expressed the Group’s readiness to mobilize all efforts to promote cooperation with Libya and enumerated the areas and initiatives in which the two sides could increase their cooperation. He cited the example of Islamic banking and expressed IDB’s preparedness to establish a forum of experts to study the experiences of countries in which Shari’ah- compliant banking has been adopted. Dr. Ali welcomed the consolidation of the Libyan private sector and stated that the Bank is ready to organize a meeting of concerned bodies to familiarize the Libyan private sector with various IDB services. Libya is amongst the major shareholders of the IDB and maintains shares in all the IDB Group entities. The IDB has so far approved more than US$ 484 million towards financing projects in different sectors in Libya.
OIC Secretary General stresses importance of OIC Trade Preferential System to WAEMU Countries Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stressed the importance of OIC Trade Preferential System (TPS-OIC) to member countries of the WestAfrican Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and to the entire Member States of the OIC. The Secretary General made this remark during a meeting with the President of WAEMU Commission Cheikh Hadjibou Soumare and his accompanying delegation in his office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 13 January 2013. While highlighting the activities of the OIC towards enhancing economic cooperation among its Member States through the implementation of the various development projects, the Secretary General emphasized that the continued partnership of the OIC with regional organizations, having
common membership with OIC, is crucial to realizing the objectives of rapid socio-economic transformation and increased welfare for the peoples of the entire Muslim world. On his part, the President of WAEMU Commission reaffirmed the commitment of WAEMU Commission to a closer collaboration with the OIC General Secretariat in support of the joint execution of projects in various spheres, including trade, agriculture, rural development and food security. The two sides also lauded the on-going arrangements on the elaboration of an impact assessment of TPS-OIC on the WAEMU member countries, which is undertaken in collaboration with the Islamic Center for the Development of Trade and Islamic Development Bank.
IDB provides US$ 50 million Youth Employment Support to Yemen London, UK – During the 5th ministerial meeting of ‘Friends of Yemen’ hosted by the British Foreign Ministry in London, UK in early March, the President of the IDB Group Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali signed a US$ 50 million agreement with Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sa’adi, Yemeni Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and IDB Governor for Yemen. The agreement, signed in the presence of Alan Duncan, the British Minister of State in the Department for International Development (DFID), aims to provide economic empowerment to the needy Yemeni youth and families by contributing to capacity building and providing them with production inputs for job creation in various 68
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fields, such as construction of rural roads and irrigation canals, reclaiming agricultural lands, harvesting rain water, coffee cultivation and bee-keeping, etc. The financing arrangement is expected to pay great attention to employment of less-privileged females as well as the youth who will be employed in these projects. The agreement, similar to those signed earlier with Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, comes within the framework of the US$ 250 million Youth Employment Support (YES) Program launched by the IDB in 2011 to assist job creation for the youth in IDB member countries in the Arab World affected by the recent developments.
IDB 8th edition (2013) Women’s Prize Laureates announced Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Three enterprising women respectively from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Indonesia, and a woman-led organization from Pakistan have been selected for the award of the IDB Prizes (8th Edition) for Women’s Contribution to Development for the year 1434H/2013, announced Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the IDB Group on 5 March 2013. The selection process for the Prizes was overseen by a committee of expert women from different parts of the Muslim World. The themes for this year’s Prizes were “Women’s Management of Natural Resources for Development” for the individual category and “Women’s Role in Environmental Leadership” for the organizational category. According to the decision of the selection committee, the individual category Prize of US$ 50,000 of cash award will be equally shared among the three winners. These are: Mrs. Seidaliyeva Balikhiya Amzeevna (Kazakhstan) for her innovative solution to restore the vitality of chemically-
affected soils by creating an eco-fertilizer produced from mining waste. Professor Mrs. Pervin Mammadova (Azerbaijan) for her invention in biotechnology to neutralize oil-polluted soils, and Mrs. Tri Mumpuni (Indonesia) for her innovative and practical application of renewable energy in the remote villages of Indonesia. The organizational category Prize has been awarded to the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan in recognition of the organization’s use of earthquake-proof and flood resistant eco-construction techniques in disaster prone areas in the remote regions of Pakistan. This unique technique has facilitated women’s active participation in the development of their communities. The Prizes will be awarded to the laureates by the Chairman of the IDB Board of Governors at a special ceremony during the 38th Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 21 -22 May 2013.
United Nations to Partner with IDB on Dry Lands
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The United Nations will drought and poverty are part of the causes of partner with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in the crises in countries like Mali and Somalia. tackling the challenges of food security in dry land Earlier, in his opening remarks, IDB President Dr Ahmad countries according to Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Special Mohamed Ali welcomed the experts and expressed gratitude Advisor to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the to the Government of Qatar for supporting dry land countries. Director of Earth Institute of Columbia University, USA. In his remarks, the Executive Director of the GDLA, Professor Sachs was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Dry Land Alliance (GDLA) Experts Ambassador Bader Al-Dafa stated that the essence of Group Meeting at the Headquarters of the IDB in Jeddah the dry land initiative is to protect land and agriculture. on 18 February 2013. “The Global Dry Land Alliance To do that, according to Ambassador Al-Dafa, it requires is a path to peace, not just food security,” he added. research and scientific endeavor because countries suffering Professor Sachs observed that the pressures of from dry lands constitute 40% of the world.
IDB 11th edition (2013) S&T Prize Winners announced
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The President of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB) Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali announced the decision of the Selection Committee regarding the winners of the IDB Prizes for Science and Technology (S&T) for the 11th edition (1434H/2013); these are: Category-I (most outstanding contribution to social and economic development): National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lebanon. Category-II (most outstanding contribution to a given scientific field): Solar Energy Research Institute (Seri), Malaysia.
Category-III: (most noted scientific institution from a least developed member country): Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (TSMU), Tajikistan. Each Prize consists of a cash award of US$ 100,000 and a trophy. The prizes will be awarded to the winners by the Chairman of the IDB Board of Governors in a special ceremony to be held on the occasion of the 38th IDB Board of Governors Meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan during 2122 May 2013.
OIC commends TRNC’s participation in intra-OIC affairs
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The OIC Secretary General received in audience at his office in Jeddah on 16 March 2013, H.E. Sunat Atun, Minister of Economy and Energy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), who was on a working visit to the OIC Headquarters. The Secretary General commended the close working relations between the OIC General Secretariat and the TRNC,
aimed at increasing intra-OIC economic cooperation in the areas of trade, agriculture, tourism and finance. The meeting hailed the increasing participation of the
TRNC in the various OIC trade fairs and underscored its great potentials in building intra-OIC capacity in the agroindustrial and agro-food sub-sectors. 69
ECONOMY
Innovation experts concur on common platform for socio-economic development in Muslim World
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – “Entrepreneurial spirit, knowledge infrastructure, and relevant policies are musthaves for innovation to bring about socio-economic growth in Islamic countries”, concluded a panel of innovation experts gathered at the IDB Headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on a two-day meeting of more than 20 internationally renowned innovation experts from different parts of the world. The experts from Australia, Bahrain, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, and the USA, shared their views and experiences on innovation policies and pro-poor technologies. Earlier, the Chairman of the IDB Group, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, in his inaugural address said that sharing of innovative ideas and experiences from its member countries and with the rest of the world contributes to the IDB motto: “Together we build a better future”. Dr. Ali added that the Bank has set eradication of diseases, alleviation of poverty, empowerment of women and achieving human development high on its priorities list to materialize its socio-economic development mandate in line with its Vision 2020. The IDB Group Chairman then touched upon innovation as the main theme of the upcoming Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors to be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 21- 22 May 2013, and underscored IDB Group’s plans to enhance innovative activities both at the institutional and member country levels. Elaborating
that in today’s global village all developments efforts are interconnected, Dr. Ali referred to the agreement signed last December between IDB and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for eradication of polio in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria as an instance of the Bank’s extensive scope of international cooperation. Case studies of national policies from advancing countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Korea together with sector-specific innovation approaches on Islamic Finance, Halal industries, renewable energy and nanotechnologies, in Africa and South Asia, were presented at the meeting on 23- 24 February 2013. The experts also shared with the participants innovative technology solutions with the potential to lift entire rural villages out of poverty. The main successful technology-based solutions discussed included the IDB-financed Solar Home System project in Bangladesh, the Dertu water distribution system in Kenya, the cell phone cash transfer system in Senegal, and the mobile health services in rural Mozambique. The expert meeting called upon the IDB Group to continue the dialogue towards assisting member countries in developing innovation framework that suits economic development model in respective countries, strengthen its capacity building and knowledge transfer and share such knowledge through IDB and other websites. The Experts also recommended the creation of a knowledge exchange platform based on good practices.
IDB partners with GAVI to save children’s lives with vaccines
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The GAVI Alliance (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) signed on 11 March 2013 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IDB Headquarters to help save children’s lives by accelerating the introduction of life-saving vaccines in IDB member countries. According to the MoU signed between Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the IDB Group, and Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of GAVI, the IDB will work closely with GAVI to help secure sufficient funds for immunization. By 2020, GAVI plans to vaccinate more than 400 million children in at least 29 member countries with the objective of preventing 3.2 million deaths. An estimated US$7 billion will be required to reach this target. “We are joining hands with the IDB to accelerate the introduction of life-saving vaccines in IDB member countries and ensure that children have a healthy start in life,” said Dr. Seth Berkley. “We also aim to increase the uptake of new and underused vaccines in these countries and hopefully generate new sources of funding.” On the occasion, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali stated that promoting health is among the major strategic thrusts of the Vision 1440H (2020) of the IDB Group and that it was happy to enter into a cooperation agreement with GAVI to 70
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save the lives of millions of children in member countries, thereby playing a major role against child mortality. He mentioned that at the initial stage, IDB will try to support the governments of selected member countries to implement the vaccination program through its “triple win financing model” in which it will seek collaboration with other partners while also providing the recipient countries the opportunity to contribute a portion of the cost along with IDB. This kind of tripartite partnership will ensure country ownership as well as sustainability of funding in the long term. Since it was founded in 2000, GAVI has helped around 33 member countries of the IDB introduce vaccines against yellow fever, hepatitis B, meningitis and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) disease. With support from the IDB, GAVI expects to roll out vaccines against two of the biggest killers of children in developing countries – diarrhea and pneumonia – as well as new and underused vaccines, including human papillomavirus (HPV) against cervical cancer, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and rubella. The IDB intervention in the health sector has surpassed over US$ 2 billion since its inception with over 30% approved during the last three years (2010 -2012). The Bank’s Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) is the arm dedicated for supporting poverty reduction interventions with focus on health of the poor.
Djibouti Full Name: Republic of Djibouti Capital: Djibouti Population: 774,389 (2012 estimate) Area: 23,200 square km. Official Languages: French, Arabic Monetary Unit: Franc (DJF) Overview Djibouti is situated in Northeast Africa on the Gulf of Aden and the Bab-el-Mandeb, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The country’s coastline stretches 314 kilometers, with terrain consisting mainly of plateaus, plains and highlands. Djibouti’s climate ranges from arid in the northeastern coastal regions to semiarid in the central, northern, western and southern parts of the country. Although the coastal regions are hot and humid throughout the year, the hinterland is typically hot and dry. Djibouti is sectioned into one city and five regions. It is further sub-divided into eleven districts. They are Region d’Ali Sabieh, Region d’Arta, Region de Dikhil, Region d’Obock, Region de Tadjourah, and Ville de Djibouti. Djibouti’s population is predominantly Muslim. Islam is observed by 94% of Djibouti’s population, while the remaining 6% follow Christianity. As the headquarters of the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional body, Djibouti has been an active participant in the Somali peace process, hosting the Arta conference in 2000. Djibouti is currently holding the chairmanship of the 39th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Economy Djibouti’s economy is largely concentrated in the service sector. Commercial activities revolve around the country’s free trade policies and strategic location as a Red Sea transit point. Due to limited rainfall, vegetables and fruits serve as the principle production crops, and other food items require importation. The GDP in 2012 was estimated at $2.377 billion, with a real growth rate of 4.8% annually. Per capita income was around $2,700. As of 2010, ten conventional and Islamic banks operate in Djibouti. As of 2013, the container terminal at the Port of Djibouti handles the bulk of the nation’s trade. About 70% of the seaport’s activity consists of imports to and exports from
neighboring Ethiopia, which depends on the harbour as its main maritime outlet. The port also serves as an international refueling center and transshipment hub. In 2012, the Djiboutian Government in collaboration with DP World started construction on the Doraleh Container Terminal, a third major seaport intended to further develop the national transit capacity. A $396 million project, it has the capacity to accommodate 1.5 million twenty foot container units annually. Education Education is a priority for the Government of Djibouti. As of 2009, it allocates 20.5% of its annual budget to scholastic instruction. In the late 1990s, the Djiboutian authorities revisited the national educational strategy and launched a broad-based consultative process involving administrative officials, teachers, parents, national assembly members and NGOs. The initiative identified areas in need of attention and produced concrete recommendations on how to go about improving them. The Djiboutian Government has especially focused on developing and improving institutional infrastructure and teaching materials, including constructing new classrooms and supplying textbooks. At the post-secondary level, emphasis has also been placed on producing qualified instructors and encouraging out-ofschool youngsters to pursue vocational training. Wildlife The country’s wildlife, consisting of flora and fauna, is in a harsh landscape with forest accounting for less than one percent of the total area of the country. The flora and fauna species are most found in the northern part of the country in the ecosystem of the Day Forest National Park. It covers an area of 3.5 square kilometers of Juniperus procera forest, with many of the trees rising to 20 meters height. This forest area is the main habitat of critically endangered and endemic Djibouti Francolin (a bird), and another recently noted vertebrate, Platyceps afarensis (a colubrine snake). The area also contains many species of woody and herbaceous plants, including boxwood and olive trees, which account for 60% of the total identified species in the country. According to the country profile related to biodiversity of wildlife in Djibouti, the country contains some 820 species of plants, 493 species of invertebrates, 455 species of fish, 40 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians, 360 species of birds and 66 species of mammals. 71
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VIEWPOINT Philosophy and the Arab Zero Ambassador Saadeddin Taib Advisor to the OIC Secretary General, OIC
While Christianity shaped the Western world’s spiritual and moral principles and values, the credit goes to the Greek philosophical heritage as far as the molding of the West’s intellectual character. The story of the rescue of the Greek heritage at the hands of the Nestorians who fled from Constantinople and sought refuge in Persia, followed by the Arabs’ translation and explanation of the said heritage and the additions they made to it, further developing it before transferring it to the West, forms one of the most admirable episodes in human history. By transferring this heritage to the West, the Arabs had thus paved the way for the Western Christians to found the scholastic movement which is based on the idea of subjugating philosophy to theology and establishing a rational link between religion and reason. This major change was the starting point that ushered in the era of Enlightenment in Europe. The Arabs resorted to Greek philosophy driven by their need to reach a rational justification of religious facts. The word “Arab” was a term conventionally used to refer to the scientists and intellectuals of Islam in the middle ages, as their lingua franca was Arabic and as they lived under the umbrella of the Arabo-Islamic state and were advocates and interpreters of the Arabic language. One’s mere verbal declaration of faith was not enough, as faith needed to be tied to reason, and even be able to withstand the arguments of reason. We have already noted how Islamic civilization – since the early days of Islam – had exhibited a marvelous phenomenon, which is one of its particular hallmarks, manifested in its diligent efforts to merge religious belief with reason and matter with spirit, and to avoid separating the two. It was the separation between religious belief and science that prompted the West to sever the link between science on the one hand and morality and ethics on the other, and to separate scientific realities and the requirements of lofty morals. Arab scientists relied fundamentally on the works of Aristotle, and at a lesser level on Plato, to evolve a modality to elucidate some of the intricate issues such as the oneness of the Creator and the multiplicity in the universe, or the divine perfection and the living creatures’ imperfection, as well as the pathway of evolution from God “the first cause” or the Creator, through the “rationality of the universe” and the “universal spirit” to the world of matter. By necessity, Arab intellectuals in this area had to address many of the issues which are today classified among the scientific rather than philosophical issues, such as the nature of 72
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matter and that of time, and the relation between time, mass and movement. While modern researches have today surpassed the ancient works of Arabs, still this in no way should detract from the value of their pioneering efforts. Contemporary Western intellectuals do acknowledge that the Christian intellectuals, who contributed to paving the way for the era of Enlightenment, were in fact standing on the shoulders of their Arab predecessors. This is well illustrated, for instance, in the science of mathematics. Everyone knows, even grade-school children in the West, that the numerical figures used in displaying the results of a football match for instance, are termed “Arabic numerals”. These school-children may believe that these figures had been used in the West since ancient time, whereas the reality is that they only reached Europe in the thirteenth century, transmitted by Arabs to the West. Strangely though, Europe had at first resisted using the Arabic numerals and the decimal system for many centuries. Before it started using the Arabic numerals Europe used to depend on the arcane and useless Roman numbers system. Compared to the Arabic decimal system in which one may write 1848 with no more than four digits, eleven digits were needed in the Roman system as follows MDCCCXLVIII. It is evident from the above that, using the Roman numbers, any simple mathematical operation would be a real challenge, taking so much time and effort, whereas any mathematical operation, however complex, may be easily resolved in the decimal system in much less time. One may easily assert that the scientific progress achieved in Europe would have had no chance of taking place had the Europeans continued using the unwieldy Roman system, thus depriving themselves of the simplicity and flexibility of the decimal system, and more particularly of the use of the zero (from the Arabic sifr) which forms the jewel in the crown of the decimal system. Despite the fact that the Arabic numerical system does have Indian origins, it was still the Arabs who developed it and gave it practicality, adding to it a revolutionary miracle: the zero. Arabs used the zero for the first time in the year 873, whereas the Indians only started using it in 876, three years later. As for Europe, it continued for another few centuries, after this event, to jeer and mock this quaint accounting system based on something called a zero, nothing at all! I am of the firm belief that had they in fact contributed to the West nothing else but this simple “zero” and the decimal system, the Arabs’ contribution would have still been of momentous weight for the Western progress and Enlightenment. The West held the view – as it still does – that religion forms an obstruction to science, but the great scientific inroads achieved by the Arab and Muslim scientists have belied this claim. What actually had impeded scientific progress in the West was not religion but rather the shortsightedness of the Church’s fanatical theologians. The persecution meted upon Galileo, and the burning at the stake of ‘witches’ in Europe only give us an inkling of that shortsightedness. We have noted that most discoveries in the science of Arab mathematics were not the product of work outside the sphere of religion or in denial of it, but rather the direct result of the requirements of religion or needs. Islam, as a matter of fact, urged scientists and scholars to ponder all that crossed their minds, and not to constrain their intellectual exercise to any single field.
About OIC The year 2005 is considered a turning point in the history of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (formerly the Organization of Islamic Conference) when it launched its reform process. That year witnessed the holding of the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit at the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on 7-8 December, which adopted the OIC Ten-Year Program of Action. As a result of the continued developments experienced in the Islamic Ummah, it had become clear the need for a new headquarters suitable for the OIC, the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations. Saudi Arabia, the host country, gave great care and attention to this matter and decided to build a new permanent Headquarters for the OIC. During the historic Makkah Summit in 2005, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud unveiled the cornerstone of the new OIC Headquarters. Soon after, the OIC General Secretariat announced an international architectural design competition for its new headquarters. More than one hundred participants from around the world submitted their
designs. On 17 May 2006, the jury announced the outcome of the competition, selecting the design submitted by Bramberger (architect) & Thomas Pucher of Austria. When the design was presented to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques he expressed his admiration and gave his generous approval of the project for immediate implementation. In line with this gracious patronage, the Saudi Government allocated a 40,000sm plot of land in Qasr Khuzam district in Jeddah as the location for the Headquarters. The Austrian architecture team completed the final plans in July 2009; and the Saudi Ministry of Finance presented the detailed plans, estimated budget and design model to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques who gave his approval. The OIC Headquarters will be an international landmark in the skyline of Jeddah and a beacon for joint Islamic action, Muslim culture and its rich heritage. It will also provide a wonderful site for an international prominent institution. The design incorporates and entwines traditional Islamic architecture with modern necessities.
Main entrance hall
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various peoples of the world. Originally named The Organization of the Islamic Conference, it was established pursuant a decision adopted by the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, on 12th Rajab 1389 AH/ 25 September 1969 AD, following the criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. In 1970, the first ever meeting of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (ICFM) was held in Jeddah. It adopted the decision to establish a permanent secretariat in Jeddah headed by the organization's secretary general. Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is the 9th Secretary General who assumed office in January 2005 after being elected by the 31st ICFM Session. The first OIC Charter was adopted by the 3rd ICFM Session held in 1972. The Charter was amended to keep pace with the developments that have unraveled recently across the world. The 11th Islamic Summit held in Dakar in March 2008 endorsed the new Charter, which has become the pillar of the OIC future Islamic action in line with the requirements of the 21st century. The new Charter provides for the dissemination and safeguard of Islamic teachings and values based on moderation and tolerance, as well as the need to strive for the projection and defense of the true image of Islam. The new Charter also called for encouraging inter-civilizational and interfaith dialogue. Over the last 40 years, the OIC membership has grown from its founding members of 25 to 57 states. In 2011 in Astana, Khazakhstan, the 38th Council of Foreign Ministers endorsed changing the emblem and name to Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Organization has the singular honor of galvanizing the Ummah into a unified voice and representing Muslims by espousing all causes close to the hearts of over 1.5 billion Muslims in the world. The Organization has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental organizations to protect the vital interests of the Muslims and to work for the settlement of conflicts and disputes involving Member States. In safeguarding the true values of Islam and Muslims, the organization has taken various steps to remove misperceptions and have strongly advocated elimination of discrimination against Muslims in all forms and manifestations. It has also engaged in fighting Islamophobia by setting up a dedicated observatory to track and monitor the phenomenon and its disturbing manifestations The Member States of the OIC face many challenges in the 21st century. To address these challenges, the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit held in Makkah in December 2005, laid down a blue print called the Ten-Year Program of Action (TYPOA) which envisages joint action by the Member States, promotion of tolerance and moderation, modernization, extensive reforms in all spheres of activities including science and technology, education, and development of trade. It also emphasizes good governance and the promotion of human rights in the Muslim world, especially with regard to the children's and women's rights as well as family values enshrined in Islamic Shariah [law]. One of the outstanding achievements since the adoption of the Ten-Year Programme of Action (TYPOA) has been the recent reinvigoration and restructuring of the various OIC bodies. Among the OIC's key bodies the Islamic Summit, the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), the General Secretariat, in addition to the Al-Quds Committee chaired by the king of the Kingdom of Morocco, as Al-Quds remains the paramount issue on the OIC's agenda, and three permanent committees, one of which is concerned with science and technology (COMSTECH) that is chaired by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the second committee is concerned with economy and trade (COMCEC) which is chaired by the President of the Republic of Turkey, while the third one is concerned with information and culture (COMIAC) which is chaired by the President of Senegal. The OIC has subsidiary organs, notably Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for the Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) and the Islamic Center for the development of Trade (ICDT). Other specialized organs operating under the OIC include the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO). There are also affiliated organs such as the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS). The OIC subsidiary, affiliated and specialized organs play a vital role in boosting cooperation in various fields among the OIC Member States. For more details, visit the OIC website at www.oic-oci.org
Conference hall
Cornerstone of the Headquarters