OIC Journal - Issue 32 by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

January - March 2016

Issue No. 32

Interfaith Cooperation for

Tackling Xenophobia and Religious Hate

OIC Endorses International Peace Conference to End Israeli Occupation

A Roadmap for Peace in Syria?

About OIC 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 Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (ICFM) was held in Jeddah which decided to establish a permanent secretariat in Jeddah headed by the organization’s secretary general. Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani is the 10th Secretary General who assumed the office in January 2014. 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 30 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 OIC - OCI

OUR MESSAGE Towards an Active International Position to Support the Palestinian Cause

Iyad Ameen Madani OIC Secretary General

This emanates from the OIC’s recognition of the need and importance of developing a collective plan of action – according to a specific timeframe – to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian State

The Fifth Extraordinary Islamic Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia, evolved a position that contributed to bringing the Palestinian cause, particularly the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to the political forefront. Hosted by a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, the Summit demonstrated that Al-Quds Al-Sharif is deeply anchored in the conscience of the Islamic Ummah. The resolutions of the Jakarta Summit, held on 6-7 March 2016, reaffirmed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s constant support for the Palestinian cause. Hence its position outlined in the “Jakarta Resolution” supports the French efforts, the initiative to create an international support group, and holding an international peace conference. This emanates from the OIC’s recognition of the need and importance of developing a collective plan of action – according to a specific timeframe – to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian State based on relevant international legitimacy resolutions. Whatever the efforts to revive the Peace Process, it is our responsibility to widen the circle of participation and involvement of the international community in sponsoring and supporting peace efforts, and restructuring the Quartet Committee by expanding its membership and defining its role in backing a real and effective peace process. OIC’s support for the Palestinian issue formed a powerful political lever that managed successfully to adopt dozens of international resolutions for Palestine, notably UN General Assembly resolution granting Palestine non-member state status in 2012, resolution to grant Palestine membership in UNESCO in 2011, and resolutions on forming international inquiry committees on Israeli crimes and violations. Such political momentum is worth building upon. We should also focus and redouble efforts to persuade the UN Security Council to provide international protection for the Palestinians. Furthermore, the OIC has sought, in the framework of joint Islamic action, to consolidate the political status of Al-Quds as the capital of the State of Palestine, assert the Palestinian rights in Al-Quds, and activate the individual and collective responsibility of Member States to empower its people, and preserve Muslim holy places there and Arab identity. Developments in the Palestinian issue have been always at the forefront of political movements, meetings and contacts undertaken by the OIC. The efforts of the Special Ministerial Contact Group on Al-Quds in the past year have provided a dynamic diplomatic impetus, which the OIC will work to strengthen and develop. The Islamic Group also intensified the mechanisms of cooperation, coordination and consultation with other international groups within the UN in order to keep the dangerous developments in the Palestinian territory on the international agenda, which contributed to acts of intervention and condemnation of Israeli violations. Since the inception of the Peace Process the OIC has supported it based on international and religious references agreed to, constantly asserting the fixed responsibility of the UN towards the Question of Palestine. In this regard, the OIC will continue to build support for the Palestinian movement in the Security Council to issue an international resolution that emphasizes the legitimate Palestinian rights and sets a timetable for ending the occupation. In parallel to the tireless diplomatic efforts, the OIC has continued to fortify resources and mobilize material capabilities through development funds and financial institutions. These include the Islamic Development Bank, Agency for Beit Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Islamic Solidarity Fund. It has also intensified its efforts towards the implementation of the strategic plan for the development of vital sectors in Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif. In addition, the OIC has supported efforts to achieve a comprehensive Palestinian national reconciliation, which will hopefully lead to the formation of a Palestinian national unity government. On the other hand, the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip requires exerting efforts in the coming period to provide more assistance for the reconstruction and ending Israel’s illegal blockade. It is also necessary to assert the concerted media efforts at the regional and international level to expose the ongoing Israeli violations of the Palestinian human rights, mobilize international solidarity and sympathy with the Palestinian people, and activate the boycott of institutions, individuals and international companies working with the occupation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Finally, the crises burdening the Middle East have somewhat obscured the special status of the Palestinian cause and its symbolism. However, the current situation necessitates resolving the Palestinian issue from the standpoint that it is the problem behind the state of discord and polarization in the Arab and Muslim world. It will remain the focus of the OIC until a comprehensive and just solution is reached that guarantees restoration of Palestinian legitimate rights, at the top which is an independent State of Palestine with Al-Quds as its capital.

OIC Journal Issued by The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Chief Editor & General Supervisor Maha Mostafa Akeel Editors Ismaeel Nakhuda Layout & Design Mohammed Abdelqader Qalaba Advisory Board Ali Abolhassani Shahreza Jakhongir Khasanov Translation Amgad Hassan Yahya El-Khatib Mohamed Esseth Address: Madinah Road, P.O. Box 178, Jeddah-21411, Saudi Arabia Tel: 012 6515222 Fax: 012 6512288 Telx.: 601366 Islami SJ. Website: www.oic-oci.org For comments, enquiries

E-mail: journal@oic-oci.org OIC Permanent Observer to the UN New York Office 320 East - 51st Street New York 10022 New York, USA www.oicun.org oic@un.int OIC Permanent Observer to the UN Geneva Office ICC-20, Route Pre-Bois - Case Postal 1818 CH 1215, Geneve, Suisse www.oic-un.org oic@oic-un.org The views expressed by the writers/authors of the articles published in the OIC Journal do not necessarily represent the views of the OIC, but are the personal views of the authors themselves. However, the OIC reserves the right/discretion to amend, revise, edit, delete or scrutinize any part or portion of the text as and wherever deemed necessary.

OIC Related Links 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 (ICDT) www.icdt-oic.org The Islamic University of Technology (UIT) www.iutoic-dhaka.edu

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

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

OIC Calendar: May – September 2016 1-5 May: 9th Regular Session of the OIC-Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 11 May: Open-ended Meeting at the Level of Experts on Launching OIC TV Satellite Channel – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 15-19 May: 41st IDB Board of Governor Meeting – Jakarta, Indonesia 17-19 May: 3rd Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible of Water – Istanbul, Turkey 22-26 May: 15th Trade Fair of the OIC Member States – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 23-24 May: World Humanitarian Summit – Istanbul, Turkey 31 May: 44th Meeting of the Governing Board of IIUM – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 28 June: 32nd Assembly General Meeting of IIUM – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 27-28 July: International Congress on History of Islamic Civilization in West Africa – Banjul, Gambia 27 September: 45th Meeting of the Governing Board of IIUM – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

CONTENTS In Focus: 4: OIC Foreign Ministers Denounce Iran’s Interventions in Internal Affairs and its Support for Terrorism

Palestine File: 6: Jakarta Hosts Conference on the Question of Jerusalem

World Affairs:

Jakarta Summit on Palestine and Al-Quds

Roadmap to Peace in Syria

Marrakesh Hosts Media Forum on Africa

Role of Afghani Ulama in the Efforts to Eradicate Polio in Afghanistan

9th Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers

16: Restoring Peace to Central African Republic 18: Efforts to Achieve Lasting Peace in Mindanao and Passage of BBL

Islamophobia: 35: Interfaith Cooperation for Tackling Xenophobia and Religious Hate

Culture: 39: Kuwait: Capital of Islamic Culture for Arab Region 2016

Family Affairs: 41: Workshop to Review OIC’s Plan for the Advancement of Women

Media: 46: Media Equality Critical for Women’s Rights 47: OIC-ABU Symposium and Regional Workshop on Advanced Technologies for Digital Inclusion

Health: 50: Experts Meet on Population and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Environment: 55: IDB and Member States Pledge to Address Challenges of Climate Change

Economy: 58: Mutual Recognition of Accreditation Certificates Raises Volume of Halal Products

Opinion Articles 12: Gideon Levy to Israel: Get Thee to a Rehabilitation Center 23: Restoration of the Rights of Rohingya Must be a High Priority 37: Freedom of Expression and Religious Symbols

IN FOCUS

Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (R) chairing the meeting, OIC Secretary General Iyad Madani (C) and Amb. Tariq Bakhiet (L)

OIC Foreign Ministers Denounce Iran’s Interventions in Internal Affairs and its Support for Terrorism Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Council of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an extraordinary meeting at the headquarters of the organization in Jeddah on January 21, 2016 under the chairmanship of Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of State of Kuwait and the current Chairman of the Council. The council convened at the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to consider the storming of its embassy in Tehran and its consulate general in Mashhad. The meeting issued a communiqué in which it condemned the aggression considering them a flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963. The council also considered the aggression to be a flagrant violation of the international law, which explicitly guarantees the inviolability of the diplomatic missions and imposes the immunity of and respect for diplomatic missions accredited to any State

in a clear and binding manner. The communiqué stated the aggressions contravene the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Charter of the United Nations, which call for promoting trust and fostering friendly relations, mutual respect and cooperation among Member States, resolving conflicts through peaceful means, preserving peace and security, and abstaining from interfering in the internal affairs of States. The meeting rejected and condemned Iran’s inflammatory statements on the execution of judicial decisions against the perpetrators of terrorist crimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It considered Iran’s statements a blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a contravention of the United Nations Charter, the OIC Charter and of all international covenants which call for non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States, particularly those affairs that are within internal legislations. The communiqué denounced Iran’s interference in the internal affairs of the States

OIC Journal January - March 2016

of the region and other Member States (including Bahrain, Yemen and Syria and Somalia) and its continued support for terrorism. The ministers expressed full support for and backing of the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all Member States to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its source and objectives. They supported the legislative and legal measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to counter aggressions against its diplomatic and consular missions in Iran. The communiqué also affirmed the statements made by Member and non-member States, the UN Security Council, the League of Arab States, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and other regional and international organizations, which firmly condemned and deplored the aggressions on the Embassy and Consulate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tehran and Mashhad. The ministers called for denouncing the sectarian and denominational agenda as it

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IN FOCUS

Saudi Foreign Minister

Turkish Foreign Minister with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister

carries destructive impacts and serious repercussions for Member States’ security and stability and for international peace and security. They have, at the same time, underscored the importance of reinforcing relations of good neighborliness among the Member States for the good interest of peoples, consistent with the OIC Charter. They called on all Member States and the international community to take serious and effective steps to prevent the occurrence and recurrence of such aggressions on diplomatic and consular missions in Iran in the future. The ministers reiterated support for all political efforts to achieve permanent settlement to conflicts among Member States based on the OIC Charter, UN Charter and international law. The meeting was opened with a statement by Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, who is the current chairman of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. He said the extra-ordinary meeting was being held at the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss the attacks against its embassy in Tehran and its consulate general in Mashhad. He said the response of 37 member countries to the invitation to attend the meeting and the high-level representation is a reflection of the great importance the member countries were giving to this matter. The chairman reaffirmed the condemnations of the attacks against Saudi Arabia’s embassy and consulate in Iran and urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to provide sufficient guarantees for the protection of the diplomatic missions on its territories and to strongly adhere to the regional and international charters and laws. Sheikh Sabah reiterated his support to Sau-

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UAE Foreign Minister

di Arabia’s efforts to fight terrorism in all its forms and types regardless of its origins or reasons. OIC Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, on his part, said the attacks against the Saudi embassy and consulate in Iran were a gross violation of the diplomatic norms established under the Vienna diplomatic and consular conventions. He said the intervention of a country in the internal affairs of another member country would undermine the Charter of OIC to which they are all committed. The Secretary General recalled that an article in the Charter makes it imperative on all members to stick firmly to the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of the other members and to respect their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. “It is clear that the continuation of differences among member countries will further deepen the cracks in the Islamic political body and consolidate the political and sectarian polarization which distracts us from effectively confronting our real challenges,” he said. The Secretary General said the savage terrorist operations that had recently targeted a number of member countries and the continued Israeli repressions against our Palestinian brothers entail more coordination and cooperation among Islamic countries to uproot the menace of extremism

The ministers reiterated support for all political efforts to achieve permanent settlement to conflicts among Member States based on the OIC Charter, UN Charter and international law.

Senegalese Foreign Minister

and terrorism. He regretted that the chronic intra-Islamic differences were adversely affecting the performance of the OIC and weakening its strength to shoulder its responsibility. He added that the differences are tarnishing the credibility of the organization before the Islamic and world public opinion and making it a subject of questioning and doubt before the Muslim Ummah. Madani said the present circumstances and the incidents in the Islamic world, especially in the Middle East region, entail a strong political will to clear the atmosphere, build bridges of understanding and restore the mutual confidence among member countries to serve their interests, improve the conditions of their people and build their future. “The road towards this end requires a strong political will and an open dialogue to erase the disputes and create a common ground that will safeguard the common interests, enable the member countries to avoid entering into conflicts that will only dissipate their energies and block their roads towards development and prosperity,” he said. Qataris abducted in Iraq: On another issue, the Foreign Ministers strongly condemned the abduction of innocent Qatari citizens who entered the Iraqi territories in a legal manner with official entry visas issued by the Embassy of Iraq in Doha following the approval of the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, and were abducted on territories that are under the sovereignty and security control of the Iraqi Government. They called on the Iraqi Government to assume its international legal responsibilities and immediately take all decisive actions that would guarantee the safety and release of the abducted and bringing the perpetrators of this dreadful terrorist act to justice.

OIC Journal January - March 2016

PALESTINE FILE Madani discusses support of Palestinian cause with Indonesian officials

Jakarta Hosts Conference on Al-Quds and Palestinian Cultural Days

Jakarta, Indonesia – Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani visited Indonesia on December 14, 2015 where he held talks with senior officials at the margins of the Al-Quds International Conference, which the OIC organized in collaboration with the UN and the Indonesian Government. While in Jakarta, Madani met with Mr. Alawi Shihab, envoy of the Indonesian President to the OIC, and discussed with him the active role Indonesia was playing as a member state in the organization and the ways and means of further boosting this role. He reviewed the organization’s activities and programs that were hosted by Jakarta in 2015 and the country’s role in upgrading the work of the organization to achieve its noble goals and objectives. The Secretary General also met with the Indonesian Minister of Culture Anees Baswedan and reviewed with him the distinguished relationships between the two sides. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Indonesian officials for their country’s efforts to reinforce the Islamic solidarity and pushing it forward, particularly the coun-

try’s support to the Palestinian cause, which was manifested by hosting the International Conference on the Question of Jerusalem and providing all facilities for its success. During his visit, Madani also met with the Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki and discussed with him the latest developments in Palestine and the Israeli serious aggressions against the Islamic sanctities, particularly the repeated attacks by Jewish settlers and extremists against the Aqsa Mosque. The meeting discussed the ways and means that could be utilized to mobilize the Palestinian cause at the level of the Member States and the international community. The two sides stressed the importance of the continuation of the OIC’s efforts it had begun in order to confirm and consolidate the Palestinian rights in the international fora and culminated by the convening of the International Conference on Al-Quds. The conference is part of a series of events the OIC organized or contributed to their organization. The Secretary General, on the other hand, was the patron of the Palestinian Cultural Days, which the OIC had organized in Jakarta to present the Palestinian culture and

OIC Journal January - March 2016

heritage to the Indonesian public. He attended a Palestinian film featuring the agonies of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. The Secretary General also attended a Palestinian cultural heritage night that symbolized the Palestinian continued existence on their land and served to educate the Indonesian people of the Palestinian national identity, which is pivotal in confronting the occupation. International Conference on Al-Quds: Meanwhile, the International Conference on Al-Quds discussed the latest developments in the holy city. In his inaugural speech, the Secretary General renewed his caution that the safety and sacredness of the holy sites in Al-Quds are closely linked to security and stability in the region. He stated that the continuation of Israel’s violation could widen and bring a religious dimension to the conflict and Israel alone should bear its consequences. Madani called on the international community to assume its responsibility by providing international protection to the Palestinian people against the unprecedented aggression and daily crimes they suffer at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces.

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PALESTINE FILE He praised the stance of the European Union supportive of the two-state solution, especially the EU’s recent decision to distinguish the products made in Israeli settlements. The Secretary General commented the position of the European Union in support of the two-state vision, particularly the latest decision to start labeling products from the Israeli settlements. He stressed the need to develop and strengthen these procedures with political resolutions, together with effective role of the EU and the international community which can put pressure on Israel to stop all its racial settlement activities that have constituted a major stumbling block to the realization of peace based on the vision of the two-state solution. Madani stated that the international community is called upon at this critical stage to intervene responsibly, adding that the political track must be sponsored with the involvement of active and influential parties, starting with the adoption by the Security Council of a resolution providing a clear political term of reference and specific time frame to end occupation, including international guarantees and agreed mechanisms for the implementation of the UN resolutions. For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine, Riyad al-Maliki, addressed the conference and stressed that the world has failed to protect the Palestinian people the same way it has failed to demand accountability from the Israeli occupation forces about their repeated aggressions against the Palestinians. At a press conference held after the opening session, Al-Maliki explained that when the issue is political it is confined to Israelis and Palestinians while others offer support from a distance. However, after the conflict has been turned to a religious one, all Muslims are being confronted because it would become a religious conflict between Muslims and Jews, and not just between Palestinians and Israelis alone. He stressed that Israel should bear the responsibility for this conflict. For her part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, declared that Indonesia has left no stone unturned to support the Palestinian issue at the United Nations by supporting the resolutions for Palestine’s accession as a non-member observer state in November 2012 and its participation in the Palestinian flag hoisting ceremony at the UN Building in New York. This is in addition to providing training and rehabilitation programs for the Palestinian police and security organs. On the sideline of his visit to Jakarta, the OIC Secretary General met with the Indonesia foreign minister. He expressed to her his

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appreciation of Indonesia’s role in supporting the activities of the OIC by hosting its events and meetings, particularly the current international conference on Al-Quds. Madani also lauded Indonesia’s role in supporting joint Islamic solidarity. The Secretary General discussed with Foreign Minister Marsudi steps and measures to strengthen relations between Jakarta and the OIC. Both sides also discussed issues of common concern and other matters relating to coordination between both sides. The two-day conference was attended by Ambassador Samir Bakr, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Palestine Affairs; Douglas Broderick, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Indonesia, representing the UN Secretary General; Saeed Abu Ali, Assistant Secretary General for Palestine Affairs at the League of Arab States; and the Vice Chair of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Desra Percaya. Addressing the conference, Mr. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian permanent representative to the UN, asked the OIC Member States who have relations with Israel to take punitive measures against the Zionist State by bringing to justice the senior Israeli officials who were proved to have committed war crimes against the Palestinians similar to what other countries, namely South Africa, have done. He said the OIC Member States and the international community are asked to surpass the resolutions which confirm the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in the UN and other international organizations and to take, instead, measures on the ground to curb the aggressions against the Palestinians. Mansour asked the international community to provide protection for the Palestinian people by translating into practical and binding realities the resolutions adopted more than once by the UN General Assembly and other UN bodies. The conference concluded on Tuesday 15 December by confirming that the Palestinian issue is not a religious but a political one under which the Palestinians are being coerced by the Israeli occupying forces. The conference said Israel was adopting systematic measures to force the Palestinians into exile and banishing them away from their homeland and usurping their legitimate rights, which is very clear in the Holy City of Al-Quds, the main focus of the conference and whose Muslim and Christian residents are suffering from these atrocious practices. Deputy Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Hassan Kulaib called for the return of the Palestinian cause to the forefront of the in-

ternational community’s concerns through focusing on it in the various international fora and the media. “The international community should move towards this end,” he said. Photo Exhibition: Meanwhile, the OIC has also organized in Jakarta a photo exhibition under the title: “Al-Quds: History and Civilization”. The exhibition was organized by the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) in collaboration with the Palestinian embassy in Jakarta and the Indonesian Government. The exhibition featured about 50 photos showing the two sides of its history, during the Ottoman era and at the present time under Israeli occupation. The old photos were part of the archives of Sultan Abdul Hameed II, which contains more than 38,000 pictures taken by photographers whom the Sultan sent to the various parts of the world in late 18th century. IRCICA director general Halit Eren said the exhibition, which continued until December 23, aimed at displaying the peaceful coexistence among followers of all religions in the city during those old times compared to the current period of Israeli occupation. Palestinian ambassador to Jakarta Fraiz Mahdawi praised the Indonesian people’s attachment to the Palestinian cause especially Al-Quds Al-Shareef, saying that about 75,000 Indonesians have visited Al-Quds in 2014.

OIC Journal January - March 2016

PALESTINE FILE

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More than 18,000 University Graduates in Gaza Join the Unemployed Annually Gaza (DPA) - Ibrahim Abu Asi, a young Palestinian, hangs his university degree on the wall of a small restaurant for popular foods he has recently opened in Gaza to escape the realities of joblessness. Abu Asi, who is in his early 30s, looks with cynicism at his master’s degree in engineering while serving his customers with Falafel and Hummus. He said he had no other option but to open the small restaurant with his younger brother so as to secure a job after two years of unemployment waiting in vain for a job opening. “Most of my colleagues could not realize any of their dreams after the university years of hard work and studying to graduate,” he said. Abu Asi blamed his current condition on the deteriorated situation in Gaza “which grinds the young men and women in the swamp of poverty, joblessness and the gradual and persistent loss of a future.” Israel has been imposing a tight blockade on Gaza since the mid-2007. In addition to the siege, Israel has launched three massive military operations against Gaza – at the end of 2008 beginning of 2009, at the end of 2012 and in the summer of 2014. The last Israeli aggression was the most brutal, considering the great damage to the basic infrastructure in addition to destroying 18,000 housing units while more than 30,000 were partially destroyed. Muhannad Zeid, another young Palestinian in his mid 20s, said the political and economic situation of Gaza is depressing the youth about their future. After four years of graduating with top honors in business administration he still cannot get a job. Like the tens of thousands of other univer-

sity graduates in Gaza, he collided with the reality of joblessness. “I spend the day time shuffling between government and private establishments uselessly looking for any job opportunity,” he said. He spends his evenings with friends of similar conditions exchanging complaints about the deplorable conditions and regret over the passing years without any practical accomplishment. Since his graduation, Zeid obtained only two jobs on temporary basis for a few months after which he retuned to unemployment. The majority of the young men in Gaza are speaking openly about immigration to escape from their miserable conditions, picturing this as the life rope that will rescue them. Mutassim Saad, in his early 30s, said traveling abroad and thinking of immigration is the ambition of every young man in Gaza to escape from the difficult life conditions in the Strip. However, traveling out of Gaza is a complicated matter. This adds to the frustration of the young men and women. Israel tightly controls the movement of people and goods into Gaza; and travel from Gaza is only possible for serious humanitarian cases and those above 40 and with special arrangements. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, the only land access for Gaza to the rest of the world, is often shut down. During the entire 2015, the crossing was opened for 25 days only. Travelling through this important outlet was confined to the sick and humanitarian cases and under highly complicated circumstances. Amjad Al-Shuwa, director of the network of NGOs in Gaza, said the despair of the young and their continuous thinking of immigration by any means has become a serious problem which is justified after the Strip

OIC Journal January - March 2016

has been turned for may years into a large prison. Al-Shuwa warned of the perilous consequences on the social fabric due to the continued frustration of the young who are marginalized in an isolated geographical area. “This makes their future choices more bleak,” he said. International organizations have estimated unemployment among the residents in Gaza, who are around 1.8 million, as the highest in the world with about 43 percent, while 40 percent of the residents live below the poverty line. Former Social Affairs Minister in the Palestinian Authority, Saleh Zeidan said that young Palestinians between 15-29 including the graduates represent about a third of the society in Gaza. “They are facing the challenges of unemployment and poverty which is a symbol of the humanitarian catastrophe Gaza is suffering from,” Zeidan said. The unemployment among the young men and women is attributed largely to the weakness and inability of the Strip to absorb the graduates. The government jobs have been closed since 2007 while every year about 18,000 students graduate from the universities. Zeidan warns that the problem is further aggravated by the fact that the high education does not protect against unemployment and that the university certificate does not open the door for jobs in Gaza. He described the unemployment among the graduates as a time bomb and warned against the results of thousands and thousands of young Palestinian men and women sitting idle without employment or productivity.

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PALESTINE FILE Greek Parliament Votes for Recognizing Palestinian State

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its appreciation for the Greek Parliament’s unanimous resolution to recognize the State of Palestine. It indicated that this significant move is consistent with the UN resolutions to end the Israeli occupation and enable the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate rights, including the establishment of the independent State of Palestine on the Palestinian territory occupied since June 4, 1967 with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

The OIC Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, expressed his hope that the Greek government would take the initiative for recognizing the State of Palestine, emphasizing that this would contribute to enhancing international efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, Madani called on all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take the initiative to declare its recognition in support of the two-state solution. The Greek parliament became the latest Eu-

ropean legislative body to recommend recognition of a Palestinian state, adopting the measure in a nearly unanimous show of support on 21 December 2015. The vote took place during a special parliament meeting attended by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who addressed the body afterward. Several other European parliaments, such as those in Britain, Ireland and France, have passed similar motions to this non-binding resolution.

European Union Assures OIC of Respect for Holy Sites in Al-Quds The European Union stressed the need to respect religious sites in the occupied city of Al-Quds. In a reply letter to the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, the EU stated that it consistently called for the full respect of the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. The letter of the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, addressed to the Secretary General also stressed that any changes could have deeply destabilizing effects. Mogherini added that it is important that

all parties adhere to the status quo in both words and practice, and implement it in good faith on the basis of existing agreements and understandings. She also stated that the EU believes that compliance with international humanitarian law and international law, both by states and other actors, including accountability, is a cornerstone for peace and security in the region. Mogherini reassured the OIC Secretary General that EU remains committed to a just and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state vision, including the establishment of an indepen-

dent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine. Worth mentioning that reaffirmation of the European Union’s position respecting the holy places came in response to a letter addressed by Madani to the European Commission, the UN Secretary General and the Foreign Ministers of the permanent members of the Security Council, aimed at mobilizing efforts of international community to encounter the Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as its aggression and assaults in Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

Al-Qiq a Victim of the Arbitrary Punishment of Administrative Detention by Israel The Ambassadorial Group of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its grave concern over reports on the seriously deteriorating health conditions and wellbeing of the Palestinian journalist Muhammad Al-Qiq who has been on a continuous hunger strike for months in protest against his arbitrary punishment of administrative detention by the Israeli occupation authorities. Similar to several hundreds of Palestinian civilians, Al-Qiq is a victim of the arbitrary punishment of administrative detention and is being held by Israel without charge or trial by administrative order and not by judicial decree. As the occupying Power, Israel is responsible for the safety and well-being of Al-Qiq and must be compelled to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law without exception. In this regard, it must be underscored that re-

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sorting to administrative detention blatantly violates prohibitions imposed by international law. In blatant violation of the law, Israel, the occupying Power, has administratively detained thousands of Palestinians for prolonged periods without informing them of their charges and repeatedly renewing their detention while preventing the detainees and their legal counsel from examining socalled “secret evidence”, preventing them from mounting a defense and obstructing their access to due process of the law. Such actions make a mockery of the protections specified in international law to protect the rights of prisoners and detainees, including in situations of foreign occupation. In addition to being held in administrative detention without charge, Palestinian administrative detainees are being subjected to various other kinds of violations and mistreatment.

In view of this, the OIC Ambassadorial Group, appealed in January to the UN Secretary General, the President of the General Assembly and all Members of the Security Council to urgently call upon Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately release the Palestinian journalist Muhammad Al-Qiq, whose life is in danger, and to cease all its human rights violations against the more than 6,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in its jails, including men, women and children. Al-Qiq ended the hunger strike that brought him into uncharted medical territory and to the brink of death after 94 days without food. Under the terms of a deal, announced on 26 February by the Palestinian Prisoners Club, al-Qiq will be released on 21 May and his detention will not be renewed.

OIC Journal January - March 2016

PALESTINE FILE

Endorses an International Peace Conference to End Israeli Occupation

Jakarta Summit Repositions Al-Aqsa at the Forefront of the Political Scene Jakarta, Indonesia – The Fifth Extraordinary Islamic Summit, which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 6-7 March 2016 under the title “United for a Just Solution”, succeeded in placing the Palestinian issue at the forefront of the political scene in the Muslim world. It also confirmed the extended support to the Palestinian cause by having the summit in largest Islamic state by size of Muslim population, Indonesia, and the importance of that in boosting the status of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially that the Summit was held specifically on the Palestinian issue and Al-Quds Al-Shareef. The Summit expressed its support for the call made by the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to convene an international peace conference to end the Israeli occupation as an essential step towards ending the unsustainable and volatile situation, which would promote calm and revive hope in a peaceful solution to end occupation, and allow the Palestinian people to live in freedom and dignity in their Palestinian State, with Al-Quds as its capital. The resolution adopted by the Summit also affirmed the OIC Member States’ central role in taking all necessary measures at all levels to provide protection for the Palestinian people and safeguard the sanctity and

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status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, in particular AlAqsa Mosque Compound. It further reaffirmed that “the Member States stand firm in their defense of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound”, and cautioned against any measures that would affect its sanctity as an exclusive right of Muslims, including its surface, underground and environs. The resolution also expressed support for the Palestinian reconciliation under the chairmanship of President Abbas, calling for continuing efforts at all fronts to end the illegal and immoral blockade Israel imposes on the Gaza Strip. It reaffirmed the resolve to continue efforts at the UN Security Council to ensure that the latter upholds its duties consistent with its Charter and assumes its legal and moral responsibilities to ensure accountability for illegal actions perpetrated by the occupying Power, regretting the Council’s failure to uphold its duties vis-à-vis the Palestinian cause. On the other hand, the Summit called on all Member States and on the international community to ban the products of Israeli illegal settlements from their markets, and to take measures against entities and individuals involved in and/or taking advantage of the advancement of the occupation and

January - March 2016

settlement regime; and to include settler leaders in the list of terrorists and criminals to be brought before international justice. The resolution also called on all OIC Member States to engage with the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the primary cause in international fora, including the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council; urging them to honor their commitments to provide necessary support and assistance to Palestine’s efforts to join international institutions and treaties, including full membership in the United Nations. Opening Session The President of Indonesia, Widodo, inaugurated the Summit on 7 March 2016, and said in his speech at the opening session that the people and Government of Indonesia are honored to host the Extraordinary Summit upon the request of Palestine. President Widodo expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Palestine citing a series of violations committed by Israel against the Palestinian people, including the pressure put on Muslims to prevent their access to the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. In his speech, the Palestinian President highlighted the Palestinian people’s need for the support and solidarity of their brothers, and for international protection against the ag-

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PALESTINE FILE gression and arrogance of Israel, “the State that violates international law and international humanitarian law the most”. President Abbas dwelt on the policies of colonial and economic oppression and suffocation targeting the Muslim and Christian inhabitants of the city of Al-Quds who suffer overburdening taxes and different forms of collective punishment imposed by Israel, in addition to the policies of demolition of homes and arbitrary detention aimed at emptying Al-Quds from its original Palestinian inhabitants. President Abbas warned against turning the political conflict with Israel into a religious conflict as a result of the ongoing violations perpetrated by extremist settlers against Islamic and Christian sacred sites, in particular the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. Addressing the Summit the OIC Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, briefed the participants of the efforts the OIC has been exerting to serve the Palestinian cause, starting with the extraordinary meetings it holds at the level of Foreign Ministers, making key decisions to counter Israel’s aggressive and racist settlement policies at the international fora, and conducting contacts and consultations with the Member States’ leaders and officials to update them on the serious Israeli violations. He said that his last visit to Al-Quds Al-Sharif enabled him to take stock of what the city endures under occupation. Madani also reaffirmed the OIC’s support for a Palestinian national unity government, voicing his hope that comprehensive Palestinian reconciliation be achieved that would lead to the formation of a national unity government which will prepare for elections, play its role and assume its responsibilities vis-à-vis the Palestinians. On another vein, the Secretary General said that the Summit welcomes and endorses the French initiative calling for the establishment of an international support group and for holding an international peace conference as a starting basis for a peace process that would put an end to occupation and realize the two-State solution. He also called for reviving the Quartet to play the role of mediator in a new peace process, explaining that despite his appreciation of the US position, domestic political pressure does not allow Washington to act by itself as mediator between the two parties. Madani underscored the role and responsibility of the UNSC to pass a resolution

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providing clear political terms of reference consistent with a specific timeframe and international guarantees. Preparatory Ministerial Meeting Madani also underscored the importance of utilizing all available alternatives to resume peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis in accordance with a specified timeframe and agenda, and consistent with international guarantees. In his speech at the Foreign Ministers meeting, Madani stated that holding the talks without such a timeframe would give Israel more time to continue to consolidate its occupation and fortify its apartheid policies. The Secretary General added that two alternatives are ahead; the first consists of the French initiative to hold an international peace conference that may lead to the resumption of the peace talks within a different format and mediation mechanism. The second is to exert every effort to revive the Quartet. These two alternatives are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but are rather two tracks that the OIC could pursue. Madani also highlighted the importance for the OIC to play an effective role in achieving a Palestinian National Unity Government; a goal that requires a Palestinian political will and a joint and clearly-defined commitment by the OIC, supported by a collective direct effort on the ground, within the legitimate Palestinian institutions. For her part, the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Mrs. Ritno Marsudi, said the situation in the Islamic world and the threats of terrorism and extremism should not divert attention from the issue of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif. She added that the forthcoming Jakarta Declaration conveys a message that the OIC Member States are united and are committed to the Palestinian cause. It also

Madani calls for utilizing alternatives to resume peace negotiations, and for Palestinian Reconciliation

provides concrete actions towards a just solution to this cause. “Such a goal, however, can only be achieved if we have a united Palestine”, she added. In the same vein, the Foreign Minister of Palestine, Riyad Al-Maliki, delivered a statement in which he reviewed the situation in Palestine under the Israeli systematic campaign aimed at changing the demographic character of the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. He highlighted the violations being committed against its sacred sites and inhabitants, including the killing of children, the demolition of homes of Palestinian families in AlQuds, and pressure put on its inhabitants to drive them outside the city and their isolation from the occupied Gaza Strip through building the apartheid wall. Bilateral Meetings: On the sidelines of the preparatory meeting the Secretary General held series of consultations with heads of delegation and foreign ministers of OIC Member States. He met with President Abbas and discussed with him the need for the Jakarta Summit to produce practical and tangible outcomes in the service of the cause of Palestine. Both sides also discussed the French initiative to resume the negotiations. President Abbas assured of Palestine’s full support for the initiative given that it has come at an auspicious time to break the deadlock the Palestinian issue is facing and because it meets Palestinians’ requirements. The President added that the intended international conference will be an all-inclusive international mechanism involving many countries. Both sides stressed the importance of national reconciliation, particularly because it would determine the fate of all the efforts being made to restore Palestinians’ rights. The Secretary General also met with His Royal Highness Prince Hassan Ibn Talal of Jordan. Their meeting underscored the need for the Extraordinary Summit to succeed in view of the difficult conditions the Palestinians are going through. His Highness emphasized the importance of international support for their cause in light of the French initiative. Madani also held talks with the Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Samih Shukry, the Afghan Foreign Minister, Mr. Sallahudeen Rabbani, and the Foreign Minister of the Sierra Leone, Mr. Samura Kamara. He discussed with them bilateral relations as well as regional issues and developments.

OIC Journal January - March 2016 11

OPINION Gideon Levy to Israel: Get Thee to a Rehabilitation Center

or the second year in a row, I have attended a conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC under the theme “Israel’s influence: Good or bad for America?” organized jointly by the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, and the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy. While most of the Conference discussion revolved around the influence of Israeli lobbying groups on the United States Middle East policy, I found the keynote statement of Gideon Levy exceptionally interesting for focusing on the corruption of core values of Israeli society.

By Shaher Awawdeh, PhD.

Gideon, a well-known author and columnist at the Israeli daily Haaretz, represents a rare courageous outspoken voice against the occupation and chauvinism plaguing Israel. He is one of the rare brave voices that you need to hear during the “worst of times, the age of foolishness, the epoch of incredulity, the season of Darkness and the winter of despair”, as put by Dickens in his novel “A Tale of Two Cities” to portray the pervasiveness of injustice, oppression and brutality that scourged an important chapter of French history, where the very existence of noble characters like Dr. Manette was considered remarkably significant for confronting the darkness and cruelty. Likewise, brave positions of outspoken Israelis like Gideon Levy are equally significant, especially at such difficult times when extremism has become mainstream in Israel. In addressing the question “What politicians, members of Congress and media elites visiting Israel should know about the situation on the ground—as opposed to what they are told on hundreds of junkets organized by AIPAC? Gideon Levy said he would take the delegation to meet Palestinian victims. “I would take them to Hebron. I have never met an honest human being who visited Hebron without telling me it is apartheid. It looks like apartheid, it operates like apartheid and it is apartheid”.

Gideon, a wellknown author and columnist at the Israeli daily Haaretz, represents a rare courageous outspoken voice against the occupation and chauvinism plaguing Israel

Gideon described how the Israeli society gives free rein to its dark side by accepting to live in peace with the idea of occupation and oppression. People in Tel Aviv, which is only one hour away from both Gaza and Hebron, live a normal life and know nothing about the occupation and its crimes. Without watching the life of Tel Aviv, he says, it is very hard to understand “the total loss of connection with reality, the total moral blindness, and the total loss of interest in any kind of solution. The Israeli society is by far today too brainwashed, and Israel is a society which lives in denial, and totally disconnected with reality”. According to Gideon, the Israelis have surrounded themselves with shields, with walls, not only physical walls but also mental ones. He mentioned three principles which “enable Israelis to live so easily with this brutal reality of occupation: a) Most of the Israelis, if not all of them, deeply believe that we are the chosen people, and we have the right to do whatever we want. b) There were more brutal occupations in history, but there has never been in history an occupier who presented itself as the victim, as Israel has done. This also enables any Israeli to live in peace with the idea of occupation, because we are the victims. c) But the most dangerous one is the systematic de-humanization of the Palestinians, which enables us Israelis to live in peace with everything, because if they are not human beings like us, then there is no question of human rights”. His description resonated the words of Kurtz: “the horror, the horror” in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” as his final judgment on his life, society and imperialism, which were loaded with deep and profound fear. Obviously, Gideon has no hope that a change could come from within Israeli society. He believes that “the problem of Israel is not only the right wingers, but also the mainstream who chose to close his eyes”. The only hope is an international intervention. He became critical of US election frontrunners who compete in declaring that they are the best friends of Israel. For him, none of them cares about Israel. “If this blind support goes forever like this, then Israel will go wild forever”. He uses an interesting metaphor: Think about a relative of yours who is a drug addict and you want to help him. You can either give him money to buy more drugs, and he will be very grateful to you. Or, send him to a rehabilitation center, which is the real care. Does anyone have the slightest doubt that Israel is occupation-addicted? I have never ceased imagining Gideon’s call for sending Israel to a rehabilitation center as mirroring Hamlet’s advice to Ophelia: get thee to a nunnery. But, would this make Israel virtuous???

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January - March 2016

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WORLD AFFAIRS

Burkina Faso Elects New President

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has commended Burkina Faso for the successful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections, which took place nationwide on 29th November 2015, in all the 368 administrative districts under a peaceful and transparent atmosphere. The Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, who expressed satisfaction that the exercise was held in free and fair environment, also praised the voters for their huge turnout as a mark of their determination to restore constitutional order in their country after a yearlong political transition. Madani also paid tribute to the transitional authorities, the independent electoral body, CENI, for the overall arrangements that contributed to the smooth conduct of the polls despite numerous challenges, and the political class for the maturity to accept the will of the electorate. He congratulated the President-elect, Mr. Roch Mark Kabore on his election. The Secretary General reiterated the OIC’s unflinching support to Burkina Faso in its endeavors to promote socio-economic development and assured the incoming elected authorities of the commitment of the OIC to realize the legitimate aspirations of the Burkinabe people. A delegation from the OIC had participated in observing the elections. The elections were the first national elections in the country since the 2014 Burkinabé uprising and the departure of President Blaise Compaoré, who had ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years.

Roch Marc Christian Kabore (L) waves to supporters as he accepts victory (epa)

OIC Welcomes the Unveiling of an Islamic Alliance to Combat Terrorism

audi Arabia announced on December 15, 2015 that 34 nations have agreed to form a new “Islamic military alliance” to fight terrorism with a joint operations centre based in the kingdom’s capital, Riyadh. The announcement published by the state-run Saudi Press Agency said the coalition is being established because terrorism “should be fought by all means and collaboration should be made to eliminate it.” The statement said Islam forbids “corruption and destruction in the world” and that terrorism constitutes “a serious violation of human dignity and rights, especially the right to life and the right to security.” The new counterterrorism coalition includes nations with large and established armies such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt as well as war-torn countries with embattled militaries such as Libya and Yemen. African nations that have suffered militant attacks such as Mali, Chad, Somalia and Nigeria are also members. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has assured its support for all international and regional efforts aimed at combating terrorism, and renewed its solidarity with all initiatives aimed at achieving security and peace in the Member States and the entire world to serve the interests of the people and to support stability. The OIC Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, said that the Member States of the OIC are among the countries most affected by terrorism where Muslims are suffering from the scourge of those groups that have engaged in erroneous interpretations of religious texts. This is occurring at that same time when Muslims are facing

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ideological claims by ultra-right wing parties and voices of Islamophobia that both seek to distort the image of Islam and Muslims. Secretary General Madani emphasized that the OIC Charter and other relevant legal instruments, particularly the Code of Conduct on Combating Terrorism adopted in 1994; the OIC Convention to Combat Terrorism adopted in 1999; and resolutions adopted by Islamic summits, Council of Foreign Ministers and the ministerial level Executive Committee, urges all Member States to have joint cooperation to combat terrorism. Madani pointed out that the increase in terrorist crimes confers upon Member States a historic responsibility and makes it imperative to intensify joint action to deal with this phenomenon in all its dimensions. In this regard, Madani welcomed the announcement of an Islamic Coalition to combat terrorism that brings together several OIC Member States. He underscored the unwavering position of the OIC that terrorism has no religion or identity, and must take into account, in addition to security and military considerations, the political, social and economic contexts that provide favorable conditions for the spread of terrorism and violent extremism such as economic deprivation, exclusion, devastation, marginalization, forced disintegration of political, legal, social and cultural institutions. It is also important to examine the underlying reasons behind sectarian violence and attempts to politicize denominational differences and to focus on sectarian affiliation as a core identity, as well as the infiltration by third parties into terrorist and extremist groups in order to serve their own political agendas, he added.

OIC Journal January - March 2016 13

WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Participates in ISSG Meetings and Welcomes

US-Russia Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria

International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting in Munich, Germany, 11 February 2016 (epa)

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) participated in the meetings of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) held in New York and Munich respectively. It also welcomed the agreement reached by US President Barak Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin to impose a cessation of hostilities in Syria to be respected by all parties involved in military and paramilitary operations as of 27 February 2016. Such an agreement should contribute to the resumption of UN-sponsored Geneva negotiations to reach a political settlement for the Syrian crises, bring an end to the suffering of the Syrian people and the killings as well as the forced displacement to which they have been subjected for the last five years. OIC Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, underlined the need for all parties to abide by the cessation of military operations and aerial bombings, as well as in the delivery of humanitarian aid to all the besieged Syrian areas. This comes in the framework of the position announced by the OIC earlier on the need for a full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution NO. 2254 of 18 December 2015. The OIC Secretary General had participated in the meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), which took place at the New York Palace Hotel on 18 December 2015. The meeting, which was a follow up to the Group’s 14 November meeting in Vienna brought together foreign ministers of sixteen member states, as well as heads of the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, European Union and League of Arab States to discuss the way forward with respect to launching of political dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition. The Group expressed deep sense of urgency to end the ongoing bloodshed in Syria, which over the past five years took lives of almost three hundred thousand Syrians and cost unbearable suffering of millions of Syrians both inside and outside the country. Moreover, it reiterated its commitment to finding a solution to the Syrian conflict through a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process. The OIC Secretary General’s participation in this round of the ISSG meeting in New York was highly welcomed. Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, stated that the OIC was a key partner in the International Syria Support Group, as it enjoyed moral authority and legitimacy all across the Muslim world, and brought together key regional actors that could influence the political process in Syria. Similarly, John Kerry, Secretary of State of the United

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January - March 2016

UNSC vote on a resolution on Syria on 18 December 2015 (epa)

States, welcomed the OIC’s participation, and underlined the value of the OIC’s potential contribution to finding solution to the Syrian conflict. In response, Secretary General Madani expressed that the OIC was well positioned to counter the hateful ideology of the terrorists groups in Syria, such as Daesh, and equipped to delegitimize the discourse it utilizes to promote nihilism and extremism and justify its violence and terrorism. Madani also stated that the OIC could mobilize a wide range participation of Syrian civil society in the political process, whose inclusivity was key to reaching a sustainable peace in Syria. Meanwhile, the OIC welcomed the unanimous adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254 on Syria endorsing an international roadmap for a peace process in Syria. The OIC Secretary General also took part in the meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) that was held in Munich, Germany on 11 February 2016. The meeting, which was co-chaired by the U.S. and Russian Federation reunites the 17 members of the ISSG including the OIC, examined the issues of ensuring humanitarian access to all besieged areas in Syria and achieving the nationwide cessation of hostilities, as well as resuming political talks. The meeting considered the modalities of reaching urgent steps to implement the provisions of the UN resolution 2254, particularly those related to the delivery of humanitarian access to areas under siege during that week, the achievement of nationwide cessation of hostilities within one week and the advancement of a political transition by the reconvening of the negotiations under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy as soon as possible, without preconditions. The meeting established two task forces dedicated to work on unhindered humanitarian access and on a ceasefire in Syria in view to create conducive conditions for a political solution and a significant reduction of violence. These two task forces are open to all ISSG members and will be led by the UN. On the sidelines of the meeting, the OIC Secretary General held bilateral meetings with the UN Special Envoy for Syria, the Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt and the US Assistant Secretary of State to discuss regional and international issues of common interest.

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WORLD AFFAIRS IDB Group Allocates US $9 billion

to Support Countries Hosting Syrian Refugees London, United Kingdom – The President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, announced that in the next three years, 2016-2018, the Group will increase its financing to US $9 billion to support development efforts in countries hosting Syrian refugees, as well as the countries afflicted by the ongoing developments in the region. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali made the announcement on 4 February 2016 at an international donor’s conference in London. The oneday conference, “Supporting Syria and the Region”, was co-hosted by the United Kingdom, Germany, Kuwait, Norway and the United Nations. British Prime Minister David Cameron in the presence of Emir of the State of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah opened it. The high profile event focused on mobilizing fresh resources to meet the increasing human and development needs of the countries directly involved in assisting the Syrian refugees. “This will include funding such sectors as education, health, water supplies, urban services, trade, supporting the private sector as well as creating job opportunities and capacity building in those countries,” stated Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali. The IDB Group President further stressed IDB Group’s readiness to step up efforts and cooperation with the international community, international development agencies, and the Arab Coordination Group by co-financing joint projects to meet the pressing requirements of the concerned states. Dr. Ali added that such effort will contribute to improvement of the living conditions of the refugees and restoring the hope of millions of people for a better tomorrow. The IDB Group President invited the participants at the Conference to support the funding initiative led by the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the United Nations to mobilize new re-

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davoutoglu (L-R), German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, at the ‹Supporting Syria And The Region› Conference in London, Britain, 4 February 2016 (epa)

sources for the regional countries that are dealing with the influx of millions of refugees from war-torn Syria. The participants also discussed ways and means to support and develop initiatives to meet the needs of the Syrian refugees, which would lead to the improvement of their daily living conditions. Since the start of the current crisis in Syria in mid-March 2011, the IDB Group, in coordination with several charitable institutions, has been streamlining grants and immediate aid for the refugees. This has mainly comprised health and education sectors, including printing textbooks and support for extra-curricular education, in addition to other projects enabling millions of refugees and displaced people to access necessary education to build the future generation.

SESRIC Organizes a Workshop on ‘Syrian Refugees: Prospects and Challenges’ Ankara, Turkey – The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) organized a workshop on “Syrian Refugees: Prospects and Challenges” in Ankara in 25-26 February 2016. The objective of the workshop was to build an interactive forum for countries which are hosting Syrian refugees in order to share their experience on the Syrian refugee crisis and to contribute and benefit from each other’s experiences and come up with common approach. Ambassador Musa Kulaklıkaya, Director General of SESRIC, Dr. Muhammed Murtaza Yetis, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister of Turkey for Migrations and Humanitarian Aid, Yousef Abdulghani, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Head of Mission from Embassy of Kingdom of Jordan, Hussein El

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Saharty, Deputy Assistant of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and Mansour Abdallah, Lebanese Ambassador to Ankara, Turks Abroad and Related Communities President Prof. Dr. Kudret Bulbul, Director of the ILO Office for Turkey at International Labor Organization Numan Ozcan and national and international experts attended. Amb. Kulaklıkaya reminded that the Syrian crisis has become a very catastrophic. He mentioned that according to the latest statistics the number of refugees fleeing across the border to Syria’s neighboring countries has become almost 5 million. Dr. Muhammed Murtaza Yetis, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister of Turkey underlined the importance of analyzing the roots of what is currently happening and developing sustainable solutions.

Mansour Abdallah, Lebanese Ambassador to Ankara, reminded that there are 1.2 million registered and 400.000 unregistered Syrian asylum seekers living in Lebanon and that they face housing problems. Amb. Abdallah said that the hospitals in Lebanon cannot response to the needs of the Syrian asylum seekers and that the women and children were the most vulnerable. The workshop included six sessions starting with a keynote presentation, followed by contribution of each session’s discussants and debate with other participants and wrap-ups made by moderators. The six parallel sessions are divided as follows; “Sheltering and Housing”, “Health”, “Education”, “Labor force participation (Employment)”, “Civil and Human Rights” “and Social Integration and Cohesion”.

OIC Journal January - March 2016 15

WORLD AFFAIRS Madani: OIC Commited to Cooperate with New Authorities

to Restore Durable Peace and Stability to Central African Republic

he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iyad Ameen Madani, reiterated the OIC’s commitment to cooperate with the new authorities in Central African Republic (CAR) in order to restore durable peace and stability to the country. The OIC has expressed its satisfaction on the conduct of the general elections in the CAR and congratulated the Interim authorities in CAR following the successful holding on 14 February 2016 of the 2nd round of the presidential election along with the 1st round of the parliamentary election. The Secretary General commended the spirit of maturity and responsibility that prevailed before and after the polls and congratulated the international community for its relentless support for the country. He called on all CAR stakeholders to continue to work for a prosperous future by turning their back decisively on the events of the past and focusing on the progress of CAR and its people who yearn for peace, national reconciliation and socioeconomic development. A nationwide referendum was held ahead of the Presidential election on 27 December 2015. Unfortunately acts of violence took place during that time in parts of Bangui resulting in several casualties. The Secretary General deplored those acts and urged all Central Africans to rise above sectarian divide by resolutely turning their back against disunity in favor of national dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness as the only alternative to bring back lasting peace to their country. Former Central African Republic Prime Minister Faustin-Archange Touadera won the presidential run-off, the electoral commission announced, in what was widely seen as a step toward reconciliation after years of violent turmoil Touadera, 58, a former mathematics professor who campaigned against corruption, won 62.71 percent of votes cast in the Feb. 14 election, according to initial results announced by National Elections Authority (ANE) president Marie-Madeleine Nkouet. Anicet-Georges Dologuele, also a former prime minister, won 37.29 percent.

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Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno (epa)

Meanwhile, the OIC Secretary General has expressed his sincere thanks to the Chadian President, H.E. Idriss Déby Itno, for his valuable efforts to restore peace and stability to the CAR. He also expressed his deep appreciation to the Chadian President for accepting to host the dialogue between the OIC and the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa (FPRC) in Chad, aimed at reaching an immediate cessation of hostilities and providing appropriate conditions to the elections of 27 December 2015. Madani praised also the favorable response of the FPRC leaders to the OIC initiative on CAR, which the OIC Special Envoy to CAR, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, has been working to implement on behalf of the OIC Secretary General. The Secretary General called on all Member States to pursue the path of national reconciliation in CAR and the commitment of all political actors to leave the past behind and renounce all forms of exclusion and marginalization. Madani reiterated the OIC commitment to follow up on the situation in CAR and establish constructive partnership relations with the new authorities to implement the commitments and covenants in order to achieve the real National Reconciliation. In this way, Muslims, Christians and followers of other beliefs can enjoy respect of their beliefs and citizenship in CAR. The OIC Sec-

January - March 2016

retary General expressed furthermore his hope to see the OIC Member States and institutions contributing to the reconstruction efforts in CAR. He called for an intensive cooperation aimed at developing the infrastructure, agriculture, education and health, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas in the country, which will be selected in coordination, and cooperation with the CAR Government. Madani noted that the OIC General Secretariat will work on an ongoing basis to follow up developments of the situation in CAR until a just and durable peace will be restored in CAR, an Observer Member State in the OIC. Worth mentioning is that Nourredine Adam, a leader in Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa Republic (FPRC), issued a declaration on the Front’s behalf on December 21 following the pressing call by OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani on the FPRC to immediately cease hostilities and completely remove all impediments to the smooth conduct of the electoral process. He stated that he met with the Special Envoy of OIC Secretary General, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio on December 21 in relation to the Central African crisis. This meeting was held in N’Djamena after an agreement of the Chadian authorities that had responded positively to the OIC’s request for that purpose. Adam stated that it became clear that the OIC strongly denounces the choice of violence and confrontation between brothers as a means of expressing political disagreements and frustrations experienced by the Muslim component of this country since independence and even before then. “The OIC reminded us that only sincere dialogue is the way to achieve peace in CAR,” he stated. “The OIC is right in saying that the crisis in CAR is essentially deep political and institutional crisis rather than religious, even though it had sometime happened to look so,” he stated. Therefore they called on the OIC to continue its involvement in the national reconciliation process in CAR and the Islamic Ummah to contribute more significantly to the country’s socio-economic reconstruction.

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WORLD AFFAIRS Event on Interfaith Dialogue in Central African Republic held in Vienna

Vienna, Austria – The OIC cosponsored an interfaith dialogue that brought together religious leaders from the Central African Republic (CAR) in Vienna on 25-26 February 2016. The event—the first of its kind since violence erupted in the country in 2013—was held to give participants the chance to search for common ground in a safe and neutral environment. Due to instability in the country, the meeting was in the planning stages for over a year. Two days of dialogue on the most pressing issues facing Muslims in CAR provided participants opportunities to reach and sign an agreement on promoting intra-Muslim peacemaking and cohesion. The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) hosted the event, titled the Central African Republic Intra-Muslim Dialogue. Other collaborators included the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies. The event was held to provide a space for CAR’s Muslims to unify voices and find ways to fully and equally participate in the process of national reconciliation and promotion of cohesion. Muslim leaders from CAR unanimously agreed to work together on a range of common issues, including supporting the return of refugees, regardless of religious background. Some 40 religious leaders and representatives of Muslim women and youth organi-

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zations from CAR attended the event. The country is severely divided and the meeting was held to investigate solutions to resolving problems facing Muslims in the aftermath of the civil unrest. A number of international observers also attended the event, including President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein, OIC Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Ufuk Gokcen, CAR’s Minister for National Reconciliation Lydie Florence N’Douba, and US Special Envoy to the OIC Arsalan Suleman. To express support from CAR’s Christian communities, Archbishop of Bangui Dieudonne Nzapalainga and Reverend Nicolas Guerekoyame-Gbangou also attended the event. “We must agree that we take from this terrible crisis an opportunity to rebuild this nation as the citizens wish to see it,” said KAICIID Secretary General Faisal Bin Muaammar. “The Central African Republic prior to the crisis was a model for positive interreligious coexistence: you have a chance to rebuild that model, to rebuild a nation where every citizen has an equal share in the rights and responsibilities of citizenship,” he added. Muaammar also noted that KAICIID has a long-standing commitment to supporting social cohesion in CAR through various programs and dialogues that it has organized

and hosted since 2014. Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah urged greater unity among Muslim peacemakers. “Peace is the path to justice and revenge must be replaced with honest discussions, questions and dialogue. All Muslim and Christian groups should have tolerance. All must agree on a goal and this goal should be peace. The Christian and Muslim groups should have groups from within their communities that represent them and are able to speak on their behalf to advocate for peace,” he said. Ambassador David Saperstein said that he was honored to participate in the conference and expressed confidence that it would help rebuild diversity and unity in communities in CAR. “Today, in my opinion, we begin the process of discussing one of the most important questions about CAR’s development: what will be the role of the Muslim community and how can we facilitate a return to the harmony and brotherhood that existed in the past and which has been broken by recent violence, and reinvigorate the social cohesion so vital to CAR’s future?” he said. Participants agreed that the Muslim community faces a number of challenges. They said that returning refugees should be reintegrated into society and that women and youth are not fully included in the peace process. The participants also expressed concern at systemic state discrimination of Muslims and highlighted that Muslims were being denied full citizenship. The participants agreed to form a follow-up committee to implement the outcomes of the meeting. Before the civil war in 2013, the Muslim population of CAR’s capital, Bangui, numbered 122,000, most of whom left. Some 1 million people have been displaced and over 6,000 people killed in sectarian clashes between Muslims and Christians. KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization that promotes dialogue to build peace in areas of conflict areas, and was founded by Austria, Saudi Arabia and Spain. The Holy See is the Founding Observer of KAICIID whose Board of Directors comprises prominent representatives from five of the world’s major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

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WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Strongly Supports Efforts of Philippines President to Achieve Just and Lasting Peace in Mindanao and Passage of BBL

OIC Secretary General with President of Philippines during a visit to Manila last year

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation announced that it strongly supports the President of the Philippines in his efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao including the passage of the agreed version of the BBL, and calls upon all concerned to support these efforts. This was made in the statement by the OIC Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani on 12 December 2015 where he expressed grave concern about latest development of the peace process in the Southern Philippines, and about the difficulties facing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the Philippines parliament, particularly the substantial amendments to the BBL which constitute drastic modification to the original agreement. These amendments restore the National Government control over many areas and they actually reduce the Bangsamoro Government to an entity similar to an ordinary local government unit. The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that was signed on 27th March 2014 and which was described by H. E. President Aquino of the Philippines as a real genuine seal of lasting peace in Mindanao promised to usher in a new era of peace after decades of war, displacement, misery and destitution. This agreement is now being threatened.

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The OIC urged the Philippines authorities, in particular the lawmakers, who share the common goal at working for peace and stability, not to let this historical moment becomes another lost opportunity. The OIC, which has been engaged with the peace process in Southern Philippines since its inception, called upon all concerned to work hand in hand to ensure that the final BBL will ensure the “concept of exclusivity of the powers of the Bangsamoro political entity” as agreed upon in the CAB. “We urge the government of Philippines and the lawmakers to ensure that the BBL, which is now pending before the parliament, will not come out different from the original BBL. On the other hand, we urge the leaders of both the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to consolidate their coordination and cooperation through the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) and to engage other stakeholders in order to close ranks and strengthen and consolidate their cooperation and unity and maintain their peaceful struggle for the common cause,” stated the Secretary General. He also called upon the development agencies of the OIC and other International bodies to continue their rehabilitation and development programs in the region. During his meeting with Alhaj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), at the OIC Headquarters on 28 February 2016, the Secretary General expressed his deep disappointment over the non-passage of the BBL at the Congress, which is a major step needed towards the final resolution of the Bangsamoro question. The Secretary General urged all parties to remain fully committed to the process and to stay the cause of peace. He urged the incoming administration to re-file the BBL as originally agreed upon and ensure its early passage. Hajj Murad assured the Secretary General that, in spite of the great disappointment, the MILF would continue to uphold the peace process, and would continue to call on the Bangsamoro people to remain patient and to rally behind the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB). The Secretary General welcomed this continued firm commitment towards the peace process and towards sustaining the ceasefire and avoiding resorting to violence. At the same time, the Secretary General warned of the adverse effect of the delay of adopting the BBL or adopting a modified weak version of it, on human, security and developmental aspect of the region. He also warned against the risk of worsening the situation that could allow the spread of violent extremism. A failure of peace process could adversely affect the good relation existing between the Philippines and the Muslim world. The Secretary General called upon the international community, particularly those involved in the peace process and those that witnessed the signing of the CAB, to urge the incoming administration to save this process and guarantee the passage of the BBL as originally agreed upon. Fifth Tripartite Review Meeting: On the other hand, the Fifth and final Tripartite Review Meeting at ministerial level between the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and

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WORLD AFFAIRS Meanwhile, Randolph Parcasio, spokesperson for the MNLF, expressed appreciation to the OIC for its efforts to assist, facilitate and move forward the peace process at this crucial time. At the end of the deliberations, a final Communiqué was issued highlighting 5 points of agreement: to request the Islamic Development Bank to work with all parties to establish the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund with a view of operationalizing it as soon as possible; on the issue of strategic minerals, the meeting agreed that the matter is referred to the oversight committee provided for in Section 3 Article XVIII of RA 9054 to continue the devolution process; the meeting concurred with the previous resolutions and statements of the OIC, including Resolution 2/42 P.3, and also noted the vital role and participation of the MNLF in any transitional authority that will be set up under the new autonomy law; and that the Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee (TIMC) will be organized consistent with the Terms of Reference already agreed. The final Communiqué commended the efforts exerted by the Secretary General to convene the 5th Tripartite Meeting, which moved forward the Tripartite Review Process to reach a successful conclusion.

Ambassador Sayed Kassim El-Masry, Special Envoy for Peace in Southern Philippines was also present. At the opening of the meeting, Madani outlined the OIC’s strong support for the peace process and praised the efforts of Philippine Shaking hands on the final communique issued by the Fifth Tripartite Review Meeting President Aquino for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) his efforts to achieve a just and lasting was held under the auspices of the OIC peace in Mindanao by working for the pasSecretary, Iyad Ameen Madani at the OIC sage of the agreed version of the Bangsamheadquarters from 25-26 January 2016. oro Basic Law (BBL). Madani also reiterated The purpose of the meeting was to con- the OIC’s support for the Bangsamoro Cotinue efforts for the completion of the ordination Forum (BCF) as the venue for Review Process, which was established to both the Moro National Liberation Front ensure the implementation of the 1996 (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation peace agreement in the Southern Philip- Front (MILF) to close ranks and strengthen pines. The delegation of the Government and consolidate their cooperation and unity of the Philippines was led by the Secretary and maintain their peaceful struggle for the of State and Advisor to the President of the common cause. Philippines on the Peace Process, Mrs. Ter- Secretary Teresita Deles, Presidential Adviser isita Q. Deles, whereas the MNLF side was on the Peace Process, delivered a message headed by Spokesperson Attorney Randolp on behalf of the President of the Philippines, Parcasio. The meeting was chaired by the in which she commended the OIC’s efforts OIC Secretary General and was attended towards achieving peace in Mindanao and by the Member States of the Peace Com- said that The Philippines is dedicated and mittee for the Southern Philippines (PCSP). fully committed to this process.

Calls for Peace and Stability in the Region

OIC Welcomes Implementation of Iran Nuclear Deal

he OIC welcomed the implementation of Iran nuclear deal following which economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran have been lifted. The OIC expressed the hope that all stakeholders would respect their commitments and obligations under international law, and the stipulations of international agreements and conven-

tions. It also hoped that this development would contribute to regional peace and stability and would augur a better future for the people in the region. Consistent with its Charter, the OIC reiterated its call for international peace and security, emphasizing the importance of building stronger relations among its Member States

and with other countries based on mutual respect, cooperation, and non-interference in internal affairs for the best interest of their peoples. The OIC reaffirmed its call on the international community to pursue with a similar sense of commitment the establishment of a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

The OIC Commemorates Khojaly Massacre In commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the massacre in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, has paid tribute to all those who lost their lives on 26 February 1992 atrocity. The General Secretariat of the OIC reiterated that the Khojaly incident resulted due to illegal occupation of Azerbaijani ter-

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ritory by Armenia, referring to the resolution adopted by the 42nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), held in Kuwait in May 2015, which condemned this massacre The General Secretariat of the OIC further reiterated its full support to the initiatives and efforts of the Republic of Azerbaijan to put an end to the occupation of its territories and to restore its territorial integrity.

President of Azerbaijan lays a wreath for the victims

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WORLD AFFAIRS The Liberation of the City of Ramadi in Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in eastern Ramadi city (epa)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hailed the liberation of the city of Ramadi in Iraq by the Iraqi armed and anti-terrorism forces. OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani commended the continued efforts of the Iraqi Government to counter and defeat ‘Daesh’ and all terrorist groups; and restore national sovereignty and national unity throughout Iraq. The Secretary General reiterated OIC’s unfailing support to the integrity of Iraq’s territory; the equal participation of all segments of Iraqi society in the pursuit of a truly independent, prosperous and unified Iraq. A triumphant Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi on December 29, 2015 toured the western city of Ramadi, just a day after government troops routed Daesh terrorists from the area and recaptured a key government complex. Ramadi, the Anbar provincial capital, fell to Daesh in May, marking a major setback for Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led campaign. The Baghdad government was quick to announce a counter-offensive to retake the city, but attempts repeatedly stalled. Then, in November, al-Abadi’s forces announced a major push to recapture Ramadi, warning residents to leave and advancing quickly across the Euphrates River. Their progress was subsequently slowed by heavy Daesh resistance, booby-trapped buildings and sniper fire. The terrorists blew up all bridges leading into the city center. On December 28, Iraqi forces, backed by U.S.-led airstrikes, drove Daesh terrorists out of the city center and raised the Iraqi flag over the government complex.

OIC Welcomes the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomes the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and assures its support for all such international and regional efforts aimed at combating violent extremism and achieving global peace and security. The UN Secretary General’s Report and remarks at the General assembly on 17 January 2016, seeking a new global partnership in this regard, rightly uphold the need for a particular attention to addressing the causes of violent extremism, which the OIC has always been calling for. The OIC has been advocating its position on the question of coun-

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tering and preventing extremism, violent extremism and terrorism based on the following principles: • That the phenomenon of extremism, violent extremism and terrorism has no religion, race or ethnicity; • That it cannot be tackled by security and military means alone. Extremism grows within the context of an economic, social and political environment. It is thus essential that contexts that provide conducive conditions for the spread of terrorism and violent extremism such as occupation, deprivation, exclusion, discrimination, marginalization, forced disintegration of political, legal, social and cultural institutions are addressed with equal vigor; • That it is important to take into consideration the respect for human rights. Extremism flourishes when human rights are violated ; • That collateral damage and human catastrophe in the counter terrorism operations must be avoided because they refuel extremism and radicalization; • That the international community should also be watchful of the potential and machinations of external actors penetrating terrorist and extremist groups for the purpose of their own political agendas. It must also be added that the OIC is gravely concerned at the mounting trend of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, resulting into a surge of Islamophobia that is an affront to the human rights and dignity of Muslims. The OIC Member States are among the countries most affected by terrorism where Muslims are suffering from the scourge of terrorist groups and Islamophobic policies and discourse. The United Nations Secretary General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent extremism emphasizing balanced implementation of UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, especially its pillars I and IV, regarding tackling conditions conducive to terrorism and ensuring respect for human rights for all and the rule of law, therefore, is a highly welcome step. The OIC on this occasion calls upon its Member States to reinvigorate their efforts in countering violent extremism and support the efforts of international community in this regard.

Waves of Protests across Tunisia

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has followed closely the waves of legitimate social protests witnessed by several regions in the Republic of Tunisia in January, noting that the Tunisian Government has expressed its commitment and seriousness in considering them and responding to them within possible abilities. The OIC expressed its satisfaction with the firm and significant steps taken by Tunisia towards democratic transition in a record short time. The OIC appealed to all to remain calm and not to resort to violence or sabotage in order to maintain the gains achieved so far and build on them so as to realize the aspirations of the Tunisian people for a promising and more secure future. The OIC Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, indicated that the international appreciation gained by Tunisia after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, should urge all Tunisian active and responsible parties to engage further in dialogue and reasoning, adopt the steps required to overcome this crisis, and preserve the country’s stability. Madani added that criminals and outlaws should not be allowed to undermine the country’s gains nor the security and interests of its people.

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WORLD AFFAIRS Niger Holds General Elections

President Mahamadou Issoufou re-elected

General elections were held in the Republic of Niger on 21 February 2016, and a second round was held on 20 March. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its satisfaction at the manner in which the Presidential and legislative elections were held. The OIC Secretary General, Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, commended the democratic spirit and calm procedures that prevailed in the voting centers. He also expressed his satisfaction at the transparent way in

which the electoral process took place, and voiced hope that the organizing committees will adhere closely to the principle of integrity in the counting process. He also urged the contestant parties and their sympathizers to demonstrate maturity, uphold democracy and accept the voting results. Also, the Secretary General reiterated the OIC’s consistent and ongoing support for the anchoring and boosting of democracy and development in the Republic of Niger.

Presidential Elections in Benin The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has voiced its satisfaction for the successful conduct of the Presidential election in the Republic of Benin held peacefully throughout the country on 6 March 2016. The Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani, congratulated the people of Benin for their enthusiastic participation in the presidential poll, which reflects their strong commitment to further deepen and advance the democratic process in their country. He referred to

Presidential elections were held in Benin on 6 March 2016, having been delayed by one week due to logistical constraints. Incumbent President Thomas Boni Yayi was at the end of his second presidential term and was constitutionally barred from running for a third. The elections grabbed the interest of many of the country’s top businessmen, resulting in over 30 candidates running for the presidency. A second round was held on 20 March.

the large turnout of the electorates particularly the high participation of women and youth in the elections. He also praised international partners of Benin and International observers for their overall valuable support to the exercise. While commending all the stakeholders notably the Government, Independent National Electoral Commission, and other relevant national authorities, urged them to continue to ensure the transparency of the process and to respect its result.

OIC Outlines its Position on Yemen at the Second ROK-EU International Conference The OIC kept itself engaged with the Yemeni stakeholders including tribal leaders and international partners to resolve all issues through an all-inclusive dialogue and understanding in order to ensure Yemen’s security, stability and peaceful transition of power. This was stressed by Ambassador Habib Kaabachi in his statement on behalf of OIC at the Second ROK-EU International Conference on Middle Eastern and North African Affairs that was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea on 2-3 February 2016 during the session devoted to Yemen. The OIC brought its support to the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) constructive initiative and worked closely with the Council to resolve the crisis peacefully through political means, said Amb. Kaabachi. Apart from its political engagement, the OIC continued its humanitarian activities and assistance to Yemen to ease the sufferings of innocent people. In this regard, he recalled OIC’s collaboration with the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the establishment of field hospitals in this country. Amb. Kaabachi highlighted some of OIC main positions on Yemen since the onset of

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the crisis including expressing full support to the call by the Yemeni President for the National Dialogue Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and on the basis of the GCC initiative; backing the step taken by the states supporting the constitutional legitimacy in Yemen which responded to the request of the Yemeni leadership to save the country from the chaos unleashed on it by the Houthi group and from its repercussions on the entire region; and reiterating its rejection of any interference in Yemen affairs that could undermine the internationally recognized legitimacy as stipulated in the OIC charter and respond to the aspirations of the Yemeni people for security, stability and prosperity. Furthermore, the OIC held an Executive Committee emergency meeting on February 15, 2015 to discuss the threat posed by violent extremism in the Muslim world; and the unabated spread of terrorism affecting many OIC Member States. The Meeting expressed serious concern at the exacerbation of the political and security situation in the Republic of Yemen, which threatens the security, stability and territorial integrity of Yemen. It called, in this regard, on all parties

to endeavor, through peaceful means and without the use of violence, to resume the political process consistent with the terms of reference of the GCC Initiative and its implementation mechanisms and the outputs of national dialogue, and to implement UNSC resolution 2140 (2014). Being gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation in Yemen, the OIC held an Extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Ministers at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah on 16 June 2015. The Extraordinary Ministerial meeting emphasized on continued support for the constitutional legitimacy embodied in H. E. President Abdu Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, President of the Republic of Yemen, and for his national efforts to bring about security, political and economic stability and the resumption of the political process. The Ministerial meeting condemned strongly the interference of regional powers, outside the bounds of legitimacy, in the internal affairs of Yemen, and the triggering of sectarianism and factionalism in a manner that fuels conflict among the constituents and factions of the united Yemeni people.

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WORLD AFFAIRS

Tragedy of Migration: Hundreds of Frustrated Iraqi Asylum Seekers Leave Germany siderations is the primary factor in people making such decisions, as well as disappointment and frustration due to the their hopes being smashed. At present, there are no accurate statistics on the number of returnees. There are, however, statistics showing the number of refugees included in the return mobilization program proposed by Germany. The program helps secure subsidies for those who do not have money to return. According to data from Bamf, 27,200 people benefited from the program, with the majority from countries in the Balkan, in addition to 377 Iraqis during last November and December.

Berlin (DPA): The whole world is talking about refugees and migrants who are flocking to Europe, but there is an increasing number of refugees who are returning in the opposite direction back to their countries of origin. Proof of this was seen in airports in Germany – the European country favored by the majority of asylum seekers from all over the world – which are now congested with hundreds of Iraqi refugees who wish to return home after suffering weeks of frustration and disappointment. Among them is Tamer Talib. He arrived in Germany six months ago. After a long journey that he covered partly on foot and partly in a rubber dinghy, he has now decided to return to Iraq. He unequivocally answered no when asked whether he would return back to Germany. Talib was waiting with a group of friends in front of counter C60 to check-in on a flight to Baghdad that will first land in Erbil. Most of those in the long queue are Iraqi refugees.

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An employee with Iraqi Airways moves through the men who wave 500 euros at him, the return ticket is 295 euros. Tamer Talib has pre-booked his ticket. He is entitled to remain in Germany for a further six months according to the permit he has. However, his experience at a refugee center in Berlin, which is suffering from terrible overcrowding, was enough to make him decide to quickly return. He said that the treatment at the refugee center was extremely terrible. Talib hoped to bring his wife and sick father with him to Germany. However, the procedures recently introduced by the German authorities made that impossible. Salam Mohammed, another refugee, said, “We came to stay, but Germany did not give us anything.” Salam, a 42-year-old Kurd from Kirkuk, said that many Iraqis are leaving Germany and returning home. In relation to this, a spokesman from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf) said that voluntary return to a country in crisis does happen. Family con-

January - March 2016

On the contrary, Syrians are not entitled to take advantage of the program, as the deteriorating situation there would not allow the German authorities to agree to allow them to facilitate their return. Nevertheless, many do decide to return at their own expense. Ala Al-Hadros, the owner of a travel agency near a refugee center in Berlin, knows this all too well. He has helped over 400 Iraqi refugees return home. Most were frustrated as they imagined life in Germany different from what they found. Frustration is the biggest factor that drives more Iraqi refugees to return home, and the numbers increased significantly in late 2015 and early this year. Data indicates that the offices of the Iraqi consulate in Germany issued more than 150 travel documents during January alone while the total over the last third of 2015 reached 1,250. Osama Salam is still in Germany. He has thought of returning to Iraq more than once. However, he is concerned that the security situation there is far from safe. He also misses his wife and two daughters and fears for their lives. He adds that if he does not get approval for his family to join him in two months, then he would return home.

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OPINION New Government of Myanmar Must Set Restoration of the Rights of Rohingya a High Priority

hile the plight of Rohingya Muslim in Arakan in Myanmar continues to spiral, the Government of Myanmar adamantly maintains that it is an internal issue of Myanmar. In fact, the issue is no longer an internal one. It has clearly surpassed the national boundary that has caused a domino effect on the entire South and Southeast Asia region - namely India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Currently, it is an emerging refugee crisis in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The issue has triggered a number of humanitarian crises, from senseless violence to internal displacement, regional refugee crisis, human trafficking and other problems.

Prof. Dr. Wakar Uddin Director General Arakan Rohingya Union

The persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar is so horrendous that the international scholars on genocide describe it as a hidden genocide, and often an outright genocide

The central issue The discriminatory policy against Rohingya Muslims initiated by the Burmese military junta in early 1960s has laid the foundation for the extensive basic human rights violations that have been effectively used as an instrument of ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslim in Arakan. The persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar is so horrendous that the international scholars on genocide describe it as a hidden genocide, and often an outright genocide. The description accurately reflects the definition of genocide [Article II (a)-(e)] by the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CPPCG) adopted by the UNGA on 9 December 1948 as General Assembly Resolution 260. The central issue of Rohingya is to reinstate the bona-fide citizenship of Rohingya ethnic minority in Myanmar. The volatile situation in Arakan is preventing the adequate international humanitarian relief work, which in turn has sidelined the basic human rights issues faced by Rohingya such as the Government-imposed restrictions on travel, education, marriage, freedom to worship, childbirth, land ownership, and arbitrary arrests and extortion by the Government forces. Need for an inclusive engagement In recent years, the military-dominated Government of Myanmar has engaged with the international community on and off to supposedly address the Rohingya issue. Unfortunately, such engagement was devised just for the sake of engagement, producing no result. The core element missing in the engagement process has been representation of Rohingya people in the process. The issue cannot be resolved without inclusion of Rohingya leadership in any form of dialogue. Further, it is a national issue that should be addressed by the Central Government in Naypyitaw through application of an executive order and not at state and local levels. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the head of the National League for Democracy (NLD), has clearly articulated that the new Government of Myanmar will set the ethnic ceasefire negotiation with Kachin, Karen, and others a national priority, while downplaying the importance of Rohingya human rights and political issue. The Rohingya people wish to find a solution to the problem through dialogue and confidence building with the NLD. The role of Arakan Rohingya Union in the political process Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU) is the sole representative of the Rohingya people - representing over 60 Rohingya organizations worldwide, including 6 from Myanmar. It has emerged through the efforts of the OIC in 2011 as part of the implementation of Paragraph 4 of OIC-CFM Resolution No.4/37-MM, with a view for coordinating amongst the Rohingya people to “find political solutions to their problems, achieve peaceful co-existence, democracy, and human rights”. ARU calls on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of NLD, to set the Rohingya issue as one of the top priorities of the new Government. NLD should jointly develop a roadmap through engagement with OIC, ARU, and the international community. In practicality, addressing the Rohingya issue will require a stepwise and multipronged approach with immediate, short-term, and long-term objectives. The immediate objective should include the humanitarian issues, particularly repatriation of the internally displace persons (IDPs) to their original homes in their townships in Arakan. The short-term objective should focus on addressing the basic human rights of the Rohingya people through the removal of the former military junta’s regional policy of restrictions targeting the Rohingya, and restoration of their full and equal citizenship. In the long term, the NLD-led Government of Myanmar should take advantage of all the opportunities of international aid for development of Arakan and other regions of Myanmar with rigorous education, economic, and social infrastructures for all people of Arakan and beyond.

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OIC Journal January - March 2016 23

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OIC Appeals for Relief to the Besieged Cities in Syria and Yemen

People wait for aid in the besieged town of Madaya, in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, 14 January 2016 (epa)

he Secretariat General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has launched an urgent appeal in January to the international community to shoulder its humanitarian responsibilities and take immediate steps to end the suffocating siege on the cities of Madaya and Al-Zabadani in Syria and Taez in Yemen, so as to allow access for humanitarian aid, bring unhindered relief material to the people there, and ensure that the aid reaches every area under siege both in Syria and Yemen. The OIC General Secretariat affirmed that it has been following with deep concern the critical humanitarian situation, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of people due to starvation and disease. The OIC also stated that its efforts and contacts are ongoing to ensure an early end to this tragedy. The General Secretariat underlined that the blockade and starvation inflected upon the peaceful citizens in Syria and Yemen amount to war crimes and that the citizens need to be protected against the woes of armed conflicts. The OIC General Secretariat is following the announcements made on understandings reached to facilitate the access of humanitarian aid to the people under siege in Syria and Yemen, and it urges the international community, the OIC Member States and humanitarian organizations across the world, to extend every form of assistance and support to the blockaded cities of Madaya and Zabadani in Syria and Taez in Yemen. Meanwhile, a number of human rights activists in Madaya and Zabadani have documented during the last period new advances of the forces of Hezbollah and the Syrian regime towards the two besieged cities and said they are only 300 meters away from Madaya, which has tightened the suffocating blockade against the city and its residents. Sand blocks were put on the general road from the southwest leading to Madaya for a distance of three kilometres. The UN relief assistance, which was able to make headway into the

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city, was too little and short of meeting the needs of the besieged people who were suffering from hunger, diseases and cold. The people who have so far lost their lives to food shortage, malnutrition and diseases in Madaya were put at 74. Activists inside Madaya itself have launched SOS calls to evacuate the critically ill residents. The medical teams that were able to enter the city said more than 175 cases needed to be transported immediately to the hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit and 325 were critical cases in need of quick medical attention. In Zabadani, more than 600 people, including civilians and fighters, suffered from bad health conditions resulting from the scarcity of food and medicines. Pictures from inside Madaya and Zabadani documented the effect of the siege imposed by the Syrian regime resulting in the death of several residents. According to sources, the situation in Madaya and Zabadani has become disastrous due to the strong blockade the regime has been enforcing for months. According to various accounts, there are about 40,000 people currently living in Madaya without food.

A convoy of cars loaded with foodstuff, baby milk and blankets moves towards the besieged town of Madaya, 11 January 2016 (epa)

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HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS UN Decries Deteriorating Situation in Taez

A wounded Yemeni child lies on a bed at a hospital in Taez, Yemen, 13 February 2016 (epa)

he United Nations has lamented the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Yemeni Taez city as a result of the suffocating besiege by the Houthis and the forces of the former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. UN coordinator for humanitarian affairs in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick said the city was suffering from short supply of food and basic goods in addition to the scarcity of water and fuel. The coordinator visited the two cities of Taez and Ibb during which he was accompanied by a number of UN officials to assess the humanitarian situation there and meet with the local authorities and the armed groups. He said in a statement issued on 23 January, following the visit, that he noted difficulties in delivering the humanitarian relief assistance to the city for months, and added that the UN was making efforts with the parties on the ground to find mechanisms to ensure sustained, unfettered and unconditional access. McGoldrick said he saw in the city only a few shops are open and added that there was shortage of food and other basic goods needed for survival. He said he visited the Al-Thawrah (revolution) hospital, which was the biggest health facility in the city and which was continuously being shelled. “Like other health facilities in Yemen, it was not spared by this conflict,” he said. The coordinator called for protecting the hospital against any attacks and said it was critically short of medical supplies. “The medical personnel in Taez continues to work despite the dangers they face, often unpaid and with meager resources,” he added. “Everywhere I went I saw the trauma the conflict is causing to the women, men, and children, who have been living in this enclave

and under these conditions for months,” he said. A delegation, comprising the UN and 12 other international organizations, had visited Taez in an attempt to break the siege imposed on it by the Houthis and the forces of Abdullah Saleh for many months and assess the humanitarian situation. Human rights activists and medical sources said the delegation was able to break the blockade and that it had entered the city from its western borders taking with them 14 trucks loaded with relief material. Governor of Taez, Ali Al-Maamari, described the city’s condition as miserable, perilous and was getting worse day by day. He said his priorities include dealing promptly with the security loopholes, ending the siege and liberating the country’s third largest city. “The security situation in Taez has reached high levels of danger. The residents are in need of the basic necessities. There is almost complete absence of foodstuffs, medicines and fuel as a result of the siege being imposed by the armed militias,” he said in a statement following his appointment. The governor said he would give top priority to ending the blockade by opening save passages to enable entry of relief assistance, facilitate the movement of human and trade activities and control the security hazards. “The most important challenge before me is to liberate the city. This is my most significant priority,” he added. The governor said Taez was facing a ferocious war destroying its basic infrastructure and driving out the residents. “The siege has doubled the tragedy and forced the majority of the residents to migrate to other areas, which has become the greatest problem we are facing and trying to overcome,” he said. Liberating the city and reconstructing the aftermath of the war is the next problem. He called on all the political and social components to work together to face the immense challenges and said that with joint efforts the city would be liberated and life would return to normal. The governor commended the support being extended by the country’s political leadership and the Arab Coalition under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz. “With the support of the political leadership represented by President Abd Rabo Mansour Hadi and the generous backing of the Arab Coalition under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, we will be able to face all the challenges. We are on our way to dong this,” he said.

Doha Conference Collects $223 Million in Humanitarian Assistance for Yemen The “Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen: Challenges and Prospects of Humanitarian Response” conference ended in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday 24 February 2016 with the collection of US$ 223 million in donations to cover humanitarian needs in Yemen. The conference was organized by the Qatar Charitable Society in collaboration with 13 other regional and international humanitar-

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ian organizations, including the OIC. It was also attended by more than 90 regional and international organizations and more than 150 experts and specialists in the relief and humanitarian fields. The event was the first regional and international conference on the humanitarian situation in Yemen. The 3-day conference and associated workshops sought to unify the

views of the active partners on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, exchange information and strengthen the follow- up mechanisms for identifying the needs of the affected peoples in education, health, water, sanitation, livelihood, economic empowerment, shelter, food, protection sectors as well as distribution of geographical zones, business plans development and inter-partners initiatives.

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OIC NEWS

The Secretary General Consults with Presidents of Uganda and Turkey

he President of the Republic Uganda, HE Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who was on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received in Riyadh on 13 December 2015, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani and his accompanying delegation. Mr. Madani commended President Museveni for his leadership as well as his sustained interest and support to the OIC. He briefed him on the activities of the Organization including efforts President of Uganda to promote intra-OIC cooperation in the various domains. He raised the peace and security situation in parts of the Muslim world and highlighted the endeavors of the OIC in countering violent extremism and terrorism. On his part, President Museveni noted with satisfaction the diverse engagements of the Organization and the Secretary General in the use of his Good Offices to mediate in disputes between the Member States. He pledged his continued support to the peace initiatives, peace building and development agenda of the OIC as a means of contributing to the progress and prosperity of the Member States.

The President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan who was also on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received the Secretary General and his accompanying delegation in Jeddah on 30 December 2015. During the meeting, the Secretary General expounded his views on an array of major issues on the OIC agenda, particularly the pressing political developments including countering extremism and terrorism at different levels. The two sides discussed a number of President of Turkey regional and international issues foremost of which was the issue of Palestine especially the recent developments relating to Al-Quds. President Erdogan reiterated his unequivocal support for the OIC and its wide-ranging initiatives to advance peace and development and urged the OIC to continue its efforts to provide an effective mechanism to strengthen fraternal bonds of solidarity among the Member states. Both sides deliberated on the ways and means for promoting greater intra-OIC cooperation in various domains and reviewed the status of the new Program of Action for the next decade which is now in its final stages.

Special Envoys of UK and France Meet the OIC Secretary General The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, received on 1st December 2015, in his office at the General Secretariat, Mr. Mohammed Shaoket, Consul General of UK and Special envoy to the OIC. The Secretary General and the Special Envoy exchanged views on the major regional and international issues as well as ways

and means to enhance bilateral relations between the OIC and the United Kingdom within the framework of the signed MOU and the outcome of the political consultations held in London in April 2015. The Secretary General also received on the same day Mr. Patrick Nicoloso, Consul General of France to the Kingdom of Saudi Ara-

bia, who presented his letters of credence as Special Envoy of France to the OIC. During the meeting, Mr. Nicoloso reaffirmed the continued cooperation of France with the OIC on issues of mutual interest and in facing the challenges of concern to both parties. The two sides have also discussed ways and means to enhance bilateral relations.

Annual Meeting to Coordinate between OIC Institutions and Organs The heads of the OIC’s Institutions and Organs attended the “Annual Coordination Meeting of OIC Institutions” (ACMOI) held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 8 December 2015. The meeting was held at the invitation of the Secretary General in his capacity as executive and coordinator in the operations of OIC’s Organs and Institutions. OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani welcomed participants and said that coordinating the work and effort of OIC institutions has always been called for by the Council of Foreign Ministers to enhance collaboration and efficiency in implement-

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ing OIC decisions and resolutions. He also underscored the significance of the meeting since it will positively contribute to ensuring that OIC is a result-oriented body while increasing its international image as a global political and socio-economic actor in a rapidly globalizing world. Madani also said the coordination would ensure the efficient allocation of resources and allow for better reporting back to the Council of Foreign Ministers. Sayed Aqa, Vice President Cooperation and Capacity Development at the IDB, spoke on behalf of IDB President Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madani. He said the IDB group is

January - March 2016

committed to coordination and cooperation among OIC Institutions and Organs to address challenges facing the Ummah, adding that this would lead to prosperity among OIC Member States. The meeting also led to a review and adoption of the General Mandate of ACMOI, whose objectives include reviewing and evaluating the implementation of OIC resolutions, decisions and programs of action; coordinating and harmonizing the implementation of projects; identifying joint projects and activities; and developing the capacity of institutions through the exchange of expertise and partnership with other organizations and bodies.

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OIC NEWS

President of Egypt and President of Tajikistan Receive the Secretary General

.E. President Abdel Fattah ElSisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, received at the presidential quarters “Al Ittihadia Palace”, on 3rd January 2016, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani. During the audience, President Sisi stressed on the particular importance that Egypt, as chair of the Islamic Summit, accords to promote and intensify joint Islamic action in all fields. The Egyptian President also emphasized on the importance President of Egypt of solidarity and further cooperation among the OIC Member States in favor of reinforcing the dignity and prosperity of Muslim people. For his part, the Secretary General offered an outline of the initiatives and programs envisioned by the OIC General Secretariat for the coming period and the preparations underway for the Islamic Summit scheduled to be held in Istanbul in mid-April 2016. Also Madani held a working session with Mr. Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and reviewed with him the current situation in the region. The Secretary General paid tribute to the pivotal role played by Egypt, through its effective diplomacy, in

advancing joint Islamic action. Similarly, the OIC Secretary General had a working session with Dr. Nabil Al Arabi, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, in which they reviewed the excellent relations between the two organizations and the joint efforts towards achieving political solutions for the crises in Syria, Yemen and Libya and putting an end to their peoples’ sufferings. The Secretary General was also received on 4th January 2016, by H. E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of President of Tajikistan the Republic of Tajikistan who was on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the audience, the President and the Secretary General had useful and extensive exchange of views on promoting bilateral cooperation between the OIC and Tajikistan, issues related to the OIC and the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah. They also discussed ways and means to promote economic development especially in Central Asia and strengthen intra-OIC cooperation. The President shared his vision on the future of the OIC and highlighted some important priorities including regional peace and security for the Organization to pursue.

Madani Meets Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh Mr. Adel Al-Jubeir, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received on January 5, 2016 at the headquarters of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh, Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The meeting discussed the implications of the recent crisis in the Saudi-Iranian relations in the aftermath of the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran, and consulted on the role of the OIC in dealing with these developments. The

meeting also discussed the oppressive Israeli policies in Al Aqsa Mosque, Al Quds and occupied Palestine as well as other important regional and global issues. On the other hand, the Secretary General on 7th January 2016, received in his office at the General Secretariat Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Discussions during the meeting revolved around a number of issues of common interest as well as the diverse challenges

facing the OIC Member States. The plight of the Muslim Rohingyas in Myanmar was highlighted, as were the measures to help alleviate their suffering. Madani briefed the Bangladeshi Minister about the OIC’s priorities and the forthcoming summits and conferences. He reaffirmed the OIC’s interest to continue its engagement with Bangladesh on issues likely to enhance socio-economic development and political stability in Bangladesh and across the Muslim world.

OIC Receives an International Award for Best Change Initiative in IT

OIC Secretary General celebrating the award with IT Department staff and senior OIC staff

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he General Secretariat of the OIC received the award for best initiative in managing technical change in the domain of electronic archiving and content management in the OIC administrative correspondences system. Laserfiche International announced in its annual conference held in Los Angles, California its annual awards for best projects of worldwide Laserfiche users in the area of archiving and content management. After selecting the OIC to present its experience in the field, an OIC delegation made a visual demonstration on the achievements made over the past year since the OIC started using the electronic archiving system at its headquarters and at its offices in New York, Brussels and Geneva, in addition to raising work capacity and fast processing of documents and tasks.

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OIC NEWS

The Chinese President and the OIC Secretary General Review Bilateral Relations

he President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Xi Jinping, received the OIC Secretary General, Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, at his place of residence in Saudi capital Riyadh on 19 January 2016. The two sides reviewed the bilateral relations between the OIC and China. They expressed determination to promote coordination and cooperation in areas of common interest including combating terrorism and extremism through the political consultation mechanism agreed upon by the two sides. The Chinese President expressed his appreciation for the pivotal role played by the OIC at the level of international relations describing it as “indispensable in the contribution to the realization of international peace and security”. Meanwhile, he underlined his country’s

President of China

keen interest to enhance bilateral relations with the OIC and its Member States. On his part, the Secretary General called for extending channels of communications and cooperation between China and the OIC at all levels specially in economic, humanitarian and cultural fields. He indicated that the OIC attaches great importance to its relations with China given the historical and civilizational denominators, which link it to the Islamic world. He also commended China’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause. The two sides also discussed the conditions of Muslim communities in China and the Rohingya community in Myanmar. They further discussed disputes in Africa and China’s contribution to the promotion of peace and development in the continent.

OIC Secretary General Visits Malaysia and Thailand to Discuss Regional Developments

IC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani visited Thailand and Malaysia on 10-14 January 2016 where he met Prime Minister of Thailand General Prayuth Chan-ocha and also Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Razak. During the meeting with Prime Minister Chan-ocha in Bangkok on 12 January 2016, the Prime Minister and the Secretary General discussed regional developments, issues of mutual concerns and ways of enhancing relations.

The Secretary General also met other leading Thai dignitaries during the visit, including Secretary General of Thailand’s National Security Council General Thaweep Netrniyom, Thailand’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Virasakdi Futrakul and the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand Arsis Pitakkhumphol. In the meeting with Netrniyom, both Secretaries General discussed issues of mutual of concern and the role of the OIC as an inter-governmental organization. During the meeting with Thailand’s Sheikhul Islam (an office that has been operating in Thailand since the 17th century), Madani and Pitakkhumphol discussed the office’s function and the different Muslim communities found in Thailand, which is an Observer State of the OIC. Madani was also introduced to the Wasatiyyah Institute for Peace and Development, a body established by the Sheikhul Islam Office to develop religious leaders and create better understanding between Prime Minister of Malaysia

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Muslims and people of other faiths. The OIC Secretary General also visited the International Institute of Peace Studies (IIPS), a grassroots NGO that uses education to promote multiculturalism and peace between people of different faiths and backgrounds. Over the course of his trip to Bangkok, Madani also attended an international symposium— “Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence in Multicultural Societies”— on promoting multiculturalism and multifaith coexistence co-sponsored by Prime Minister of Thailand IRCICA, an OIC organ, and the Thai Government. Following his visit to Bangkok, Madani went to Malaysia where he met with Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on 13 January 2016. The Prime Minister and the Secretary General discussed, for over one hour, issues of common concern, including the peace processes in the Southern Philippines in which both the OIC and Malaysia have been engaged, the situation of the Rohingya in Myanmar, peace efforts in southern Thailand, the upcoming OIC Summit, the OIC Emergency Foreign Ministers Meeting that took place at the end of January, tourism within OIC countries and other developments in the region. The Secretary General also met with Foreign Minister of Malaysia Dato Sri Anifah Aman. The Secretary General and the Foreign Minister discussed matters of mutual concern and global peace.

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OIC NEWS International Symposium on Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence

Madani stresses the role of faith in resolving conflicts Bangkok, Thailand – Prominent scholars and experts from several countries with success stories of multicultural societies attended a one-day interfaith dialogue event – the “International Symposium on Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence in Multicultural Societies” – on 11 January 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was held to promote interfaith cooperation through the sharing of experiences and best practises to generate better understanding among diverse faiths and cultures. Organized by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), a subsidiary organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), which operates under Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the symposium took place to explore issues, identify challenges and find ways to expand opportunities. According to the organizers, though globalization has created an increasingly interconnected world, diversity can and must be cultivated to continue to be humanity’s strength, something that underpins possibilities for social progress, development, innovation and advancement. “Promotion of interfaith cooperation through the sharing of experiences and best practices can help generate better understanding among diverse faiths and cultures,” said the organizers. Secretary General of the OIC Iyad Ameen Madani delivered a welcoming speech at the opening of the event in which he said there

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are challenges in improving inter-cultural and inter-religious relations and that the symposium and similar initiatives are crucial in creating dialogue and understanding. He added that globalization should have created better opportunities for improved relations and that there is, however, a growing rise to the contrary with countries where there are people of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities distant from each other. He also said that communities all over the world have lost their innocence and are unable to look at each other in neutral terms, and that the OIC, despite difficulties in this sphere, strives to understand and be understood and also facilitate fruitful discussions rather than perpetuate conflict. Madani also stressed the role of faith in resolving conflicts. “Many of us look at religion as something that is very essential; we only look at the core belief. We gloss over the multitude and richness of what each religion offers, and the potential religion has to offer in turning our world into a more harmonious world,” he said. Other speakers at the opening included Dhiravat Bhumichitr, Ambassador to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Halit Eren, Director-General of IRCICA; and Virasakdi Futrakul, Thailand’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Three key sessions took place over the course of the day: Intercultural Contacts and Exchanges in Multicultural Societies as a Basis

of Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence, Education and the Role of the Youth in Maintaining and Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Culture of Peace, and the Influence and Role of Media and Civil Society in Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence. Speakers and panelists in the sessions included Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, former Secretary-General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN); Dr. Rais Yatim, advisor to the Government of Malaysia on Socio-Cultural Matters; Dr. Syed Hamid Albar, Malaysia’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Defense and Home Affairs; Venerable Phra Anil Sakya from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Thailand; Dr. Ali Murat Yel, Professor at the Faculty of Communication at Marmara University, Turkey; Dr. Chaiwat Satha-anand, Professor for Politics and Government at Thammasat University, Thailand; Dr. Sriprapha Petcharamesree, Lecturer at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, Thailand; Dr. Steve Taylor, Director of Research and Development at the Bangkok Bible Seminary; Dr. Sadik Unay, Associate Professor for International Relations and Senior Researcher at IRCICA; Dr. Abdullah Numsuk, Executive Director of the Wasatiyyah Institute for Peace and Development, Sheikul Islam Office of Thailand; Kavia Chongkittavorn, Assistant Group Editor, Nation Media Group; and Dr. Hassan Abedin, Head of the OIC’s Department of Muslim Communities and Minorities.

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OIC NEWS Madani in Australia: Stresses the Importance of Multiculturalism to Counter Violence

Secretary General Madani touring the Islamic Museum of Australia

he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani stressed in his meetings with officials in Australia on the importance of multiculturalism in countering violence and intolerant discourse. In the capital Canberra Madani met on 3 February 2016, with the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, who stated that Australia is absolutely committed to maintaining multiculturalism and it has proven its success in that. The Secretary General underlined the importance of Australia to OIC, considered it a good example of implementing multiculturalism and looked forward to working with it on capacity building, humanitarian aid and addressing regional issues of mutual concern.

Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia

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The Secretary General also met the Minister of Justice and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister of Counter Terrorism, Michael Keenan MP, at Parliament House. They exchanged views on ways to counter extremism and such terrorist groups as Daesh. Madani stressed that security and military measures are not enough; instead there is a need to look at economic, social and cultural aspects and to put effort in building institutions, giving hope to the youth and create development. The Secretary General reiterated these points in his meeting with the Attorney General of Australia, Hon George Brandis QC, who underlined the need for understanding Islam, its true tenants and diversity in order challenge extremists on both sides.

Prime Minister of Australia

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Australia’s Special Envoy to OIC

The Secretary General also met with Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who explained the basis for Australian multiculturalism of mutual respect and pride in one’s culture, which has been nurtured through various measures. In the meeting with HE Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honorable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC, they discussed social cohesion and regional issues. In Canberra, the Ambassador of Indonesia, Nadjib Riphat Kesoema, who is also the Chairman of the OIC Heads of Mission Group in Australia, held a reception in honor of the Secretary General. It was an opportunity to exchange views with the ambassadors and heads of missions on various issues concerning Muslims in Australia. Earlier in Melbourne in his meeting with Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott MP, Madani extoled Australia’s belief and support of multiculturalism, to which the Minister commented that Australia is interested in cultural exchange, helping young people integrate and to work with partners in this field. Both agreed that to counter extremist’s narrative, there is a need for an alternative narrative and a better understanding of the narrative for recruiting. While in Melbourne, the Secretary General paid a visit to the Islamic Museum of Australia (IMA), which is the first and only museum of its kind in Australia and it was opened in February 2014. Australia’s Special Envoy to OIC, Ahmed Fahour, who is also a patron of the Museum, greeted Madani and his accompanying delegation and gave them a tour of the Museum. At the reception in the Museum, Fahour said that IMA played an important role in creating harmony and inclusion of the Muslim community in society and more importantly in educating the public about Islam and its civilization as well as the history of Muslims in Australia. The Secretary General for his part praised what the Museum has achieved stating that, “as Muslims we should admit our diversity and that Islam is good for all times and places.” He talked about the importance of arts, literature and music in bridging knowledge gaps; bringing communities closer and helping them understand each other. At the last stop in Sydney of his four-day

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OIC NEWS official visit to Australia, the Secretary General met the Governor of New South Wales, Hon David Hurley AC DSC at the Government House. They discussed issues concerning the Muslim community in light of events in the Middle East and how it is affecting them. The Governor stressed that all communities are respected, maintain their identity and are integrated in a multicultural society. The Secretary General on his part emphasized that citizens of any country should be loyal to that country and at the same time have rights that should be respected. These points were again stressed in the

meeting with the Minister of Multiculturalism in New South Wales, John Ajaka, who said that the Australian communities work together to make multiculturalism work. He said his job is to ensure that the strategy is implemented and that there is harmonious relationship between the different communities. Furthermore, Australia has announced that it will accept 12000 refugees who need to be settled, assisted and feel inclusive. The Secretary General welcomed initiatives and programs in which the OIC can contribute towards achieving these objectives. The Secretary General also had the op-

portunity to meet with the Grand Mufti of Australia, Imam Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohamed and President of the Australian National Imams Council, Imam Shady Alsuleiman and other Muslim religious leaders. He heard from them on the generally good conditions of Muslims in Australia, but also on their concerns regarding the youth who become influenced by extremists’ ideology through social media and direct contact. He exchanged views with them on what can be done and how, mentioning in this regard the messaging center which OIC is establishing to counter the propaganda of extremists.

OIC Establishes Elections Monitoring Unit

OIC Assistant Secretary General Amb. Alim delivering his statement at the meeting

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has established an elections monitoring unit at its General Secretariat in Jeddah. This is aimed at supervising all technical and organizational duties relating to elections monitoring in OIC Member States. The OIC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Ambassador Abdullah Ibn Abdulrahman Alim, stated that the establishment of this unit came as part of implementation of the resolutions of

the 41st and 42nd sessions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kuwaiti capital, Kuwait, respectively. Ambassador Alim stated in his statement to the open-ended meeting of Intergovernmental Group of Experts to consider the “Draft Code of Conduct for OIC Election Observers” held at the OIC General Secretariat on 31 January 2016 that the draft code of conduct had been prepared and circulated to all Member States in order to obtain their views. He announced that the final version of the code of conduct would be adopted at the end of the meeting. Ambassador Alim added that, on all occasions in which the OIC has participated in elections monitoring in Member States, the OIC has sought to abide by the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States and by the states’ compliance with their constitutions and internal laws on organization and management of elections. He added that, in the light of the good reputation the OIC has enjoyed in international elections observations, “we now receive requests from non-Member States which we cannot be met due to the capacities of the OIC and because the priority for elections monitory is always in the Member States.”

OIC Secretary General Receives Speaker of Kyrgyz Parliament and Foreign Minister of Indonesia The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, received on 20 January 2016 in his office at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah Asylbek Jeenbekov, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic and an accompanying parliamentary delegation. The Speaker of Parliament conveyed the appreciation of the Kyrgyz leadership to the Secretary General for his unstinting efforts to enhance the role and international visibility of the OIC. He also expressed the desire of Kyrgyzstan to further strengthen cooperation and relations with the Organi-

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zation in areas of common interest. Madani, for his part, highlighted the major issues of mutual cooperation and concern to the OIC and Kyrgyzstan as well as the regional and international challenges with which the OIC and its Member States have to come to grips with. The Secretary General also received at the Headquarters of the OIC the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Mrs. Retno Marsudi and her delegation on 20 January 2016. The two sides reviewed the bilateral relations between the OIC and Indonesia, particularly with regards the per-

spective on OIC Regional Office in Jakarta. The Indonesian minister called on OIC to enhance cooperation among the Islamic states, especially in spreading the moderate and progressive message of Islam. Mrs. Marsudi valued OIC’s contribution in creating peace and stability in the Muslim world through political consultations. On his part, the Secretary General welcomed the decision of the Republic of Indonesia for holding the Extraordinary Islamic Summit on Al Quds Al Sharif, commending Indonesia’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause.

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OIC NEWS Memorandum Signed between UNOSSC and OIC to Strengthen South-South Cooperation

Mr. Jorge Chediek, Director of UNOSSC, and Amb. Hameed Opeloyeru, ASG of Economic Affairs sign MoC

The Secretary General of the OIC Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani received the Director of United Nations Office for South-South

Cooperation (UNOSSC) Mr. Jorge Chediek at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah on 24 January 2016. The two sides reviewed the cooperation between OIC and UNOSSC in the various areas. While recognizing that South-South cooperation serves as an important avenue for human and productive capacity-building, technical assistance and exchange of best practices among developing countries, the Secretary General underscored the importance OIC-wide South-South cooperation for the implementation of its socioeconomic programs. On his part, Mr. Jorge Chediek confirmed the desire of UNOSSC to strengthen further

cooperation with OIC, which is the largest South-South cooperation mechanism, in the light of the emerging dynamics of South-South cooperation. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Cooperation between UNOSSC and Department of Economic Affairs of the General Secretariat to strengthen South-South cooperation was also concluded. On the basis of this Memorandum, a regular mechanism of cooperation between UNOSSC and Department of Economic Affairs of the General Secretariat will be created to execute, among others, joint projects and capacity building programs in OIC Member States.

OIC Secretary General Holds Bilateral Talks with President of Nigeria

Visits by Special Envoy of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan and Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, and his accompanying delegation, were received, on February 25, 2016, in Makkah by the President of the Republic of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, who was on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, the Secretary General briefed President Buhari on the ongoing activities and programs of the OIC. He raised a number of issues relating to intra-OIC cooperation as well as the OIC emerging peace and security unit to deal with conflicts in the Muslim world. While reviewing the overall situation in the region, particularly in the Lake Chad area, they exchanged views on terrorism and violent extremism. They further stressed the role the OIC could play in countering this menace through a holistic approach that would address its underlying causes. The Secretary General invited President Buhari to participate in the upcoming OIC Extraordinary Summit on Palestine and Al-Quds AlSharif to be held in Jakarta in early March 2016, and the OIC Ordinary Summit scheduled for Istanbul in April 2016.

Mr. Baghdad Amreyev, Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was received by the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani at the General Secretariat, on 18 February 2016. Madani and his guest discussed wide-ranging areas of bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest and concern. The Secretary General also received on 24 February 2016, Mr. Alpha Barry, the new Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso. Madani and Barry discussed bilateral cooperation and latest regional and international issues of mutual concern, notably, the Mali Peace Process and the efforts being exerted at all levels to resolve the conflict in Mali and combat violent extremism and terrorism. They also exchanged views on ways to address the humanitarian and political crisis in the region. The two sides also discussed the preparations for the Extraordinary Summit on Palestine in Jakarta, Indonesia on 6-7 March, 2016 and the 13th Regular Islamic Summit in Istanbul, Turkey on 10-15 April 2016.

Meets with UNSG Special Representative to Afghanistan

Madani Discusses Plans for Ulama Conference with Afghani Deputy Foreign Minister The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani received, on 29 February 2016, H. E. Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). During the meeting, the Secretary General and Mr. Haysom discussed issues of mutual concern under the framework of the OIC-UN cooperation and examined the possibilities of mutual collaboration to support Afghanistan in its journey towards peace and stability. The Secretary General also held talks on 14 March 2016, with a high level visiting Afghan delegation led by the Deputy Foreign Minister, HE Mr. Hekmat Khalil Karzai who was accompanied by representatives of the Afghan High Peace Council and the Council

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of Ulema. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and examined ways and means to further elevate them. They also discussed the latest developments in the country and the region. They particularly focused on the peace process in Afghanistan and considered ways to implement the mandate given to the Secretary General by the Council of Foreign Ministers to organize an International Ulema Conference in support of peace, security and national reconciliation in the country. In addition, the Secretary General and his guest agreed on an action plan towards the convening of the Conference, which will hopefully lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous Afghanistan that provides a better future for all its citizens.

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OIC NEWS Madani Makes Official Visits to Kuwait and the UAE The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, visited Kuwait on March 2, 2016 where he met His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Chairman of the 42nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign

Ministers. The two parties discussed bilateral relations between the OIC and Kuwait and means to strengthen them in all areas of joint action. The meeting also addressed the follow-up of the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the 42nd CFM held in Kuwait. The following day in Abu Dhabi, capital city

of the United Arab Emirates, the Secretary General discussed with His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, cooperation between the OIC and the UAE and ways to promote joint Islamic action and address the challenges facing the Islamic Ummah.

OIC Renews Appeal to Set Up Endowments for the Islamic Solidarity Fund

Chairman of ISF Permanent Council (R), OIC Secretary General (C), and Director General of ISF

he proceedings of the 60th session of the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund of the OIC opened at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah on 14 March 2016. The session reviewed a report on the activities held in implementation of the resolutions of the previous session, the financial status of the Fund, and the draft budget for the 2017 financial year. The session also discussed the present state of the ISF waqf and investment of the waqf capital. In his opening address, the Secretary General of the OIC, Mr Iyad Ameen Madani, asserted that the ISF has proved its effectiveness through its achievements and the assistance it has lent to member states and to Muslims in other countries in the educational, cultural, health and social fields. Madani stated that the ISF is one of the most important international Islamic charitable institutions, which works with available financial resources. Madani appealed for member states’ support for the Fund. The Secretary General renewed the appeal of the General Secretariat for waqfs (endowments) to be designated in member states in favor of the Islamic Solidarity Fund, pursuant to the resolutions of Islamic conferences, the last of which was the 33rd session held in Azeri capital, Baku. At the end of his address, Madani extended the gratitude and appreciation of the OIC to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of the United Arab Emirates for their continuous generous donations in support of the ISF’s resources. He also expressed appreciation of the role of the states that had contributed to the ISF in the past. For his part, the chairman of the ISF Permanent Council, Ambassador Nasir Ibn Abdullah Al-Za’aabi, reviewed the projects executed by the ISF since its establishment to date, which have totaled 2534

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projects at the cost US$215 million, benefited by 183 countries from within and outside OIC member states and Muslim minorities all over the world covering the educational, health, social and youth sectors. He disclosed that the number of projects the ISF supported totaled 51 at the cost of US$4,530 million. He said that during the same period, the ISF providedUS$1 million to the Islamic University in Niger and another US$ 1 million to the Islamic University in Uganda. He revealed that the ISF presented emergency assistance to Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. Ambassador Al- Za’aabi concluded with assurances that the requests received by the ISF are numerous and necessary, but that the resources are limited. He also called for concerted efforts at all levels to support the ISF and its waqf. ISF Project Financing Reaches USD 215 million in 2015 The Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) of the OIC announced that the number of projects it implemented and funded by the end of 2015 amounted to 2,530 with a total value exceeding USD 215,000,000. The support of the steadfastness and struggle of the Palestinian People was the top priority of ISF to reinforce their just cause and contribute to the provision of living, health, social, cultural, educational and health assistance. The total assistance provided by the ISF in this regard stood at USD 25,612,000. In the same vein, the ISF allocated an annual sum of USD 300,000 for infrastructure projects in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. In the woman and child sector, which falls within the scope of indirect health, educational, cultural and social aid, the ISF contributed USD 633,000 dollars, which included orphan sponsorship, child protection and development of rural woman. The ISF also contributed to the microfinance operations for widows and poor families with soft loans in several Muslim countries. Up to the end of last year, the ISF provided about USD 67,829,000 for university and college sector for the construction of colleges and related facilities, supporting student scholarships, and supply of teaching equipment, aids and computer. The ISF assistance in this sector included Islamic studies centers in global and historical universities, such as Harvard University in the United States and Oxford University in Britain. In the emergency sector, the ISF provided about USD 54,653,000 to Muslim communities that suffered from natural disasters and crises in 59 countries. The ISF also allocated aids of about OMR 31,295,000 in favor of 494 schools, 210 mosques, and 104 hospitals. It contributed USD 3,232,000 for the care of young Muslims in various regions of the world.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA NEWS OIC

Panel Discussions on the Changing Dynamics of

ISLAMOPHOBIA UN. New York – In light of the rise of Daesh and growing interna- ing active roles in the struggle to maintain peace and inclusiveness. tional terrorism, Islamophobia has been on the up in the West with “With this increase in negative events, there has also been an unthink tanks and commentators noticing a change in the dynamics precedented outpouring of positive efforts by activists, media perof the problem. sonalities, bloggers, community organizers, interfaith groups and With a view of discussing the issue, the Permanent Observer Mis- others whose goals are to make a positive difference in how Mussion of the OIC to the United Nations held two panel discussions lims and Islam is portrayed in communities worldwide, the media at the UN on 18 December 2015 in which a number of faith-based and other forums,” said the organizers. and community leaders came together to discuss combating dis- The first panel—“Responses to Islamophobia: A Media and Social crimination and intolerance and how communities and individuals Media Perspective”—delved on the above two forms of media as from all walks of life have shown solidarity against the problem. indispensible tools to counter the negative portrayal of Muslims Organizers of the event—titled “The Changing Dynamics of Islam- worldwide. From web clips and blog posts to hashtags, Muslims are ophobia and Its Implications on Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”— responding to Islamophobia with articles, facts and humor as a way said numerous think tanks and organizations have documented an of replying to hate in different ways through different mediums. increase in anti-Islam and anti-Muslim sentiments on the back of Meanwhile, the theme of the second panel—Community Based widespread international media coverage of violence perpetrated and Inter-Communal Efforts to Counter the Narrative of Islamophoby organizations such as Daesh and other terrorist organizations bia—was on the fact that anti-Muslim hate is not a new phenomethat claim to operate in the name of Islam. non and that Muslim communities are not the only ones who suffer The terrorist attacks in Paris may have created a turning point for from discrimination and intolerance. Panelists mentioned that comIslamophobia both in the United States and Europe, in a way, unmunities everywhere have been tackling hate through interfaith leashing forces more powerful than the serious developments witand inter-communal efforts. They added that through grassroots nessed in the aftermath of 9/11 and other terrorist attacks. activities, remarkable progress has been achieved in getting a sense With the recent attack in San Bernardino, of togetherness and preventing further inciteCalifornia, the incident is also likely to have ment of hatred and discrimination. numerous think tanks negative impact on the lives and relationships The event was co-hosted by Permanent Obmany Muslims Americans in their work places and organizations have server of the OIC to the UN Ambassador Ufuk and neighborhoods. There are many indicaGokcen and Head of the US Federation for documented an increase in tions that Members of the Muslim American Middle East Peace Sally Kader. Among othcommunity are experiencing heightened fear anti-Islam and anti-Muslim ers, panellists included Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, and awareness of the possible implications of head of MuslimGirl.net, Joyce Dubensky, head sentiments on the back of these recent developments on their own lives of the Tanenbaum Centre, Haroon Moghul, a and the lives of their children. widespread international commentator on Islam and public affairs and As part of wider efforts to positively engage media coverage of violence currently a PhD candidate at Columbia Unigovernments, the media and members of the versity, and Wajahat Ali, a writer, attorney and public, the Permanent Observer Mission of perpetrated by organizaconsultant. Attendees included representathe OIC to the UN hosted the discussion to tives from the UN, the OIC, and the EU. tions such as Daesh listen to the perspectives of individuals play-

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ISLAMOPHOBIA Interfaith Cooperation Basis for

Tackling Xenophobia and

Religious Hate UN, New York – Coinciding with World Interfaith Harmony Week during the first week of February, the Permanent Observer Mission of the OIC to the UN in conjunction with the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN hosted an event on using interfaith dialogue to tackle xenophobia and religious hate. The event, entitled “Countering Xenophobia Through Interfaith Cooperation,” was held on 4 February 2016 at the UN headquarters in New York and hosted by Permanent Observer of the OIC to the UN Ambassador Ufuk Gokcen and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Madeeha Lodhi. The event also featured a panel of experts that included Dr. Munir Al-Kassem from the Understanding Islam Academy, Ontario, Canada, Faroque Khan, founder of the Islamic Center of Long Island, US, and Dr. William Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace. Lodhi opened the event and highlighted the recent rise in religious and ethnic hate, particularly against Muslims. She said that even though terrorism should not be equated with any religion, nationality or ethnic group, this is what is happening. She further outlined the purpose of the event – building a consensus for action to combat xenophobia, prejudice, hatred and racism. She also called for bold political action, including a humane approach in guiding policies relating to migration, refugees and asylum seekers; robust international instruments that protect against religious and racial discrimination; implementation of UN Resolution 16/18 on combating intolerance, discrimination and incitement to violence based on religion or beliefs; and the initia-

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tion of dialogue to counter the defamation of religions, xenophobia, Islamophobia and other forms of prejudice, discrimination and hatred. Al-Kassem highlighted his experience in countering hatred and intolerance in Canada. He said that after a lengthy period in which people openly expressed hatred for other groups, he was pleased to see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau come to power and that people’s attitudes are already changing for the better. Canada and Australia are two of the most refugee-friendly countries in the world, said Al-Kassem, adding that the refugee challenge has led to increased interfaith cooperation between faith-based groups and the formation of a broad partnership to welcome refugees in Canada. Vendley discussed the importance of rebuilding relationships in communities and said that recent studies show that 74 percent of people in the world live in areas with high levels of social hostility. He added that people today are feeling more vulnerable and frightened by xenophobia. He also said that change could occur if the vicious cycle of xenophobia is changed into a virtuous one, something that could happen through interfaith dialogue. He added that his organization is researching the impact of multi-religious cooperation and found four interesting developments: changes in perceptions, willingness to work with others, stronger feelings for one’s own religion and faith, and open dialogue. Vendley said that these changes are happening all around the world as different faith groups realize that working together to overcome similar issues makes people stronger in their own faiths.

He also said he recently attended a meeting held by the King of Morocco in which 250 senior Islamic scholars along with Ministers of Religion from several Islamic majority States and 50 non-Muslim observers on reexamining their faith. Faroque Khan, co-founder of the Islamic Center of Long Island, spoke about the interfaith work that his center carries out, especially with Jews and Catholics. He added that these efforts appeared in a TV series called “My Muslim Neighbor.” The Long Island Center has been praised for tackling tough topics in attempts to stimulate discussion among people of different faiths. Khan also suggested that the Muslim community needs to unite and develop programs for schools and universities to broaden their understanding of Islam, and that OIC Member States should develop better relations with Muslim minorities, particularly in the US, and work with religious schools to promote interfaith cooperation. Rabbi Jerry Davidson of Westbury, Long Island, also shared his views on the importance of creating lasting relationships between different faith groups in efforts to support one another and protect faith groups from xenophobia. Gokcen spoke about the importance of identifying the challenges faced by Muslim communities worldwide and that though this is not the only issue affecting Muslims it requires special attention. He also said that the OIC is committed to freedom of religion and the empowerment of women, which can be assisted by increased interfaith cooperation.

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HUMAN RIGHTS OIC Delegation Participates in High Level Segment of Human Rights Council

he 31st Session of the Human Rights Council meen also hoped that both institutions will continue opened in Geneva on 29 February 2016. A to focus on the plight of Muslim minorities in CAR high-level segment of three consecutive days and Myanmar. He also conveyed OIC’s commitment (29 February-2 March) was followed by three weeks to countering violent extremism and shared efforts of intensive work program until 24 March 2016. so far including establishing of the Messaging CenDr. Youssef Al-Othaimeen, Director General of the ter that will counter ideological narratives of extremCabinet and Chief Advisor to the OIC Secretary Genists by promoting the true teachings of Islam. eral, addressed the Human Rights Council on behalf In his turn, the High Commissioner also expressed of the OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani, satisfaction with the level of cooperation and offered on 2 March 2016. In his address he highlighted the to continue providing any technical assistance needimportance of combating growing trend of extremed either for the OIC General Secretariat or IPHRC. ism and violence based on religion, Islamophobia, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights He also welcomed the IPHRC proposal of arranging a incitement to hatred and discrimination. To this end, joint seminar on the subject of Right to Development, he highlighted the need for full and effective implementation of to celebrate its 30th anniversary, later this year. resolution 16/18, which remains the best available global policy Along with statements delivered by different Heads of States, Minframework to combating incitement to religious hatred and vioisters of Foreign Affairs and other high-level dignitaries, two highlence. level panels were held during the first two days of the Council. The Dr. Al-Othaimeen also held a meeting with the OIC Geneva Ambasfirst was on human rights mainstreaming through a discussion on sadorial Group and bilateral meetings including with the UN High the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the second on Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Zeid Ra-ad Al-Hussein, durthe 50th Anniversary of Human Rights Covenants, namely the Ining which he expressed OIC satisfaction with the ongoing cooperaternational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and tion between the two organizations including growing cooperation with the IPHRC for hosting joint activities. He drew the attention the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights. of the High Commissioner on the ever growing acts of Islamopho- The OIC General Secretariat, its Permanent Observer Delegation in bia in particular recent acts of discrimination against refugees in Geneva as well as the OIC Independent Permanent Commission of Europe based on their religion and highlighted the need to ad- Human Rights participated actively at this 31st session. Issues of dress these challenges by all States in accordance with their well- particular interest to the OIC like the panel discussion on preventing established international human rights obligations. To that end, violent extremism, freedom of religion, terrorism, and human rights he highlighted the need for full and effective implementation of situations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, human rights situRes. 16/18 as an effective recipe for combating religious intoler- ation of minorities amongst others, were discussed during this sesance and discrimination. He also expressed serious concerns over sion. the persistent violations of Palestinian’s human rights by the Israeli In addition, the OIC delegation took part in the panel discussion of occupation regime and urged the High Commissioner to continue the annual day on the rights of the child and the cluster interactive to highlight the suffering of Palestinians and condemn the ongoing dialogues with the Special Rapporteurs on terrorism and on cultural rights as well as with the Special rapporteurs on privacy and on brutalities by Israel. Referring to the mandate of the OHCHR and HRC, Dr. Al-Othai- freedom of religion.

IPHRC Message on ‘International Human Rights Day ’

IC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) joins the international community in observing the ‘International Human Rights Day’ on December 10, and calls upon all stakeholders in the International community to uphold their human rights commitments and to increase their efforts to ensure protection and promotion of all human rights worldwide. In a year that marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, the Human Rights Day is devoted to the launch of a year-long campaign for the 50th anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1966. Along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these two covenants form the International Bill of Human Rights providing an

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important framework to promote and protect human rights worldwide. Most OIC Member States are party to these international covenants and regularly submit their periodic reports on the compliance of these instruments to the relevant treaty bodies. IPHRC called upon all Member States to make renewed efforts during this year long campaign to guarantee the rights enshrined in these Covenants to all their people without any discrimination. It also called for universal ratification of these Covenants. Universal acceptance and implementation of the set of rights covered in these two covenants pave the way for equal opportunities and equal treatment thus creating a world where all human rights are enjoyed by all. IPHRC strongly believes in universality of human rights and has been actively promoting their universal application for all with due respect for cultural and religious particularities.

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OPINION Freedom of Expression and Religious Symbols

Mr. Marghoob Saleem Butt Executive Director OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC)

The strong rejection in some of these countries of refugees because of their religion and race clearly showed the escalation of Islamophobia, fueled and exploited by farright parties to win more parliamentary seats

From his statement at the symposium with the same title organized by Plan Arabic on 17-18 March 2016 at UNESCO, Paris

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The classic inspiration of Western model of Freedom of Expression is derived from John Mill’s essay ‘On Liberty’, published in 1859. It is based on the claim that freedom of thought and expression is fundamental to seeking truth by challenging and criticizing the established beliefs. However, at the same time, he put forward ‘the harm principle’ as a justification when freedoms could be restricted. The Holy Quran had already referred to this so called ‘harm principle’ as “God loves not the public utterance of evil/hurtful speech except by one who has been wronged if you disclose good or keep it hidden, or forgive evil, verily God is Forgiving, All-Powerful. (al-Nisa, 4:148). This clearly shows that the principle of Freedom of Expression as envisaged in Islam and later even in Western discourse is subject to limitations and to be exercised with responsibility to ‘avoid harm to others’, and respect their right of privacy and personal dignity. At a closer look at the relevant articles of International law i.e. Article 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), we find that while freedom of opinion is unlimited as it rightly belongs to one’s inner thoughts and conception of various beliefs, the Freedom of Expression has a number of limitations, which are duly prescribed in Art 19(3). The very first restriction, namely, the respect of the rights or reputation of others is indeed a guarantee for using this freedom in a manner that promotes mutual respect and societal cohesion. Article 20 of ICCPR is another set of restrictions on the Freedom of Expression. However, specific instances of expression mentioned in article 20 are those that clearly fall into the category of abuse of Freedom of Expression, hence must be prohibited by law. Undoubtedly, the application of restrictions must also conform to certain criterion. The Rabat Plan of Action prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights prescribes a six-part test for use by prosecutors and judiciary for identifying the serious forms of incitement that warrant sanctions. While still falling short of defining clear threshold between freedom of expression and hate speech, this plan of action is a step forward in this divisive debate. In most cases, criticism of the restrictions on freedom of expression is based on its possible misuse by the authorities to silence political opponents, discriminate religious minorities and stifle the rights of vulnerable people, which are all legitimate concerns. However, this does not defy the very importance of proscription, where needed, but highlights the significance of ensuring that the principle of proscription is applied with due care. Similarly, many people advocate soft measures such as positive speech, public denouncement of hate speech and interfaith and intercultural dialogue as alternative to restrictions. While all these measures are important and must be used, these may or may not be applicable in all socio-cultural contexts. Globalization has changed the socio-cultural make up of our countries and societies. It has also caused challenges of maintaining socio-cultural and religious diversity in our societies. In addition, with the advent of communication revolution, impact of incitement to hatred or hate speech is no longer confined to the targeted people or area but equally and instantly affects the broader international community, peace and security. Being able to ‘Respect Differences’ and foster mutual understanding, is a key feature for sustainable progress of a multicultural global regime. Hate crimes motivated by racism, xenophobia and intolerance, coupled with impunity for perpetrators create a climate of fear and social exclusion of the targeted persons. Precisely to cater for these concerns the OIC embarked on the initiative of HRC Resolution 16/18 that suggests a comprehensive Action Plan, which includes substantive, administrative, political and legislative actions at the national and international levels to combat incitement to religious hatred and discrimination. The hallmark of this resolution is its consensus nature as it is firmly grounded in International Human Rights Law. However, progress on the implementation of this resolution is rather slow. During the 5th Meeting of Istanbul Process, a follow up mechanism for the implementation of this resolution, held in Jeddah, participants emphasized that while deliberations to find bounds of hate speech continue, we need to take stock of existing legislation on criminalizing hate speech and incitement and share and replicate best practices. There is a need for an intellectual and ethical strategy in both the West and in the Muslim world to bridge the gulf of misunderstanding or ‘clash of ignorance’. The international community has to adopt a unified stance to isolate extremist acts from both the Muslim and Western sides. While legal response involving affirmative punitive action is of key importance, a ‘multilayered approach’ which promotes human rights and tolerance, encourages dialogue and understanding among different groups and builds the capacity of national authorities, security officials and media is also of vital significance.

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religion Marrakesh Declaration Calls for Religious Freedom of non-Muslims in Muslim Countries

President of the Forum for promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, reading the Marrakesh Declaration

Marrakesh, Morocco – Over 250 influential Muslim religious leaders, heads of states and scholars came together in Marrakesh, Morocco and issued a 750-word statement—the Marrakesh Declaration—calling for religious freedom for non-Muslims in majorityMuslim countries. The conference, held on 25-27 January 2016, brought together people from 120 countries and was the conclusion of a four-year process of deliberation convened in response to the persecution of religious minorities. Sponsored by the Kingdom of Morocco, the event comprised defenders of religious minorities in predominantly Muslim countries, and included representatives of persecuted religious communities, such as Iraq’s Chaldean Catholics. The Marrakesh Declaration is based on a 7th century contract, the Charter of Madinah, between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Jewish tribes of Madinah, which provides guidance on how Muslims should treat and deal with minorities in their countries. Organizers said the conference was held to examine what entails the rights of religious minorities in Muslim lands. King Muhammad VI of Morocco hosted the event, which was jointly organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, based in the UAE. In an opening statement read by Morocco’s Minister of Religious Affairs, King Mohammed said, “We in the Kingdom of Morocco will not tolerate the violation of the rights of religious minorities in the name of Islam. I am enabling Christians and Jews to practice their faith and not just as minorities. They even serve in the government.” According to the organizers, the conference focused on: Grounding the discussion surrounding religious minorities in Muslim lands in Sacred Law utilizing its general principles, objectives and adjudicative methodology; exploring the historical dimensions and contexts related to the issue; and examining the impact of domestic and international rights.

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The declaration also contained some frank words on the prevalent situation of Muslim countries, asserting that conditions have “deteriorated dangerously due to the use of violence and armed struggle,” something that has “weakened the authority of legitimate governments and enabled criminal groups to issue edicts attributed to Islam” that distort its fundamental principles and goals. It also noted that reflection on the “various crises afflicting humanity underscores the inevitable and urgent need for cooperation among all religious groups” and that “such cooperation must be based on a ‘Common Word,’ requiring that such cooperation must go beyond mutual tolerance and respect to providing full protection for the rights and liberties to all religious groups in a civilized manner that eschews coercion, bias and arrogance.” The declaration also announced its commitment to the Charter of Madinah “whose provisions contained a number of the principles of constitutional contractual citizenship, such as freedom of movement, property ownership, mutual solidarity and defense, as well as principles of justice and equality before the law.” It further underscored that the Charter “provides a suitable framework for national constitutions in countries with Muslim majorities” and that the UN Charter and other documents such as the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” are in harmony with it. The Marrakesh Declaration also called on Muslim scholars and intellectuals to “develop a jurisprudence of the concept of ‘citizenship’ which is inclusive of diverse groups” and advises that the jurisprudence should be “rooted in Islamic tradition and principles and mindful of global changes.” It further urges Muslim educational institutes and authorities to review educational curricula “that addresses honestly and effectively any material that instigates aggression and extremism, leads to war and chaos, and results in the destruction of our shared societies.” Politicians and decision makers are also asked to take “political and legal steps necessary to establish a constitutional contractual relationship among its citizens” and support initiatives that seek to solidify relations and understanding between the different religious groups in the Muslim world.” The declaration also calls on civil society to “establish a broad movement for the just treatment of religious minorities in Muslim countries and to raise awareness” of their rights. The rich history of joint and shared living of Muslims with members of other faiths is also touched on in the document with a call to “various religious groups bound by the same national fabric to address their mutual state of selective amnesia that blocks memories of centuries of joint and shared living on the same land.” The declaration calls on them to “rebuild the past by reviving this tradition of conviviality, and restoring our shared trust that has been eroded by extremists using acts of terror and aggression.” The declaration further reaches out to representatives of “various religions, sects and denominations to confront all forms of religious bigotry, vilification and denigration of what people hold sacred, as well as all speech that promotes hatred and bigotry.” It finally affirms “that it is unconscionable to employ religion for the purpose of aggressing upon the rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries.”

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tate of Kuwait is a country in Western Asia. Situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Gulf, it shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. As of 2014, Kuwait has a population of 4.2 million people; 1.3 million are Kuwaitis and 2.9 million are expatriates. Kuwait City is the political, cultural and economic center of Kuwait. Kuwait City is considered a global city. Background Nominally a province of the Ottoman Empire, ruled from Constantinople from the 16th century until the latter part of the 19th century. In that time Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah or “Mubarak the Great” (r.1896-1915) enters into an agreement with Great Britain, which effectively established Kuwait as an autonomous British protectorate with a semi-autonomous position for the country. Mid-1930s Kuwait began the development of its petroleum industry, the basis of the country’s modern prosperity. On June 19, 1961 Kuwait gained full independence from Britain and in 1963 it became a member of the United Nations. Culture : Kuwaiti popular culture, in the form of dialect poetry, film, theatre, radio and television soap opera, flourishes and is even exported to neighboring states. The Kuwait Towers are a group of three slender towers in Kuwait City, standing on a promontory into the Gulf. They were officially inaugurated in March 1979 and are rated as a landmark and symbol of modern Kuwait. The Grand Mosque is the largest and the

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Kuwait Capital of Islamic Culture for Arab Region 2016

official mosque in the country of Kuwait. Its area spans 45,000 square meters, out of which the building itself covers 20,000 square meters. Bayan Palace is the main palace of the Emir of Kuwait. Bayan palace is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated landmarks in Kuwait, which qualified it to be the center of all the international conferences that are held in the country. The Kuwait National Museum is the national museum of Kuwait, located in Kuwait City. It was established in 1983 and designed by architect Michel Ecochard. The Liberation Tower is the second tallest structure in Kuwait. Construction of the tower commenced before the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. It was meant to be called The Kuwait Telecommunications Tower. The Al Hamra Tower is a completed skyscraper in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Al Hamra is the tallest building in Kuwait and the 23rd tallest in the world. Seif Palace is a palace in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Located opposite the Grand Mosque, one of Seif Palace’s best-known features is the watch tower, covered in blue tiles and with a roof plated in pure gold. The Kuwait Science and Natural History Museum is a museum in Safat, Kuwait City, Kuwait, located on Abdullah Al-Mobarak Street. Souq Al-Mubarakeya is a souq in Kuwait City, Kuwait. It is one of the oldest souqs in Kuwait, and was the center of trade prior to the discovery of oil. The Kuwait Water Towers are a prominent group of 31 water towers in Kuwait City, completed in 1976.

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FAMILY

AFFAirs

Role of Religious Leaders in Tackling Female Genital Mutilation UN, New York – According to the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), an estimated 100-140 million girls and women alive today across the world have undergone some form of female genital mutilation or circumcision (FGM/C). If current trends continue, 15 million additional girls between 15 and 19 will be subjected to FGM/C by 2030. This issue and the role of religious scholars in delinking FGM/C from their religions was the focus of an event held at the UN on 8 February to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM. The event, titled “Experience in combating FGM/C,” was organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of the OIC to the UN, the office of the US Special Envoy to the OIC and the US Secretary of State’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs. Representatives of several countries where FGM/C is prevalent came together at the event, including Muslim and Christian religious leaders and people who have undergone the process. Ambassador Ufuk Gokcen, Permanent Observer of the OIC to the UN, opened the event by calling for an integrated approach to the issue in which religious leaders play a crucial role in raising awareness on the harm of FGM within their communities. Also in attendance was Arsalan Suleman, Acting US Special Envoy to the OIC, and Stefanie Amadeo, US Deputy Representative to the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Amadeo gave concrete examples of the transformative role multilateral institutions and US missions overseas play in bringing about sustainable change, while Suleman spoke about a recent statement by US President Obama that “FGM/C has no place in any community and undermines our efforts to celebrate and empower women and girls… [and that] this practice is harmful, and therefore wrong wherever it occurs.” Suleman said that events such as these that bring together religious and community leaders are crucial in breaking the culture of silence around FGM/C. The event also saw testimonies from people affected by the practice, such as Ammar Karimjee, the brother of an FGM/C survivor from the Dawoodi Bohra community, Priest Michael Sorial of the New Jersey Coptic community and Bishop Youssef of the Orthodox Diocese of Southern United States. Karimjee said he first found out that his community practices FGM when he was 19 years old and that he was distraught to hear that his sister, mother and practically every woman that he was close to had undergone the practice. “This is not simply a woman’s issue; this is a human rights issue,” he said. Jaha Dukureh, FGM/C survivor and Founder of Safe Hands for Girls said, “Starting a conversation to end female genital mutilation begins at home. It is important to engage community and religious leaders in an effort to spark conversation on this topic. “As young mothers, as survivors, as activists, as individuals, it doesn’t matter where you come from. We all have a moral obligation to see an end to FGM in our lifetime.” Bishop Youssef said, “Female genital mutilation and cutting is not sanctioned at all by the Coptic Orthodox Church…There is no religious obligation to keep this practice.” Imam Mohamed Magid, Former President, Islamic Society of North America, and Executive Director, ADAMS Center, said, “Those who believe that FGM is a religious practice, they misunderstand the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad, and peace be upon him.”

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FAMILY AFFAirs Workshop held to Review OIC’s Plan for the Advancement of Women National indicators for the implementation of the OPAAW A forum of civil society organizations working on women’s empowerment of the revised OPAAW document that was developed during the expert group meeting held in Jeddah in November 2015. Corrections were suggested and the term “Muslim women” was replaced with “Women of the Muslim world.” Participants agreed on rearranging the main objectives of the revised OPAAW document under seven thematic areas: decision making participation, education, health, economic empowerment, social protection, protection of women from violence and women in crisis situations. They also agreed to identify the sub-objectives as well as means of implementing the OPAAW. A matrix detailing the objectives and related sub-objectives was prepared, with a request to Member States to provide indicators to fulfill these objectives.

Director General of IRCICA, Dr. Halit Eren, addresses the meeting

Istanbul, Turkey – Experts from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) various Subsidiary, Specialized and Affiliated Organs came together on 28-29 January 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey, to review a framework in advancing the condition of women in OIC Member States. The meeting—titled the “OIC Workshop for Reviewing the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women and its Implementation Mechanisms”—was held following the recommendations of the “Intergovernmental Experts Group Meeting” on reviewing the “OIC’s Plan for the Advancement of Women” (OPAAW) held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah in November 2015 and also following the outcomes of the “Annual Coordination Meeting of OIC Institutions” held in Jeddah in December 2015. The purpose of the event was to provide a more comprehensive vision for the advancement of women, especially in light of contemporary challenges facing women in OIC Member States, and deliver practical suggestions to develop and activate the implementation mechanisms of the OPAAW. Held at the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) in Istanbul,

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the workshop was attended by representatives from the General Directorate of Cultural, Social and Family Affairs at the OIC General Secretariat, the Permanent Observer Mission of the OIC to the UN in New York, the Permanent Delegation of the OIC to the UN in Geneva, Vienna and Paris, IRCICA, the Statistical, Economic, Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA). The event opened with a welcoming address delivered by Director General of IRCICA Dr. Halit Eren. This was followed by a speech by Dr. Boubakari Maiga from the OIC General Secretariat who conveyed the greetings and wishes of success of Secretary General of the OIC Iyad Ameen Madani. He also outlined the objectives of the OPAAW and provided a summary of the preparation and adoption processes of the plan and its implementation mechanisms. Among issues that the workshop touched on was restructuring, reviewing and improving the wording, editorial style and structure

Participants also reviewed and updated the “Implementation Mechanisms” of the revised OPAAW and incorporated them into the revised OPAAW following agreement on the changes. In addition, the workshop proposed a set of recommendation for consideration by the OIC General Secretariat. These included inviting Member States to provide indicators for the implementation of the OPAAW, include an agenda item on the OPAAW in all relevant OIC conferences and meetings, establish a forum of civil society organizations that operate within the field of women’s empowerment to implement the OPAAW, organize regional workshops involving OIC Organs with the national focal points responsible for the implementation of the OPAAW, and intensify efforts to promote the ratification by Member States of the statute for the Organization for Women Development that will be based in Cairo, Egypt and will fully execute the implementation of the OPAAW. At the end, participants gave a special vote of thanks to IRCICA for the warm welcome, generous hospitality and excellent arrangements to ensure the workshop’s success.

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FAMILY AFFAirs On the Commemoration of the 2016 International Women’s Day, The Secretary General Urged for Policies Guaranteeing Participation of Women

OIC General Secretariat appointed highly experienced women to occupy leadership positions

n the 8th of March every year, the international community celebrates the International Women’s Day, as an opportunity to highlight the pivotal and important role of women in the social, political and economic spheres; and to prompt the international community’s commitments towards women. This commemoration seeks to focus on the difficulties and challenges facing women in their bid to get their rights in all fields of life. It also presents an opportunity to evaluate women’s advancement and empowerment plans, programs and activities. On this occasion, the OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani extended his warm greetings and felicitations to women in all parts of the world, particularly to women in the OIC Member States; women in conflict and war zones; and women in refugee camps for their exceptional role and strength of determination to remain steadfast to provide a living for their families under difficult and sometime harsh circumstances. “I would like to commend their exceptional role in various fields (political, economic, cultural, social, scientific and technological) in order to nurture and develop their families, communities and countries and for the sake of a prosperous world. I salute them for their role in confronting poverty, marginalization and all forms of violence against women,” said the Secretary General. Women advancement is a priority for the OIC based on its belief that strengthening the role of women in comprehensive development process requires practical necessary measures to be taken at all levels. In this context, decision makers should give special care to adopting policies that would guarantee maximum participation of women in various fields. “OIC Member States should also intensify efforts in the areas of edu-

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cation, training and capacity building for women,” he said. Therefore, there is an essential need to have a comprehensive future strategy that would help to preserve the values of the institution of marriage and family and preserve the strong fabric of the Muslim community. Within this framework, the OIC has had, and continues to make efforts to empower and advance women. On implementation of resolution (42/4 C) of the 42nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (Kuwait 2015), the General Secretariat reviewed the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW), taking into account the huge challenges facing women empowerment and the developments in the international arena. In the same vein, the General Secretariat reviewed the content of the OPAAW in order to bring it abreast with the aspirations and objectives of the OIC, and to make sure that is takes into consideration the United Nations agenda for sustainable development as well as relevant international and regional plans. The position and efforts of the OIC for the advancement of women is clearly highlighted in the (OIC – 2016 -2025) Program through enhancing women’s participation in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres and supporting the importance of their role in promoting security and peace. Recently, the OIC General Secretariat appointed highly experienced women in the political, economic and cultural fields to occupy leadership positions in the General Secretariat, as a way of crystallizing the OIC’s vision on women empowerment and enhancing their role at all levels. This year’s OIC slogan for this occasion is: “Empowering Women is Empowering Society”; and therefore “allow me to seize this opportunity to call upon the international

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community, and particularly the OIC Member States to intensify their efforts to relief the suffering of women refugees, those under occupation and of the girl afflicted by AIDS; and pay attention to the mental health of women and children in conflict zones and empower them to play central role in the protection of their families from disintegration; and to rebuild their societies and promote peace and security,” stressed the Secretary General.

IPHRC Message on ‘International Women’s Day 2016’

OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), in observing the ‘International Women’s Day’, called upon all stakeholders in the OIC Member States and the international community to allocate judicious resources and institutionalize effective policy initiatives for women empowerment allowing them to realize their potential and capacity as active agents of change for sustainable development. The Commission reaffirmed that Islam in its teachings has laid the foundation for spiritual and substantive temporal equality of men and women based on their needs and circumstances. Islamic history is replete with instances where women have excelled men in erudition and accordingly have played commendable role in the development of their respective societies. It was a noble Muslim woman ‘Fatima Al- Fihriya’ who founded the ‘University of Al-Qarawiyyin’ in Morocco in 859 A.D which is one of the oldest universities of the world. Women make up half of the world’s population and despite increased global emphasis on women empowerment, a lot more is needed to enable them to enjoy their due rights and be equal partners in the planning and development of equitable societies. Since its inception, IPHRC has adopted women’s rights as one of its top priority areas of work. In its efforts to promote women’s rights within OIC Member States and beyond, IPHRC has decided to hold a thematic debate on “Impact of Women Empowerment on Sustainable Development of Member States” during its upcoming 9th Regular Session, to be held in Jeddah in May 2016.

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Media At its Annual Meeting at OIC headquarters in Jeddah

IBRAF Discusses the Issue of Public Media Service and Broadcasting

he OIC Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF), an OIC affiliate institution based in Ankara, Turkey, convened its fourth Annual Meeting at the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah on 12 January 2016. The central theme of the two-day meeting, focused on “Public Media Service and Broadcasting Principles”. The President of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) of Morocco, Dr. Amina Lemrini Elouahabı, IBRAF’s termPresident for last year, delivered a statement in which she welcomed the participants, and gave an overall report on the various activities during her term of presidency. IBRAF Secretary General, Dr. Hamit Ersoy, member of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK), delivered a statement in which he welcomed all the delegations for their participation in this meeting and thanked the OIC for hosting the meeting and expressed gratituted for Saudi Arabia for hosting IBRAF’s Steering Committee Meeting on 18-19 June 2014. He also thanked Dr. Lemrini for her efforts during her IBRAF’s last term presidency. He also gave an overview of the IBRAF’s activities during last year and next year’s

proposed activities and projects. The Director of Information Department at the OIC General Secretariat, Maha Akeel, welcomed the participants and emphasized on IBRAF, its functions and important role as a platform for broadcasting regulations for OIC member states, which could be of help to broadcasting authorities’ forums in need of expertise or training. Representatives of the national broadcasting regulatory authorities from Africa and Asia, which are members in IBRAF, participated in this meeting and made presentations on their annual reports for the year 2015. A short briefing on the IBRAF Steering Committee Meeting last year was presented. The participants exchanged views and debated on the state of affairs regarding broadcasting principles in IBRAF. They had an open discussion on some proposals for the theme of the next annual meeting and considered improvements to IBRAF’s Charter, website, focal points and database. The meeting also discussed IBRAF’s international legal personality and issued a statement on the issues of “Protection of Minors” and “Broadcasting Content Rating System”.

Workshop on Public Media Services and Broadcasting Principles On the sideline of the 4th Annual Meeting of OIC Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum, which took place on January 12-13, 2016 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) and OIC Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF) jointly organized a workshop on “Public Media Services and Broadcasting Principles”, in order to explore the media landscape in OIC Member States, and to seek further opportunities for cooperation in the areas of audiovisual media. The workshop enabled participants to share information and experience in order to enhance the cooperation in the field of broadcasting regulation and principles among broadcasting regulatory authorities and/or institutions with similar functions and responsibilities in OIC Member States. The workshop attended by participants from national broadcasting regulatory authorities and governmental bodies.

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Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF) is a Forum which endeavors to meet the need for increasing cooperation among Islamic Countries Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities against the backdrop of digitalization and convergence. The Forum aims to provide a platform for exchange of information, views and experiences about common topics of broadcasting, including a wide variety of audiovisual matters, such as cultural affairs, protection of children and youngsters, and rising Islamophobia.

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MEDIA Morocco hosts Media Forum on Africa

Marrakech Declaration Criticizes Negative Media Stereotypes about Africa

OIC Secretary General (C-L) and Morocco’s Minister of Communication (C-R) at the Media Forum on Africa

Marrakesh, Morocco – The OIC organized a special Media Forum on Africa, entitled “The Continent’s Image and Investment Opportunities,” in Marrakech, Morocco, on 1719 December 2015. At the conclusion of the event, a declaration—titled the Marrakech Declaration— was issued with the support of over 400 participants consisting of ministers of information and communication, media organizations and senior journalists. Among a range of issues, the declaration announced that the continued publishing of negative stereotypes about Africa in the African and international press violates the ethics of journalism and are a far cry from reality. It also called for these stereotypes to be countered and said that this is something that can be done by unifying journalists across the continent. The event was held following a recommendation issued at the 9th OIC Conference of Information Ministers held in Libreville in 2012. The declaration also stated that Africans have a right to information and that this requires African journalists being guar-

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anteed the right to access sources. It also asserted that the future of the African continent in general and its security, development and progress are linked to the emergence of strong, free and independent media institutions. Participants also called for expanding cooperation among African countries in the media field. The Marrakech Declaration also stressed that the continent is an integral part of the free world, and that it cannot suffer from an inferiority complex or be held hostage to a long gone colonial past; it further called for the institutionalization of a multipolar world through the launch of initiatives to make the voice of Africa heard in the entire free world. Participants pointed out the importance of supporting professional organizations, including trade unions and professional bodies, to protect journalists and condemn attacks on them. They also called for the need to provide them with security, particularly in areas of conflict, and called for supporting efforts to promote press freedom in Africa and capacity building of media institutions. “We encourage the conclusion of partner-

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ship agreements between trade unions that operate in the field of the media and professional bodies in OIC African Member States in order to join efforts in proposing media-related public policies and promoting freedom of press in African states,” the final declaration stated. Speaking at the forum’s closing session, Morocco’s Minister of Communication Mustafa El-Khalfi, the official spokesman of the Moroccan government, mentioned prominent initiatives being undertaken in Morocco to promote press freedom in Africa. These include the launch of an African center for training in media, Moroccan universities taking on African students to study media and the opening of an observatory of press freedom in Africa. The observatory was created in Abidjan in October 2015 and comprises professional bodies, trade unions and the African press. El-Khalfi said that the observatory addresses problems associated with freedom of the press, media pluralism, the independence of the media, safeguarding journalists and the status of female journalists.

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MEDIA Secretary General of the OIC Iyad Ameen Madani also spoke at the event. “It is necessary to convert these decisions into reality and work programs with definitive tasks, dates, budgets and sources of funding, otherwise these decisions will remain aspirations,” he said. He called on the media to be in tune with the pulse of the public, including the hopes and aspirations of people, their social peace and national unity, and to talk freely without compromising the values of society and entering into ethnic conflict. “A free media should not become an excuse to promote hate, or pit one group against another… freedom of expression is a fundamental right, and should not affect social values and convictions,” he said. On strengthening the media in Africa to promote a positive image of the continent, the event recommended inviting governments, the media and civil society organizations to tackle negative stereotypes. It further urged African media to promote best practices and experiences in the fight against stereotypes, and to publicize positive experiences. In the area of training and capacity development, participants called for initiatives to strengthen the professional capacity of African journalists and the establishment of a network to train African journalists, especially in modern media technology. They also called for the need to establish African networks of institutes, colleges and schools that teach and research the media, promote initiatives in journalism training, launch studies to determine the needs of the African market in the field of media, and invite African universities and institutes to create groups of related research topics concerning the African continent. The participants also called for the strengthening of partnerships between countries in Africa and to encourage joint ventures in media, as well as urge governments, institutions and professional bodies to develop private banks in African countries, and es-

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tablish digital platforms across networks to exchange articles, photos and media content. They stressed that protecting journalists physically, morally and legally is a prerequisite for establishing a balanced and respectful media, while pointing out the crucial role that the African media can play in securing democracy and protecting human rights. The OIC’s media strategy to encourage efforts to meet necessary Islamic investment and development needs in Member States was also announced at the forum. Director of the OIC’s Information and Communication Department Maha Mustafa Akeel introduced participants to the strategy that was ratified at the 9th Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers held in Libreville, Gabon, in 2012. The strategy specifically highlights the status and role of Africa in the Muslim world, which can be generalized and applied to other parts of the Muslim world, such as Southeast Asia or Central Asia. Akeel said that the strategy includes a media plan that consists of activities and important programs that require the support of the ministries of information and communication in Member States in addition to the media institutions of those countries. Akeel said that to embody these projects on the ground, the General Secretariat – represented by the Department of Information and Communication – has signed a memorandum of understanding and agreements to deliver a wide-ranging media plan. These agreements have been signed with the International Islamic News Agency, the Union of Islamic Radio Stations, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and UNITAS Communications which will supplement the work of the OIC, including drawing media attention to the OIC and its programs. She added that through the memorandum of understanding with the Asia-Pacific

Broadcasting Union, forums will be held on climate change and issuing early warnings about disasters to reduce their effects. A project will also be delivered together with the union to deliver voice messages to console people affected by disasters and broadcast educational, recreational and awareness programs in refugee camps. The OIC, said Akeel, is currently working on launching an OIC channel that will be available for view on satellite and the Internet. “We may have reached another milestone in this project, which will contribute after its launch in the rapprochement between the peoples of the Islamic world and contribute to the promotion of local goods and intraOIC trade and tourism,” she added. The Media Forum also witnessed a discussion about the importance of information and communication to attract the attention of contractors for investment opportunities in Africa. This discussion was led by Rachid Lemrabet, Head of Doctoral Studies and Research at the ISCAE Group in Morocco. Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs Ambassador Hameed Opeleyoru chaired a session titled: Status of the African Continent in the Islamic World Conglomerate. The session discussed the economic outlook of the OIC’s African Member States according to research carried out by Fadi Abdallah Farseen, a researcher at the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), an organ of the OIC. Other participants at the session included representatives from the Islamic Development Bank; Jamal Eddine Gharbi, Representative of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Karachi; Hakim Marrakchi, Chairman of the International Relation Commission of the General Union of Moroccan Businesses); and Ibrahim Ibn Abdellah El Khouzaim, Executive Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund in Jeddah.

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MEDIA

Global Alliance on Media and Gender: Media Equality Critical for Women’s Rights Geneva, Switzerland – The first general assembly of the Global Alliance on Media and Gender (GAMAG) has rounded out a week of meetings at the UN on December 10, 2015 in Geneva with a call for women empowerment and rights in and through the media by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Director of Information and Communication at OIC, Maha Akeel, participated in the International Development Cooperation Meeting on Gender and Media and the First General Assembly of the GAMAG that was held on 7-8 and 9-10 December 2015 respectively. The International Development Cooperation Meeting resonates with the proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16, target 10 concerning measures to promote public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms by 2030, as well as SDG 17 on “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”. In her statement at International Development Cooperation Meeting on Gender and Media, Akeel said that achieving women empowerment and rights in and through the media is an important goal because if, as often said, the media is a reflection of society, then the absence, marginalization, stereotyping and undermining of women in the media is a representation of the status of women in that society. “However, we should not be quick to judge a society based on how women appear, or not appear, in the media because there could be cultural, religious, social, or economic reasons or barriers that prevent women from being represented and portrayed in the media. Sometimes the decision makers themselves in the media insist or inclined to continue portraying women in a certain way,” she added. “That is why we believe that while it is important to act at the policy level to ensure fair and equal representation of women in the media, we should also act at the social level to empower women through access to the media in a way that is convenient to her and be able to express herself in a way that is suitable to her and her environment. We should also consider the mindset and culture in the media institutions that is reluctant or resistant to change,” said Akeel. “On International Human Rights Day (10 December), we call for

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inclusive societies that give equal voice to all,” said Colleen Lowe Morna, CEO of Gender Links and GAMAG Chairperson. “This cannot be achieved as long as half the world’s population is effectively silenced.” “We have come together to forge a global movement on gender and media,” said Alton Grizzle of UNESCO, which has facilitated GAMAG and organized the Geneva meeting with the Greek Secretariat General for Media and Communication. “Better access, leadership and portrayal of girls and women in media is a critical stepping stone for equal rights,” he added. Launched in Bangkok two years ago, GAMAG brings together some 700 media houses, training institutions, journalism unions, gender and media activists to promote gender equality within the media and ICTs, and in the content they produce, as essential for achieving fundamental human rights for women worldwide. Christiane Amanpour, Chief International Correspondent for CNN and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression, joined the International Development Cooperation Meeting on Gender and Media remotely to kick off the week’s events. Said Amanpour: “On the very important platform that is media, women are simply not equally or even adequately represented, either in leadership roles or in media coverage.” The 2015 Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) found that women constitute 24% of news sources – the same as five years ago. “Women remain invisible or underrepresented on traditional media based on almost every indicator we measure,” Sarah Macharia warned. “And this trend has replicated itself in digital media as well.” At GAMAG’s inaugural General Assembly, stakeholders committed to making 2016 a year of unprecedented action on key priority areas which include digital media, youth, advocacy and gender and media research. In addition, four regional GAMAG chapters were launched in order to operationalize the “Geneva Framework” reached at the International Co-operating Partners meeting that preceded the General Assembly.

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MEDIA

OIC-ABU Symposium and Regional Workshop on Advanced Technologies for Digital Inclusion Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation sponsored a session on Advanced Solutions for Inclusive Broadcasting at the Digital Broadcasting Symposium (DBS) 2016 and a Regional Training Workshop on Advanced Technologies for Digital Inclusion with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) on 3-4 March 2016 respectively in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A delegation from the OIC General Secretariat participated in these two events. The OIC also sponsored participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Brunei, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, which are OIC member states, to attend the DBS and the Regional Training Workshop. The DBS 2016 was officially opened by the Malaysian Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Dato’ Jailani Johari, who delivered a keynote speech in which he said that during the last twelve years, this yearly event has offered a unique opportunity for broadcasters in the region to share expertise and experiences, noting that broadcasters should be aware of consumers’ needs and demands which determine the market and shape the whole industry. The Deputy Minister also launched an exhibition held in parallel with this event. The ABU Secretary-General Dr. Javad Mottaghi presented a welcoming address highlighting the importance of going on different digital platforms so as to reap the benefits of the digitally connected era through innovative and creative content. The ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium is

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an annual event where members, broadcasters and industry players exchange views and share experiences on highly relevant topics and challenges facing broadcast technology. More than 900 people including delegates, exhibitors and visitors attend this important gathering. This year the symposium adapted the theme of “Innovating Digital Connections” noting the rapid development, which is taking place in the integration of IT and media industry and how it is revolutionizing the current media space around the globe. This year the DBS attracted more than 200 organisations from 56 countries. Kazuhiro Shimizu, Project Manager at SONY, made an overview of the “Status of Mobile Broadcast Reception” in the Asia-Pacific region. He said that more developments are expected to take place shortly in several Asian countries. Other speakers included Simon Fell of EBU who referred to WRC15 on the spectrum issue. The second session of the DVB workshop for instance focused on audio technology. All speakers at the Symposium, including Lindsay Cornell of BBC who is also WorldDAB Technical Committee Chair and Jorn Jensen of NRK-Norway were unanimous about the fact that radio should be digital for listeners to be winners. They all agreed that the DAB+ technology is the new trend, cost-effective and need good collaboration among all stakeholders. The first event which was supported by the OIC was in the form of a session to address the theme of Advanced Solutions for Inclusive Broadcasting. Mr. Aqeel Qureshi who is

the Techbility Founder and CEO moderated the session. Five panelists representing media and broadcasting organizations addressed the audience with informative presentations on the subject of the session. The panelists were: Ms. Akiko Azuma from NHK Japan who discussed Automatic Sign Language Animation System for Weather News; Ms. Natalia Ilieva the Executive Assistant to ABU Secretary-General who talked about Smart Village of the Future; Mr. Yunhyoung Kim from the Koran Broadcasting System who made presentation on File-based Closed Captioning System without Captioning Delay; and Mr. Shoei Sato from NHK Japan who made a presentation on Real-time Automatic Captioning System with High Efficiency. The second event which was also co-sponsored by the OIC was a one-day regional training workshop on Advanced Technologies for Digital Inclusion. The workshop was held to achieve two objectives. First, to familiarize the participating broadcasters, international organizations and NGOs with existing advanced technologies to provide equal accessibility to broadcast services to women, persons with disabilities, elderly and extremely poor people. The second objective was to harness opinions and ideas in order to develop applications to use ABU Radio-in-aBox module for Smart Village concept. During the workshop media specialists discussed the topics of Ecosystem for Disaster Warning Relief, automatic sign language generation systems developed by some ABU leading member organizations, and Smart Village concept.

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MEDIA

Malicious Trade in Amateur Footage of Paris Terror Attacks Paris (DPA): With just a smartphone in one’s pocket, everyone has the opportunity to broadcast their own news and channels – this is supposedly one of the great achievements of live streaming apps like Twitter’s Periscope or its competitor Meerkat. Things have, however, evolved differently; especially during and after the Paris attacks in mid-November that resulted in the killing and wounding of hundreds and subsequent state of emergency across the country. What took place thereafter left this supposed media revolution on the wayside. A few days after the Paris attacks on Friday 13th November 2015, a lot of eyewitnesses who were in the vicinity of the attacks began uploading their own footage recorded on their phones, especially of events that occurred around the Bataclan Theater and its surrounding streets, the three suicide bombings that took place at the Stade de France and the attack in Saint Denis. In short, all of the footage was confused and shaky and hardly explained much. They comprised police on the street, people scurrying past with voices in the background and intermittent police and ambulance sirens. Because of the poor quality, images were

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blurry, something further compounded by those capturing events not being professionals and not commenting on or explaining what was happening. Huge numbers of users wishing to follow events and upload pictures and videos led to Periscope collapsing on Friday evening, the night of the attacks. The service was unable to resume until after midnight, after which uploaded footage had been viewed some tens of thousands of times. Conventional and traditional means of news broadcast continued for lengthy hours across Paris, especially during the long police operation in Saint Denis. Television channels were busy live streaming their reports. This also led to some strange occurrences. Journalist Philipp Weber, for instance, ran with a smartphone in his hand behind armed police through the streets, footage that was broadcast on to TV screens. What he was doing remains unclear and he was harshly criticized for this. Stefan Niggemeier later on blogged about this saying Weber seemed to be there just for the thrill. Meanwhile, a lot of people in Paris began trying to sell their recorded video footage from the night of the terrorist attacks and

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subsequent events to the media at inflated prices. “If shots and a police officer could be seen from a distance at night then the price was 500 euros, but that is only if there is sound. If there is no sound then the price is 100 euros,” said Pascal Jalabert, the Paris bureau chief of Ebra Groupe. It was also reported that youths in Saint Denis were selling videos for 100 to 300 euros. Meanwhile, the recordings from a surveillance camera at a restaurant targeted by the bombers on that fateful Friday night was offered to Le Monde newspaper for 50,000 euros, said Herve Beroud, a correspondent with BFM TV. Media outlets, however, refused because of the shocking nature of the video footage. Two eyewitnesses tried to sell videos taken from attacks from the night for thousands of euros to Journal de Dimanche in which dead bodies could be seen. Some photos appeared on the Internet but were quickly removed. Britain’s Daily Mail also had surveillance camera recordings on its website showing people running from bars and restaurants during the attacks. Among other things, the New York Post published some footage from Persicope taken during the attack on the Bataclan theatre.

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EDUCATION Harnessing S&T Potentials Crucial in Dealing with Contemporary Challenges Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a wide ranging speech delivered at the 29th Convocation of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 2 December 2015, OIC Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan said the winners and losers of the 21st century will be defined by the abilities of nations and societies to harness the vast potential of science and technology through knowledge creation, research and innovation. Khan made the comments while discussing the challenges of the era, which he said include poverty alleviation, prevention and control of diseases, environmental degradation, climate change, water, energy and food security. “It is, therefore, incumbent on us to put in our best effort to transform our institutions

of higher learning into centers of excellence with their own niche expertise in cutting edge technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology,” he said. “In this regard we reiterate the full support of OIC and its institutions for IUT to develop into a center of excellence for mechatronics and robotics. I call on all OIC member states to lend their generous support in this endeavor,” he added. While speaking at the event which was also attended by Bangladesh’s Minister of Education Nurul Islam Nahid, Khan touched on IUT’s plans to enroll females. “The role of women in nation-building cannot be over emphasized. It is imperative to equip our daughters and sisters with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to make their due contributions in the devel-

opment and advancement of our societies,” he said. The Assistant Secretary General also underscored the need to explore opportunities to further strengthen and expand linkages between the IUT and other organizations within the Muslim world under the OIC Educational Exchange Program. He also called on graduates to use their education and skills to uplift their communities and countries, and invited them to explore higher learning through scholarships offered under the program. The IUT is a Subsidiary Organ of the OIC and plays a role in promoting and advancing higher education, science, technology and innovation for socio-economic progress and development.

IUIU Governing Council Elects New Chairman Kampala, Uganda – The 27th Meeting of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Governing Council was held in Kampala, Uganda on 11 December 2015. The Meeting was attended by Council Members from inside and outside Uganda and considered a number of issues pertaining to the University. The Meeting expressed appreciation to the

Secretary General for his enormous efforts in mobilizing support for the University. The Meeting also thanked all the stakeholders for their support for the University. The Meeting accepted the request by Dr. Abdallah Omar Naseef to step down from his position as Chairman of the Council. The Meeting expressed utmost apprecia-

tion for the services he has rendered to the University since his election in 2004. On the recommendation of the Secretary, the Meeting unanimously elected Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, General Secretary of King Faisal Prize as the new Chairman of the University Governing Council.

Palestinian Teacher Wins Global Prize at Star-Studded Ceremony in Dubai Dubai, (IINA) - A Palestinian woman, who works with children who have grown up while being exposed to violence, was given the 2nd annual Global Teacher prize at a star-studded ceremony in Dubai on 14 March, The Guardian reported. The Duke of Cambridge Prince William has paid tribute to the “incredible work” of the teaching profession as a Nobel-style award worth $1 million was handed to the Palestinian teacher Hanan al-Hroub. Looking delighted as she was handed the award, Hroub said: “I did it, I won!” “I know what an incredible teacher can mean to a child,” said Prince William in a video link. “A good teacher holds the power to influence, inspire and shape a young person’s life for the better. They represent the key to real change in this world.” The prince added: “Teachers are also uniquely placed to recognize and support the most

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vulnerable and troubled children in our society, reaching young people early on in their education and providing them with the extra support they need and giving them the best possible chance in life. This is an incredible responsibility.” Pope Francis announced the winner via video message. “I would like to congratulate the teacher Hanan al-Hroub for winning this prestigious prize due to the importance that she gave to the ‘playing’ part in the educa-

tion of the children,” he said. In her acceptance speech, given in Arabic, she said: “I accept this as a win for all teachers in general and Palestinian teachers in particular. “Each day, the role of the teacher is reinforced and its importance confirmed as the world questions what future we want for our children.” Hroub grew up in the Bethlehem refugee camp, and was regularly exposed to violence. She went into primary education after her own children were left traumatized from witnessing a shooting on their way home from school. Hroub promotes the slogan “no to violence” and uses a specialist approach with children that she developed herself, and has written about it in her book, We Play We Learn. It involves developing trusting, respectful and affectionate relationships, and encouraging youngsters to work together.

OIC Journal January - March 2016 49

HEALTH Experts Come Together for First Meeting on Population and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Signing of agreement between SESRIC and UNFPA Arab States Regional Office

Ankara, Turkey – Experts from across the OIC region came together to share information and knowledge on 2-4 December 2015 in Ankara as part of the “First Expert Meeting of the OIC Network on Population and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health” (OIC MHNet). The meeting was held in line with a decision issued at the “Fourth Islamic Conference of Health Ministers” held in Jakarta, Indonesia, in October 2013, and was organized by the “Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries” (SESRIC), which is an OIC Organ, and the UNFPA Arab States Regional Office (UN Population Fund). The meeting – held at SESRIC’s headquarters in Ankara – was held to improve networking as a first step in the establishment of the group, which will serve as a deposit of innovative ideas, problem solving and best practices as well as a platform for disseminating knowledge to OIC countries. Participants engaged in joint activities and discussions, and exchanged ideas, best practices and viable means of addressing challenges to improve the health of mothers and children in OIC Member Countries through building rapport and working relationships that enable them to learn from

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each other. The meeting included presentations on different aspects of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health against the backdrop of the “OIC Strategic Program of Action 2013-2014” (OIC SHPA) and new global post-2015 development frameworks. With a view to define the substantive research agenda of the network, roundtable discussions on contemporary issues on population dynamics and demographic dividends, and maternal and newborn health also took place. At the outset of the meeting, a partnership agreement was also signed between SESRIC and the UNFPA Arab States Regional Office. Ambassador Musa Kulaklıkaya, director general of SESRIC, addressed the gathering and underlined that over the last two decades, many OIC countries have witnessed significant improvement in healthcare coverage and services and, consequently, recorded declining trends in maternal, newborn and child mortality rates. He added, that despite this improvement there is a heightened requirement for equity orientation across health-related components of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda, as healthy women, infants and children are essential for sustainable

January - March 2016

development. He also said that there is still much work to be done in OIC Member Countries. OIC MHNet is composed of interdisciplinary experts from OIC regions who engage in collective efforts to generate, share and use knowledge for the achievement of the OIC SHPA and related “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs). Following the mandate to establish the network in Jakarta in October 2013, UNFPA partnered with the OIC Secretariat and SESRIC in establishing it. The network seeks to generate a healthy population and improved reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health by facilitating and encouraging the generation and sharing of knowledge practices and experiences to help achieve the goals of the OIC SHPA and SDGs. The network is steered by an Executive Committee that consists of the OIC General Secretariat, the UNFPA, SESRIC, the Islamic Development Bank, the World Health Organization and other concerned institutes and UN agencies. The network, which is hosted by SESRIC, seeks to provide a platform for experts to connect and share information, case studies and experiences; review existing knowledge, identify gaps and research needs of member states; develop a research agenda and enhance knowledge assets; disseminate knowledge, facilitate dialogue and explore innovative ways to address challenges; leverage existing knowledge for evidence-based policies, plans, strategies and programs; enhance south-south and other forms of collaboration; and conduct advocacy and policy dialogue with the OIC and member-states.

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HEALTH Global Fund Supports TB Care among Syrian Refugees

bd Al Gader, a 12-year-old with big, dark eyes, could barely walk when he arrived at the Zaatari refugee camp in the Jordanian desert after escaping the war in Syria. Suffering from tuberculosis and having run out of medicine, Abd Al Gader fled with his family from their farm east of Damascus with the few belongings they could carry and embarked on a dangerous journey towards safety. Abd Al Gader’s cough worsened as the family trekked for days, sleeping in the open during cold, February nights and enduring shelling and thieves, before finally reaching the border. In Zaatari, the family settled into a temporary shelter and Abd Al Gader resumed his TB treatment at the camp’s clinic. Today, cured of the disease, he is strong enough to play football with his friends in a dusty pitch and to attend one of the camp’s schools. In cooperation with local and international partners, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is supporting the provision of essential TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment services to Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. The assistance comes from the Global Fund’s Emergency Fund, a special initiative to provide quick, flexible access to funds to respond to HIV, TB and malaria in acute emergency situations. Tuberculosis, a highly infectious disease spread from person to person through the air, can move quickly in close quarters like a crowded refugee camp. Stopping TB is necessary, not only to protect refugees immediately at risk, but also to free up critical resources within refugee settings to treat basic illnesses, which are chronic in emergency situations like the Syria crisis. Since the outbreak of the conflict, more than 4 million Syrians have sought shelter in neighbouring countries, mostly in camps like Zaatari, which now houses 79,000 refugees, and in informal settlements with no or limited access to health services. Infectious diseases such as TB are increasing the burden on already overstretched public health systems. “To defeat these diseases we must follow the people wherever they are, regardless of their status, circumstance, or ethnic and religious background,” said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “Partnerships like this give us the flexibility to respond quickly and better serve the people in need.” Global Fund grants are funding interventions that include TB diagnostics and treatment, screening of refugees upon arrival, strengthening referral services, training of health workers and raising awareness of the disease. The International Organization for Migration is implementing the programs in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Programs of Jordan and Lebanon and WHO. Since the program started, there have been more than 400 confirmed cases of TB in Jordan and Lebanon and four cases of multidrug-resistant TB in Jordan (according to 2014 data), and the suc-

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cess rate of TB treatment among Syrian refugees is 90 percent. The Global Fund is in the process of extending emergency interventions in Lebanon and Jordan, and providing funding for TB services for Syrian refugees in Iraq.

Global Fund and OIC Since its inception in 2002, the Global Fund has been a major supporter of efforts to end AIDS, TB and malaria as epidemics in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states. Today, 50 of the 57 OIC member states are implementing Global Fund-supported programs to fight the diseases and build resilient and sustainable systems for health. To date, the Global Fund has disbursed US$8.5 billion to fight the three diseases in OIC member states, where investments are making a transformative difference in the lives of millions of people, helping families become healthier and more productive. To improve efficiency and offer more flexible and simplified responses, the Global Fund is launching a new initiative in the Middle East. Besides supporting TB care for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon, the Global Fund currently has separate grants through country allocations in Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen. Under the new Middle East HIV, TB and Malaria Response initiative, all grants will be managed through one integrated grant management platform and will be tailored to fit the needs and challenges of those countries, which are suffering the effects of conflict and are coping with large numbers of internally displaced people and refugees. The initiative is aimed at increasing coverage of services and reaching key and vulnerable populations. The Global Fund and OIC are continuing work to strengthen mutual collaboration and joint advocacy efforts, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2009. The OIC General Secretary works closely with the Global Fund to familiarize its member states with the mission of the Global Fund and to raise awareness about health as a critical component to address poverty, education and sustainable development. Every three years, the Global Fund seeks financial support for its mission through a Replenishment pledging conference, to be held in mid-2016. The Global Fund has identified a goal of reaching US$13 billion for the three-year period beginning in 2017. A US$13 billion investment for the 2017-2019 funding cycle would save up to eight million lives worldwide and avert up to 300 million new cases of HIV, TB and malaria. Strong investments in global health can significantly bolster international stability, while creating greater opportunity, prosperity and well-being. Courtesy of Global Fund

OIC Journal January - March 2016 51

HEALTH

Polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan (epa)

Amb. Muhammad Naeem Khan, ASG for S&T Affairs, speaking at the conference

OIC Calls Upon Afghani Ulama to Play their Role in the Efforts to Eradicate Polio from Afghanistan Kabul, Afghanistan – An International Ulama Conference on Eradication of Polio was opened in Kabul, Afghanistan on 22 February 2016. The Conference has attracted over 100 Ulama (Islamic Scholars) from all parts of Afghanistan and beyond. The Conference was organized by Islamic Advisory Group on Polio Eradication (IAG) in conjunction with the Government of Afghanistan. IAG was launched at the OIC Headquarters in February 2014 after consultations among Al Azhar University, OIC General Secretariat, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA). It comprises of Islamic Institutions, religious scholars, technical experts and academia from the Muslim World. Some of the leading Members of the IAG are: Dr. Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, President of the Council of IIFA; Dr. Abdulmohsin Al Qasim; Imam of Holy Mosque in Madinah; Dr. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif; Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, Secretary General of OIC; and Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali President of IDB. The Conference in Kabul is intended to mobilize religious scholars and groups to support global efforts to end polio in Afghanistan. In his remarks during the opening of the Conference, the representative of the OIC General Secretariat Amb. Muhammad Naeem Khan, Assistant Secretary General

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underscored the important role of Ulama in sensitizing communities to protect their children from preventable diseases by embracing vaccination campaigns. He reiterated OIC commitment to supporting Member States in their efforts to provide health care to their peoples. The Conference was also addressed by H.E. Dr. Ferozuddin Feroz, Minister of Public Health of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and H.E. Dr. Fadhulullah Kakal, Special Advisor to the President of Afghanistan on health, among others. At the end of the Conference on 23 February 2016 the Ulama of Afghanistan and its jurists issued a statement in which they declared that Polio vaccine is allowed religiously, and is fully in accordance with the rulings of Shariah, its principles and general and specific objectives. “We state that parents are under obligation to speed vaccination of polio,” they stated. In addition, doctors are of the view that vaccination of polio does not contain any harm and all Muslim countries are applying it for long time used the same vaccination as we use in Afghanistan to eradicate polio. “We believe that it is allowed for Afghan passengers, men and women, children and elderly, to use Polio vaccine, so it will ease its final eradication,” they stressed. “We encourage all the families to save their children from all the diseases that will af-

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fect their health and to use vaccine for prevention of such diseases,” emphasized the Ulama.   Nevertheless, they expressed their anxiety over wrong information that spreads regarding polio vaccine. Therefore, they requested media, clergies and others who have role in making of public opinion to endeavor for reconstruction of public opinion regarding Polio vaccine and to uproot the wrongful fear of concerned people.   Furthermore, the Ulama and the Jurists condemned all kinds of attacks and aggressions on medical groups which work in various parts, and declared instead, “we want from all people to help and respect them, this is what the almighty ordered us, saying “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (5: 2)” In addition, they reiterated the importance of Islamic solidarity for eradication of polio and stressed on the need of eradication of this disease in national and international level. The Ulama thanked all those who endeavored in organizing the conference in Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and requested all concerned people in this state to perform their duties regarding eradication of Polio. They also expressed appreciation for the financial help of Muslim countries and organizations, including the help of Islamic Development Bank.

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HEALTH

Continuing the Battle against Ebola Virus in 2016 A nurse feeding an infant recovering from Ebola (epa)

Conakry, Guinea (DPA): At first glance it seems that the deadly Ebola virus has been defeated, but West Africa is still suffering from its consequences and struggling to improve health services on the long term in case of a sudden emergence of new hotbeds of the virus. Ibrahim Savané realizes that he is a lucky man. He was one of the first people afflicted by Ebola in Guinea and one of the first survivors of the deadly virus. Shortly after the discovery of Ebola in Guinea, Savané, who is 28, went to hospital battling a fever that almost destroyed his body. Following a few days of treatment and observation, he recovered and left hospital. There was an outbreak of Ebola in late December 2013 in the remote town of Meliandou, which then eerily spread throughout Guinea and then moved to neighboring countries such as Sierra Leone and Liberia. According to the World Health Organization, 11,000 people died because of Ebola. In spite of indications that the virus has been defeated, it has left a profound impact. Till now, there are still many who were afflicted by the disease and are in need of care till the end of this year. Though Savané has been cured for 18 months, he remains ill. “I have been suffering from joint pain for three months due to the virus,” he said. Because of this, he has joined a self-help group that provides longterm support and psychological awareness.

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Ibrahim Savane among the first afflicted by Ebola and survived (epa)

Hilda De Klerk from Doctors Without Borders said the most prominent symptoms affecting people who have recovered from the virus are eye infections, tired joints, liver and kidney problems, hearing impairment, hair loss and chronic fatigue. She also said that people who recover from the illness also suffer post-traumatic stress, depression, a sense of persecution and isolation, sleep disorders, nightmares and memory loss. According to De Klerk, the situation of dealing with so many survivors is unprecedented and never been witnessed prior to the outbreak of the virus. She also said that there is still an inadequate number of studies on treating patients over the long term. De Klerk said what is now important during the coming months is to gather as much data, analysis and development programs necessary to treat the physical and psychological consequences of the virus. This is what the three African countries that have been the most affected and are the poorest need, given that health care systems were already very bad before the spread of the virus and are now close to collapsing two and a half years following the outbreak. There is only one department in Guinea to follow up on those who have recovered; volunteers from France’s Development Research Institute supervise this department. The Ministry of Health has also conducted a study during the last four months to determine priorities in the delivery of basic

services. Sakoba Keita, who is responsible for a program to combat the effects of Ebola in Guinea, said she is still waiting for results, but is aware that they are running late to meet basic needs. Lawrence Siala, coordinator of Doctors Without Borders’ emergency program in Guinea, said it is a must to study the ways in which the virus is transmitted, especially through sexual contact, and that a recent analysis showed the presence of traces of the virus in the sperm of a person who is recovering from the virus nine months after being affected. “We do not know how dangerous the virus is in this case, since we have only discovered a small number of cases in which the virus has been transmitted through sexual contact,” he said. Siala said that those recovering should use condoms and have their sperm periodically analyzed. He added that there is a clear need for a system to supervise the recovery and follow up of cases once people recover. In spite of all these obstacles, the World Health Organization believes that Ebola will be eliminated. The virus can be transmitted back to humans through bats or monkeys. However, at the moment there is a need to effectively and speedily intervene to ensure there is no alarm if there is another outbreak of the epidemic.

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HEALTH Steering Committee on Health Expedites

Implementation of the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action 2014-2023

he 11th meeting of the OIC Steering Committee on Health (SCH) was held at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah on 0203 March 2016. The meeting was attended by Mr. Hesham AL Khashan, Deputy Minister of Health, Saudi Arabia, senior health officials from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia,Turkey, Oman, high-level officials from the relevant OIC institutions (COMSTECH, SESRIC, ISESCO, IDB) and international organizations (GAVI and UNFPA). The Steering Committee reviewed the status of implementation of the decisions of the 5th ICHM. The committee appreciated the efforts of Lead Country Coordinators (LCCs) of six thematic areas of OIC- SHPA. The SCH

approved the report of the 4th LCC meeting including the Terms of Reference of LCC and the priority activities which every LCC will carry out in 2017-2018. The 4th LCCs meeting was held earlier in Jeddah on 29 Feb-1 March. The SCH meeting stressed the need to raise public awareness about OIC contribution towards improvement of the situation of health in OIC countries and to increase efforts to mobilize governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to participate in the implementation of OICSHPA. The meeting also established a Working Group to discuss modalities for resource mobilization for implementing the activities

under SHPA. The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the OIC Network on Population and Reproductive, Maternal, New-born and Child Health (RMNCH-Net) by UNFPA and SESRIC and encouraged the member states to fully utilize from the network resources. A presentation prepared by WHO on Zika virus and the measures to be taken by the OIC member states to strengthen their national health systems to meet any emergency was also made. It was decided to hold next meetings of the Lead Country Coordinator and the Steering Committee on Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2017.

OIC Secretary General and Board Chair of the

Global Fund Review Regional and Global Health Matters

he Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, received a delegation from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria on 16 February 2016 at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah. Norbert Hauser, Board Chair of the Global Fund led the delegation. While welcoming the delegation to the OIC General Secretariat, the Secretary General lauded the support the Global Fund extends to the OIC Member States in the fight against the three killer diseases. He welcomed the participation of the Global Fund in the 5th Islamic Conference of Health

Ministers held in Istanbul in November 2015 and other OIC meetings and hoped that this would further strengthen relationships between the two institutions. Madani assured that OIC would support the Global Fund initiatives and emphasized the need of aligning programs and priority areas between the two Organizations. The Chair of the Global Fund appreciated the existing partnership with the OIC and thanked the Secretary General for hosting a high level working lunch at the margins of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Such event helped to sensitize the OIC Member States on the role

of the Global Fund in global health. Hauser also briefed the Secretary General on the activities of the Global Fund particularly about the new initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive and flexible response to HIV, TB and Malaria in the countries affected by the conflicts such as Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. The two sides reiterated their commitment to continue working closely to eliminate communicable diseases in OIC Member States, in the spirit of the MoU signed between the two Organizations in 2009.

Qatar Charity Conducts Vaccination Campaign against Polio, Measles in Syria Doha (IINA) – Qatar Charity (QC) has announced conclusion of a campaign to eradicate an outbreak of wild poliovirus (WPV) and measles inside Syria, which has benefited one million children under five years of age. QC said in a statement on 7 March carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the campaign, which was implemented by Qatar Charity with International Medical Corps (IMC) UK, aimed at providing vaccines against polio and measles for more than 1.4 million children, however it succeeded in increas-

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ing the number to over 1.7 million children. The statement said the project, which costs more than seven million Qatari riyals, succeeded in eliminating the polio risk in the targeted provinces before the end of the period specified by the project, where it began in October 2014, and continued until the end of 2015. It explained that the campaign covered seven provinces, namely Idlib, Aleppo, Hama, Hasakah, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor and Latakia.

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ENVIRONMENT IDB and Member States Pledge to

Address Challenges of Climate Change at COP21 Paris, France – Speaking at an event held on the sidelines of the annual UN climate forum in Paris in December 2015, the president of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), an OIC organ, praised 51 ISDB members that pledged to address challenges relating to climate change. President of the IDB Dr. Ahmad Ali praised the countries while delivering an address at an event, entitled “Climate Change: Financing and Capacity Building Challenges,” organized by the ISDB Group in collaboration with the African Development Bank on the sidelines of COP21, the United Nations’ climate forum. Dr. Ali expressed his pleasure to see 51 IDB Group member countries among the 180 countries that had submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), adding that this was a welcome development and a turning point in global efforts to address climate change and transform into a climate-resilient global economy. He added that financing and capacity building were two major areas for preserving the environment that featured prominently in the INDCs. “While multiple sources for climate financing exist, including global climate funds from public and private sectors and multilateral development banks, the resource gap is still wide,” he said. “There are many countries that need technical assistance and capacity building to be able to develop and deploy climate-smart technology as well as training on how to implement international agreements and integrate them into their national climate action plans,” he added. Dr. Ali said that the IDB Group launched its Renewable Energy for Poverty Reduction Program in 2014 to address the energy challenges of its member countries via the application of renewable energy resources. He said that the IDB would continue to work with other multilateral development banks (MDBs) to improve the climate resilience of transport systems, and increase awareness on the need to protect transport services by building a more systematic approach to mainstreaming climate resilience in transport policies, plans and investments. The IDB Group president also called on participants to further exchange expertise on

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French President Francois Hollande delivers a speech during the COP21, at Le Bourget, Paris (epa)

climate change issues to bridge gaps in resources, adding that the Islamic financial industry is currently playing an important role in supporting mega socio-economic and environmental projects. Meanwhile, eight multilateral development banks, including the IDB, issued a joint statement, committing to accelerate their efforts to mitigate transport emissions and recognize the need for more action on the resilience of transport to climate change. In their statement, issued at the sidelines of COP21, the IDB, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the CAF-Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the

European Investment Bank (EIB), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IMDB) and the World Bank (WB) pledged to speed up action on climate finance, low-carbon transport solutions and adaptation. “Supporting our member countries to develop efficient transport systems that are climate smart and resilient is a major goal for us. We will work together with other MDBs to ensure that we come up with innovative solutions that will help reduce carbon emissions,” said Dr. Ali. Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the InterAmerican Development Bank, presented a statement on behalf of the eight MDBs during the transport segment of the Lima Paris Action Agenda of COP21. “We, the multilateral development banks, believe that climate change is a defining challenge of our time. Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilize warming at 2 degrees Celsius will fall short if they do not include the transport sector,” he said. “We commit to support countries in the implementation of sustainable transport solutions by providing critically needed financial and technical support to assist them in responding to rising aspirations for greater mobility and connectivity, in a sustainable and resilient way,” he added. Among the INDCs submitted as of 12 November 2015, about three quarters explicitly identify the transport sector as a mitigation source, and more than two thirds propose transport sector specific mitigation measures. In 2012, the MDBs pledged $175 billion by 2022 in financial resources for more sustainable transport. COP21 was held between 30 November and 12 December with 150 heads of states and government representatives, and about 10,000 participants from around the globe. It is the largest UN gathering outside the annual UN General Assembly meeting and was also the biggest diplomatic forum ever held in the history of France. The conference reached a historic agreement on how to collectively reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

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ECONOMY The 9th Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers

Madinah Munawarah Capital of Islamic Tourism in 2017

Niamey, Niger – Madinah Munawarah has been chosen the capital of Islamic tourism for 2017, according to a resolution adopted by the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers of OIC Member States that was held in Niamey, capital of Niger, on December 21-23, 2015. The Iranian city of Tabreez was named the capital of Islamic tourism for 2018. Konya, the Turkish city, is the capital of Islamic tourism for the current year 2016. President of Niger, H.E. Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou inaugurated the 9th Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers on 23 December with the attendance of OIC Secretary General Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani. In his speech at the opening ceremony, the President said that Niger is proud and enthusiastic to host the 9th session of the ICTM. He stated that the tourism sector is an important support for the economy and development of OIC Member States. He added that the huge tourism potential in Member States call for greater attention to be devoted to the sector since it provides employment opportunities and impacts other sectors of the economy. The OIC Secretary General, Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani in his speech stated that the holding of the conference in Niger is very significant. Apart from Niger being widely known for its African cultural heritage and tradition-

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ally warm hospitality, Madani said that the hosting of the conference in Niger renews confidence in the security and stability of this great country. He further said that tourism provides 1 in every 11 jobs globally and that OIC Member States received about 147 million tourists in 2013, compared with 156 million tourists in 2009 and that the return on tourism recorded a tangible increase of up to $20 billion. Madani renewed his call to visit the holy Al-Quds city recalling in this regard the decision issued earlier by the International Islamic Fiqh Academy that visiting Al-Quds is permissible and recommended. He stressed, however, that visiting Al-Quds should be through Amman and the other Jordanian entry points and via the Jordanian or Palestinian travel agencies only, not Israeli travel and tourism agencies. The opening ceremony saw the transfer of the chairmanship of the conference from the chairman of the previous ICTM, H.E. Minister of Tourism of the Republic of The Gambia to H.E. Minister of Tourism and Artifacts of the Republic of Niger. OIC Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru said that the ministers issued at the end of their meeting a resolution on the promotion of tourism among Member States, which in-

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clude the approval of an executive program for the framework of development and cooperation in the field of tourism among Member States for the next two years. The resolution also called on relevant OIC institutions to support the process of implementing the program, including the establishment of an electronic Islamic tourism portal and the staging of cuisine and cultural festivals. Ambassador Opeloyeru said the ministers renewed their commitment to strengthening efforts to create awareness about tourist attractions in OIC countries through exchange of documentary films. They condemned the level of destruction, theft and looting of historical artifacts and monuments due to terrorism and armed extremism in Member States. The resolution welcomed the offers made by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the 3rd and 4th OIC Tourism fairs in 2017 and 2019 respectively. The Ministers requested the Member States to participate in the regional project on the development of sustainable tourism for the network of parks and cross border resorts in west Africa. The Ministers called on all Member States and relevant institutions to promote Islamic tourism through hotels, resorts, halal foods, entertainment and sports facilities in a manner compatible with Islamic Sharia. They also called for the introduction of Islamic tourism labels in international fora. Ambassador Opeloyeru. He said the main component of Islamic tourism is developing the basic infrastructure of tourism to be Shariah compatible such as hotels, resorts, entertainment and sports facilities, in addition to developing the Islamic historic sites, adding that the OIC has formulated an “Action Plan” on Islamic tourism. The Assistant Secretary General said the international expenditure of Muslim consumers on tourism reached about $137 billion in 2012, excluding the revenues of the Haj and Umrah which represent 12.5 percent of the total expenditure of international travels. He said the figure is further expected to increase to $181 billion by the advent of 2018.

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ECONOMY Konya

Capital of Islamic Tourism 2016

onya is a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. It is the seventh most populous city in Turkey. As of 2014, Konya has a population of 1,174,536. Konya is an economically and industrially developed city and the capital of Konya Province. Located about three hours’ drive south of Ankara, it’s an extremely old city, its roots going back to the days of the Hittites, who called it Kuwanna. As a Roman city, it was Iconium. The reason to visit Konya is to see the Mevlana Museum which shelters the tomb of Jelaleddin Rumi (1207-1273), known to his followers as Mevlana (or Rumi), a Muslim poet and mystic and one of the great spiritual thinkers and teachers of all time. Konya was the capital of Seljuks between 1071 and 1308. In 1220 Alaaddin Keykubad I repaired the city wall and decorated them with towers. But the city has been the site of a power-struggle between the Seljuks, Karamanoglu’s, Mongols, and Ilhan’s and it changed hands a few times. In the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, in 1466, Konya joined the lands of the Ottoman Empire. In the time of Kanuni Suleyman, the city, which had been named as Karaman ili, reached the status of statehood. The borders of the Karaman state, which included the regions of Larende (Karaman), Seydisehri, Beysehri, Nigde, Kayseri (Cesarea), Aksaray, Maras, Elbistan, and Bozok, were reduced when Maras became its own state and Bozok was added to another state. The borders of the province of Konya, which was set up in 1867, included Nigde, Isparta, Icel and Teke Sanjaks. In the 19th century the city appeared shabby and neglected and the city walls were in ruins and even the mosques were in terrible conditions. Many of the more recent houses were made of bricks and their lifespan was not more than 100-150 years. Commercial activity was slow. But at the end of the century, in 1896, after the railway to Eskisehir was opened, commercial activity was revived. After 1902, farming with machines developed. The period of sultan Abdul Hamid II was a productive one for Konya. Transport, education and restoration works flourished the city as they did in the whole of the country. The First World War caused the decrease of manpower in Konya and throughout the country. During the occupation of Anatolia by the Allies, Konya’s railway station was run by the British (January 1919). The Italian powers which occupied the city in April 1919, left the city in March 1920 during the Independence War led by Atatürk. The most important place to visit in Konya is Mevlana’s Mausoleum, the mystic poet on the way of sufism and the founder of the Whirling Dervish order. Apart from that there is Karatay Medrese, which was a theological school used as tiles museum today, Alaaddin Keykubat Mosque from 12th century and Ince Minare (Thin Minaret) Mosque. Another interesting attraction in Konya is the Tropical Butterflies Park which was opened in July 2015. Being the first of its kind in Turkey, the Park provides shelter to 6,000 butterflies of 15 different species, as well as 20,000 tropical plants.

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OIC Journal January - March 2016 57

ECONOMY Mutual Recognition of Accreditation Certificates Raises Volume of

Halal Products Jeddah, Saudi Arabia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted at its headquarters in Jeddah on December 9-10, 2015 a forum on the unification of the specifications, standards and accreditations of the Halal food. The forum was attended by a number of government and non-government experts and representatives of the private sector as well as the concerned institutions of the OIC. OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani opened the forum with a statement in which he stressed the importance the organization is giving to the compatibility of the standards of the Halal food in member countries. He urged the forum to suggest ways and means of making a unified Halal standard for theÂ OIC that would be acceptable at the international level while taking into consideration the differences among member states in this regard. Minister of the Religious Affairs of Bangladesh Mutiu-Rahaman, who took the floor in the opening session, pointed out to the rising demand for Halal food and services in the world. He asked the Muslim countries to avail themselves of this opportunity to adopt unified standards and specifications for the Halal food so as to boost their trade in this area. The forum discussed four main issues: The problems and prospects of the Halal stan-

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dards in the member countries; Regulatory matters of issuing accreditations and certificates for the Halal food; Finding a framework for mutual recognition of the certificates; and Expanding cooperation among the national importers of the Halal food in member countries. At the conclusion of the two-day forum the participants issued a number of recommendations including the confirmation that the mutual recognition of the Halal food certificates might be a possible solution for activating the exchange of the Halal products among member countries and boosting the volume of their trade exchange in this domain. The member states were asked to expedite granting the certificates of accreditation according to the international standards in this regard and giving a special focus to the Muslims who are living in countries with large or small Muslim communities. The participants asked the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to decide quickly on the pending issues particularly the killing of animals through electric shocks or automated slaughtering. They stressed the need for a unified source for fatwa (religious edict) on Halal standards in the OIC. They appreciated the efforts of the Standards and Meteorology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) aimed at reaching unified standards on the Halal foods and services.

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They called for supporting the efforts of the institute to develop a unified Halal Islamic standard on all fields and asked the member countries to participate effectively in the technical committees emanating from the institute. The forum made it clear that the issuance of the Halal certificates should be in compliance with the teachings of the Shariah and that it should be supervised by a body which is versed in Islamic teachings and rules. The participants highlighted the role of the governments in the speedy granting of the Halal food accreditation certificates stressing the significance of the establishment of a unified parameter according to rules and regulations of the institute. They asked the member countries to seek the participation of the private sector in adopting a unified pattern for formulating accreditation parameters and issuing Halal food certificates. The forum called for supporting and encouraging the small and medium enterprises and cooperatives to observe the Halal food requirements. The volume of the international Halal products is estimated to be about $2.3 trillion in which the share of the Halal foods and drinks is about $1.4 trillion. The pharmaceutical products are estimated to be $506 billion (22 percent) while the cosmetics are estimated to be about $230 billion.Â

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ECONOMY

IDB Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with NEPAD

he Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the NEPAD, Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17 December 2015 to strengthen regional integration and cooperation between the two organizations. The MoU was signed by the NPCA’s CEO, Dr.Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, and the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, at the IDB headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The key focus of the MoU is to work on areas of interest between the two organizations, particularly in regional integration and infrastructure, agriculture and food security, education and human capital development, climate change and natural resource management, and economic and corporate governance. Other areas of interest include women empowerment, capacity development and communication.

“I am delighted to be part of this historic occasion where our respective institutions agree to work together for the benefit of our member countries. As a development institution, the Islamic Development Bank sees regional integration and cooperation as an indispensable tool in bringing people from different regions, to harness their potentials, create jobs, spread wealth and promote understanding”, said Dr. Ahmad Ali of IDB. “Africa is top in our priority for development cooperation. I believe that in the 21st century, we need to work together, and avail our people with the opportunity to intermingle without restrictions in a respectful and law abiding manner. By signing this agreement, we are confirming to the world, that we are working for a secure future through development cooperation,” he added. On his part, Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki stated that, “he is very happy for this part-

nership with one of the most important and discrete actor of development in Africa. The NEPAD Agency as the Development Agency of the African Union is proud to work closely with the IsDB in its new orientation to become a Technical Advisory and Funds Management Agency of the African states and community. The aim is to transform and ensure that the necessary modalities and processes are in-place for the NEPAD Agency to re-focus on its new service offerings as an Agency that provides outstanding professional and expert technical advisory services coupled with providing grant and seed funding to assist countries in their development agendas. The emerging challenges of access to knowledge for innovative solutions, youth employment, sustainable rural development, adequate infrastructure and industrialization will be tackled properly in order to achieve the ‘Africa we want’.

IDB Announces Winners of the Award for Best Application of Agent-Based Simulation in Islamic Finance

he Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has released on 12 January 2016 the names of the winners of the Award for Best Application of Agent-Based Simulation (ABS) in Islamic Finance. The award was first launched in February 2015. It is a collaboration of IDB, the Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation Chair for Islamic Financial Markets (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) and the Islamic Financial Engineering Lab (Rabat, Morocco). ABS is a modeling approach that uses computer simulations to assess the effects of the

actions and interactions of individuals or groups on a particular system. The objective of the ABS award is to encourage students worldwide to learn and apply agent-based simulation to contribute to the advancement of Islamic economics and finance. Winners receive US $8,000, US $6,000 and US $4,000 for first, second and third place respectively. The 2015 first-place winner is Mohamed Wail Aaminou for his project Leveraging ethics to expand Islamic banks’ customer base:

A fuzzy agent-based modeling approach. The second prize is awarded to Safae Badraoui, Khalid Bensaid, and Ahmed Mouad El Haloui for their team project The impact of qualitative characteristics on market equilibrium: Application to Shariaa compliance simulation with agent-based modeling. The third prize recipient is Sara Bourhime for her contribution to the project Agent-based simulation in Islamic microfinance: Qard Hassan peer-lending.

IDB to Develop Comprehensive Plan for the Reconstruction of Northern Nigeria

he Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will work with the Government of Nigeria to develop a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Northern Nigeria. IDB’s President, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, made the announcement during a visit by a high-level delegation of five governors from the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) on 1 February 2016. The delegation, led by the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, included Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, Umar

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Tanko Al-Makura of Nassarawa State and Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State. “We will work together to come up with a comprehensive and constructive plan to support Northern Nigeria,” Dr. Ali told the delegates. “We will start with education, particularly bilingual education, and other areas such as job creation.” Delegation leader Governor Shettima said that in Nigeria, “Poverty wears a northern face. Therefore the purpose of our visit to IDB is to explore credible avenues to en-

hance developmental activities.” Governor Shettima added that people in the region are suffering from joblessness and limited access to education and healthcare, despite the abundant resources in the region. “It is a giant with feet of clay,” he said. IDB’s Vice President of Operations, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, told the delegation that IDB will look into various areas of intervention, particularly on developing infrastructure, which is a key priority in the Bank’s 10-year development strategy.

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ECONOMY IDB President Calls on OECD and Arab Coordination Group to Scale-up the Implementation of SDGs

he President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali has called on the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Arab Coordination Group to scale-up their efforts in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Ali stated this in Vienna on 18 January, during a high level dialogue on development between Arab Coordination Group and traditional donors, and members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The theme of the 2016 Dialogue was “Achieving the 2030 Agenda”. During his keynote speech titled “Strength-

ening Partnerships to Implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, Dr. Ali underlined the need for development partners to take charge in driving their development process, enhancing quality of development cooperation, promoting South-South Cooperation, developing country capacity, and establishing regional knowledge hubs to scale-up the development process. In his remarks, Mr. Hani Sonbol, the Acting CEO of IDB’s trade arm, International Islamic Trade Financing Corporation (ITFC), highlighted the importance of trade in promoting economic growth and sustainable development in IDB Member Countries. The 2016 Arab and OECD-DAC Donors’ dialogue deliberated on the role of major

donors in supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for SDGs. The Dialogue deliberated on various financing mechanisms to facilitate implementation of the SDGs, in particular, using Official Development Assistance (ODA) as a catalyst for attracting additional financing resources from the private sector. Other key topics discussed during the dialogue included (i) enhancing cooperation for implementation of the “Energy for Poor” program in Africa, and (ii) the role of private sector in fragile and conflict-affected countries, especially in the Arab region. Heads of 10 Arab donors and 23 traditional and new donor-members of the DAC participated in the dialogue.

IDB Group’s ITFC Signs Country Host Agreement with UAE for Launching a Branch in Dubai pand its lines of services provided to clients to achieve IDB’s mission of enhancing intraOIC trade.”

he International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the trade financing arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, signed an agreement on 9 February 2016 with the Government of United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Finance, on the establishment and operation of its branch in Dubai. This branch will become a gateway for facilitating and promoting intra-trade among the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries. The Country Host Agreement was signed by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for

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Financial Affairs of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, and Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group and Chairman of ITFC’s Board of Directors. Also present was Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, the Acting CEO of ITFC. “With the establishment of its new branch, ITFC is committed to provide the best trade solutions to its member countries to achieve growth the financing volume and strengthen its regional presence,” said Dr. Ali. “With UAE’s partnership, ITFC will be able to ex-

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“United Arab Emirates has strong ties with various international organizations and financial institutions, particularly the Islamic Development Bank Group,” said Al Tayer. “This agreement reinforces our relationship with the IDB Group and the country’s position as a hub to attract International Financial Organizations and establish its branches. Moreover, the agreement will enable ITFC to access new trade finance markets on a larger scale.” Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol stressed that the agreement aims to promote and facilitate intra-OIC and international trade that helps OIC member countries create investment opportunities in these countries to enhance their capacities in the international trade arena. ITFC also provides technical assistance and capacity building to private and public banks and institutions that operate in the field of trade finance and trade development in the OIC Member Countries.

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TOURISM JAbAl Musa is the Focus of Adventurers on New Year’s Eve

St. Catherine (Egypt) (DPA): At midnight on New Year’s Eve, a group of youth cautiously treaded – a first for many of them – their way towards Jebel Musa (Moses’ Mountain) located in the historic St Catherine’s district of South Sinai in Egypt. Though mountain climbing is not popular among Egyptians due to the country’s mountains often being located far from cities and towns, a lot of youth are eager to climb Jebel Musa where the Prophet Moses spoke with God and received the Ten Commandments. What also attracts young people to climb the mountain that is over 2,200 meters high and in spite some of them not being physically fit for a trip of this nature is the aspiration to see beautiful scenery not seen before, especially at sunrise. All that is required of them to reach the mountain’s summit and cover the bumpy arduous tract to it is a commitment to adhere to rules of safety. According to Sharif Al-Masri, chairman of a tour operator that organizes trips to Jebel Musa, safety firstly begins by choosing the right company, ensuring there are proper permits and following the instructions of guides when on the trip, including wearing appropriate clothing These trips, said Al-Masri, are primarily aimed at young people seeking adventure

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and hardship. “All mountain trips in Egypt are primarily aimed at young people,” he said, adding that the demand for this type of tourism is on the increase due to modern forms of advertising that were not present in the past, such as social media. Tour operators that carry out such trips advise their groups before the ascend to wear several layers of heavy winter clothing, in addition to gloves and wooly hats to counter the extreme cold. They are also advised to bring along a light bag containing dates and chocolates to maintain their energy during the arduous trip and a small torchlight to see their way. “Don’t shine the torches on the eyes of the camels,” said Mido, a famous Bedouin guide who works with one of the tour groups. Mido said that the light will irritate camels, something that could endanger people. Mido is from a mountain tribe whose members are known for their excellent knowledge of mountain paths. During the ascent, the groups come across groups of Bedouin who live in the mountain; they offer their camels to ride on, something useful for those who are exhausted. With the desire to greet the new year in a spirit of adventure in a unique place, groups of youth head to St Catherine to undertake the difficult uphill climb to the summit of

Jebel Musa. The groups rest at small guesthouses built by Bedouins along the paths where they have hot drinks and snacks before continuing to the top where temperatures reach several degrees below zero. At the last resting stop, temperatures fall sharply and the level of oxygen in the air also decreases, something that increases the difficulty of the climb. This stage of the climb is not possible without the help of Bedouins who rent out blankets to the climbers to help them remain warm in freezing temperatures. Not all members of the groups are able to climb to the top of the summit. Some people become too tired and are forced to remain at one of the guesthouses midway and wait until the group returns on the descent. Because the climb takes around five hours, organizers prefer starting the trip at midnight, something that allows them to reach the summit in time for sunrise, a moment that the adventurers eagerly await to see the majestic sun rising amid the towering mountains of Sinai. In an effort to invest in domestic tourism and explore unique landmarks throughout Egypt, the country’s Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Authority earmarked some 10 million Egyptian pounds and launched an initiative entitled “Egypt is in Our Hearts.” This work is being carried out in light of the recent negativities that Egypt’s tourism has experienced after the downing of a Russian plane. Al-Masri believes that this initiative will not bear fruit, but will negatively affect resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh, and the hotel and tourism industry. “This initiative has destroyed hotels and caused prices to drop,” he said, adding that efforts should have been directed towards promotion abroad. With regards to the current crisis that Egypt’s tourism sector is experiencing, AlMasri called on the Egyptian government to intensify efforts in promoting tourism in countries other than Russia and Britain and those that have halted flights to Egypt. He said that the country’s Ministry of Tourism should study alternative markets, and identify and promote Egyptian tourist destinations using huge PR companies.

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TOURISM

Wadi Rum

Dana natural reserve, Jordan (DPA) - If a Bedouin in Jordan offers you a cup of coffee you have to take it. Ali Hassasin explains: “you have to take the first cup. This is a fundamental behavior known here.” He continues with a smile: “You will, however, have to think twice before taking a second cup because it will mean that you will stand firmly beside your host in any battle.” According to the Bedouin traditions, the second cup of coffee represents the sword that will protect you, the third means relaxation, but you have to apologize from accepting the fourth because this is an indication of good mannerism. The entire Bedouin family gathers to salute the visitors arriving in Dana natural reserve. The family’s elder, Mohammed Hassasin, brews the coffee beans, prepares the coffee pot and rings the bell to call the neighbors who may wish to join in the coffee session. When the guests arrive, the hosts will shake their hands one by one. There are about 400 Bedouins in Dana, an area of 300 square kilometers, and they live on the revenues of tourism. The journey to meet the Bedouins starts at the peak of a mountain in Dana village, which dates back to the 15th century. The convoy then takes from five to eight hours through a rift leading to the wadi (valley) where the Hassasin family lives. The winding road reaches a height of more than a thousand meters and goes down steep slopes. It passes through dry river basins and arid land. The monotony of the silence is only broken from time to time

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by the sound of bells hanging around the necks of goats. A shepherd on his donkey stops to ask for a cigarette and tries to enter into a short conversation with one of the guests. Two other Bedouins approach the group to offer them bread made of flour and salt and baked in the flames of a fire inside the camp. There are still some tourists visiting Jordan these days but the number has dwindled compared to two years ago. This is probably due to the fact that Jordan is not only bordering Israel, the West Bank, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, but also Syria with its armies and militias including Daesh. Female tourist guide Iman Tadros says: “the tourists do not realize the difference. They see the entire region in one scene, but Jordan is a safe country.” The recession in tourism can be noticed clearly in Deir Al-Petra, a city known for its magnificent historical architecture where half the buildings have been engraved in the mountain rocks. To reach the city, you will have to walk on foot or mount a donkey or a camel for many hours. The Saiq road, which is the main entrance to the city, goes upwards passing through the graveyards and the rocky slopes which have taken peculiar shapes due to the erosion. It also passes by the corroded shrines before it finally ends at a small and narrow crevice, which opens towards the beautiful facade of Al-Khazneh (treasury) building engraved in the rocks. This is the most important and famous landmark in Petra.

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Reaches Hollywood, and the Bedouins Preserve their Hospitality despite Tourism Regress Though the UNESCO has classified Petra as an international heritage site and the city itself as one of the world’s wonders, there is hardly any tourists in the place. The tourism industry in Jordan is facing a crisis. According to the tourist guides, the number of tourists have dropped by about 30 percent compared to their number in 2010. Tadros points at the Al-Khazneh saying: “the over crowdedness of tourists in the past was exceptional.” She adds: “the situation has deteriorated to the point that the Bedouins organized protests last summer asking for help.” The Jordanians are doing their best to adapt to the present situation. Security cheeks are carried out at hotel entrances. The tourism authority is launching a marketing campaign offering visitors a card that will enable them to enter 40 tourist sites. The Bedouins live in the most peculiar and may be the most beautiful place not only in Jordan but in the entire world. The Wadi Rum Desert is also known as Wadi Al-Qamar (moon valley).The natural landscape looks as if it does not belong to planet earth. This has tempted the director of the Hollywood movie “The Martian” – a top-earning movie on an astronaut who was left behind in Mars – to shoot his film in this area. Wadi Rum is surrounded by strange granite shapes which were formed over the years by erosion and by basalt and gypsum rocks as high as 1,750 meters in some places and includes rifts and valleys formed by nature. In 2011, the UNESCO included the valley in a double list of the world’s natural and cultural heritage sites. Lawrence of Arabia once described Wadi Rum as “a wide valley with echoes at its sides and is illuminated by a light descending from the skies.”

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COUNTRY PROFILE Burkina Faso

urkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south east, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d’Ivoire to the south west. Formerly the Republic of Upper Volta, it was renamed on August 4, 1984 by President Thomas Sankara to mean “the land of upright people” (or “upright land”) in Mossi and Dioula, the major native languages of the country.

Culture: Probably the thing Burkina Faso is most famous for is its music and drumming culture. What a great country to visit if you are interested in learning West African drumming! As with music, art is also part of the culture of Burkina Faso. The country hosts the International Arts and Crafts Fair, Ouagadougou, better known by its French name as SIAO, Le Salon International de L’Artisanat de Ouagadougou, one of the most important African handicraft fairs in the world.

Climate: Burkina Faso has a primarily tropical climate with two very distinct seasons: the rainy season with between 24-35 inches (600 and 900 mm) of rainfall, and the

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Official name: Burkina Faso Capital: Ouagadougou Population: 17.3 million (2014 estimate) Area: 274,200 km2 Official language: French Currency: West African CFA franc

dry season during which the harmattan blows, a hot dry wind from the Sahara. The rainy season lasts approximately 4 months, May/ June to September, and is shorter in the north of the country. The population is concentrated in the south and center of the country, sometimes exceeding 48 per square kilometer (125/sq.mi). Approximately 50% of the population is Muslim; Christians account for about 30%, and followers of traditional African religions (typically animism of various forms) make up about 20%.

Economy: One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has a high population density, few natural resources, a fragile soil, and a weak industrial base. Agriculture represents 32% of its gross domestic product and occupies 80% of the working population. It consists mostly of livestock but also, especially in the south and southwest, of growing sorghum, millet, maize (corn), peanuts, rice, and cotton. Cotton and gold are Burkina Faso’s key exports - gold has accounted for about threequarters of the country’s total export revenues. Burkina Faso’s economic growth and revenue depends on global prices for the two commodities. The Burkinabe economy experienced high levels of growth over the

last few years and the country has seen an upswing in gold exploration, production, and exports. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations, most specifically in its mineral exploitation of copper, iron, manganese, and, above all, gold. A large part of the economic activity of the country is funded by international aid. A new three-year IMF program was approved in 2013 to focus on improving the quality of public investment and ensuring inclusive growth. Lack of work causes a high rate of emigration: for example, three million people from Burkina Faso live in Côte d’Ivoire. According to the Central Bank of Western African States (La Banque Centrale des États de l›Afrique de l›Ouest), these migrants send tens of billions of CFA francs back to Burkina Faso each year.

Education Education in Burkina Faso is structured primary, secondary, and higher education. Education is technically free and officially mandatory until the age of 16. Institutions of higher education include the University of Ouagadougou and The Polytechnical University in Bobo-Dioulasso.

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VIEWPOINT The Road Ahead

Maha Mostafa Akeel Chief Editor

The extent of human sufferings in the Muslim world requires a serious stand and a thunderous cry against injustice, hate and discord

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As Turkey takes on the chairmanship of the Islamic Summit in April this year it will be handed over a heavy load of responsibilities, challenges and…opportunities. A quick look at this issue of the OIC Journal and the reports on wars, human sufferings and dire conditions of Muslims whether as a result of poverty, diseases or Islamophobia indicate the scope of the challenges ahead. Palestine is an open wound that is still far from healing. Two important meetings were held in Jakarta during the last few months, an international conference on the question of Jerusalem and an Islamic summit on Palestine. Despite efforts by the OIC and the member states, Israel and its supporters continue to obstruct any initiatives for the two-state solution. In Syria, a ruthless regime is clinging to power over the ruins of the country and the sufferings of its people. Conferences and meetings are held, and roadmaps for peace are being drawn. Hope is what remains. Meanwhile, terrorist groups are wreaking havoc in the regions they are claiming control over and spreading fear and chaos beyond. They are a destructive force that must be stopped for the sake of regional and international peace and security. As the OIC Secretary General repeatedly stated, the scourge of terrorism and extremism calls for dismantling the radical and inflammatory discourse and narrative of extremist groups. It also requires addressing the root economic and social causes of this abhorrent phenomenon effectively. Discord, instability, polarization, sectarianism and civil war are among the words often used in headline news to describe the situation in some Muslim countries. Other countries, including those with Muslim communities, are confronted with civil unrest due to factors such as high unemployment, poor services, and accusations of corruption or human rights violations. The daunting security and development challenges facing the OIC Member States require an honest and critical self-evaluation, taking courageous steps of reform, and a forward looking program for development. A renewed commitment to the letter and spirit of the Charter of the organization is a good foundation to start from. Held under the theme “Unity and Solidarity for Justice and Peace”, the Summit provides an opportunity. The OIC 2025 Strategic Plan of Action, expected to be adopted at the Summit, aims to strengthen OIC’s work and reinvigorate its policies for bringing peace, stability and human development, in its various dimensions, to all Member States. It is the second phase of the OIC Ten Year Program of Action that was initiated in 2005. The new Plan covers a wide range of issues. The goals under various priority areas have been inspired by the overarching Charter principles aimed at promoting and consolidating unity and solidarity among the OIC Member States as they seek to pursue their common interests at the international fora. The Charter upholds the need to preserving and promoting the lofty Islamic values of peace, compassion, tolerance, justice and human dignity as we strive to revitalize Islam’s pioneering role in the world and ensure sustainable development, progress and prosperity for the peoples of the Member States. The Charter accords priority attention to science, technology and innovation, promotion of the rights of women and the creation of conducive conditions for sound upbringing of children and the youth in an environment free from all forms of intimidation, religious or cultural discrimination. The Strategic Plan recognizes that development cannot take place in isolation and requires peace as an essential pre-requisite for any progress to be sustainable and meaningful. Hence, the need to address the developmental constraints, created by the multiplicity of inter and intra-state conflicts in some Member States. During its almost 50 years of existence, the OIC’s agenda and scope of its work has expanded manifolds from a predominantly political domain, to include many new areas of immediate concern relating to human development and well-being. These include socio-economic empowerment, health, good governance, human rights, water and sanitation, to name a few. The common creed, shared aspirations, common challenges and development status make a strong argument for collaboration among the OIC Member States. Joint Islamic Action, therefore, remains an essential element of the OIC’s framework of cooperation and development. In today’s globalized world, however, many of the contemporary challenges of poverty, disease, environmental degradation, food security, transnational crime, terrorism and alike, necessitate collective responses at the global level. Accordingly, the OIC’s strategic vision recognizes the centrality of cooperation and partnership at regional, sub-regional and international levels. The OIC - 2025: Program of Action manifests a renewed commitment by the OIC Member States, all institutions in the OIC system, international partners and other stakeholders to working together for a better tomorrow.

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Hosts the thirteenth session of The Islamic Summit Conference

Of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Istanbul 14-15 April 2016