OIC Journal - Issue 35

DEC - FEB - 2017

Issue No. 35

Information Ministers Focus on Terrorism, Islamophobia and Women

The Rohingya‌

Unending Misery

Azerbaijan hosts Fourth Islamic Solidarity Games Baku, 12-22 May 2017

OUR MESSAGE The Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar‌ The Tragedy Continues

T Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

After pressure from the OIC and international community the government extended an invitation to former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan to visit Rakhine state and to report on the situation

he Rohingya Muslim Minority of Myanmar once again faces discrimination and hardship in their homeland. On October 9th 2016 a massive security crackdown began which set off a wave of violence and intimidation against the population in Rakhine State. Although they have lived in Myanmar for generations, the Rohingya are accused of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

This view has been propagated by a small but dedicated group of Buddhist extremists that have succeeded in stoking ethnic tensions. Previously this tension sparked a vicious outbreak of intercommunal violence in 2012 which led to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee their homes and until today more than 120,000 live in displacement camps inside Myanmar.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has consistently called upon the government of Myanmar to restore the rights of the Rohingya people and has worked with the international community to try to resolve their status. However, the military dominated government has for years resisted serious attempts to change. Despite the 2015 democratic elections and the coming to power of the Nobel peace prize laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, the Rohingya minority have remained marginalized and have not received the due attention they deserve.

My predecessor even met with Mrs Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in September 2016 and urged her to take more direct and immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Rohingya. Unfortunately, the situation rapidly deteriorated with the launch in October 2016 of a massive operation by Myanmar security forces across northern Rakhine State.

Since that operation began, the OIC has been receiving reports of serious human rights violations against innocent Rohingya civilians including torture, rape and summary executions.

The OIC immediately called for a cessation of violence and urged the authorities of Myanmar to ensure that the security services act in full compliance with the rule of law and to allow humanitarian aid agencies access to the affected region to provide needed relief to the victims.

Initially the government denied that there was abuse by the security forces and that all the allegations were fabricated. After pressure from the OIC and international community the government extended an invitation to former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan to visit Rakhine state and to report on the situation. In his remarks following the visit, Mr. Annan expressed deep concern by the reports of alleged human rights abuses and violence against civilians. Furthermore, the OIC received reports that those victims that had spoken with Mr. Annan during his visit were subsequently attacked and intimidated by security forces.

Mrs. Suu Kyi did appoint a commission to investigate the reports of violence and the allegations of human rights abuses by the military. However, she placed former head of military intelligence and Vice-President Myint Swe as head of the investigation committee, which did not give confidence in the impartiality of the process.

It became clear that it was necessary to call for a meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) to come up with serious solutions to the problem. The Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, agreed to host an Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. As a fellow member of ASEAN, it was a bold step for Malaysia to take on this role.

To prepare for the CFM, the OIC Permanent Missions in New York, Geneva and Brussels convened emergency meetings of the Representatives of OIC Member States to discuss the crisis and identify necessary measures to propose to the extraordinary meeting of the CFM. These proposals were adopted by the Ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 19 January 2017, which called upon the Government of Myanmar to: a) take effective measures to prevent the worsening of the crisis in Rakhine State; b) launch an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents of violence that have taken place; and c) allow unimpeded and unconditional access to all parties, including regional and international organisations, to deliver the much-needed humanitarian assistance to all those affected.

The OIC also requested the government to facilitate a high level OIC Ministerial delegation to visit Rakhine State and meet with Myanmar authorities and Rohingya community representatives.

No doubt the situation in Rakhine remains difficult and complex, particularly on the Buddhist – Muslim relations. However, it is necessary to build trust and confidence between communities and to repair the old relationships that had endured for centuries. This will require more time, but can we afford to wait.

OIC Journal Issued by The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Chief Editor & General Supervisor Maha Mostafa Akeel Editors Bashir saad 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: February – April 2017 8-9 Feb: OIC Ministerial Conference on the Marriage and Family Institution and the Preservation of its Values in Member Countries – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 13-14 Feb: 7th General Conference of Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World – Rabat, Morocco 22-23 Feb: Workshop on Monitoring Food Security in the Context of 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, Ankara – Turkey 27 - 28 Feb: Governing Council Meeting of the Islamic University in Niger (IUN) Niamey, Niger 28 Feb: International Contact Group Meeting on Afghanistan, OIC HQ, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 7 - 8 March: 34th Session of Board of Directors of ICDT – Casablanca, Morocco 20 - 22 March: OIC-IAEA-IDB Review Meeting on assistance to OIC Member States to tackle cancer – Khartoum, Sudan 22 March: China OIC Forum 2017 – Beijing, China 11-13 April: 33rd General Assembly and 25th Board of Directors of ICCIA – Muscat, Oman 25-27 April: 40th Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

CONTENTS In Focus: 4: OIC Calls for the Adoption of Quality Humanitarian Intervention Initiatives in Yemen

Palestine File: 6: OIC Welcomes UNSC Resolution on Israeli Settlements; Calls for Implementation 10: Wide Participation of OIC Countries in Paris Conference

World Affairs:

12

Brutal Policies Pursued by the Syrian Regime in Aleppo

39

Last Quarter of 2016 Recorded Worst Cases of Islamophobia

40

6th Ministerial Conference on Role of Women in Development

44

Mass Media to Highlight Terrorism as a Global Social Phenomenon

22: Gambia Averts a Political Crisis through Peaceful Interventions 23: Othaimeen: Welcomes Joint Force to Combat Insecurity in Liptako-Gourma Area

Humanitarian Affairs: 24: OIC Mobilizes Efforts to Help Somalia Confront the Sufferings Caused by Drought

Human Rights: 30: The Rights of Children during Armed Conflicts the Focus of OIC Human Rights Commission

CULTURE: 33: Amman Arab Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture 2017 34: IRCICA Repairs what Wars and Conflicts have Damaged of Islamic Heritage

EDUCATION: 46: Ministers of Higher Education Promoting Scientific Research and Strategic Studies

information technology 50: OIC is Considering Establishing Cybersecurity Unit to Combat Cyber Terrorism

Health: 52: A Call to Attain Self-Reliance in Supply and Production of Medicines

Economy: 56: COMCEC : Challenges in Promoting Islamic Finance

Opinion Articles

11: Paris International Conference on the Middle East Peace Process: A Step in the Right Direction 20: 15 July Coup Attempt: The victory of People and Democracy in Turkey 32: Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights as Human Rights 49: Balance and Moderation a Main Feature of Islam

58

Al-Madinah Al-Munawwara Capital of Islamic Tourism 2017

IN FOCUS OIC Calls for the Adoption of Quality Humanitarian Intervention Initiatives in Yemen

The old city of Sana›a, Yemen (epa)

Jeddah – Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, has called for the adoption of quality humanitarian intervention initiatives commensurate with the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen to support the Yemeni people.

Al-Othaimeen made the statement at the preparatory meeting for the convening of an OIC/UN donor conference to support Yemen, held on 18 December 2016, at the OIC General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah.

He added that the meeting was an important step on the road to strengthen the response and coordination mechanism among the stakeholders in Yemen to avoid duplication of action, which could have a negative impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian intervention.

4

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

18.8 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance, half of whom are in need of emergency relief, 7 million people do not know from where they will get their next meal

The OIC Secretary General expressed appreciation to many OIC Member States for the generous assistance provided to the Yemeni people.

He also valued the relief and humanitarian efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and the Deputy Crown Prince, through King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Action.

In his statement during the meeting, the Minister of Local Administration and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Relief in Yemen, Mr. Abdur-Raqueeb Saif Fath, cited a UN report on the humanitarian disaster in Yemen, which shows that 21.2 million people out of the total 27 million people of Yemen, need different forms of humanitar-

www.oic-oci.org

IN FOCUS ian aid and that 19.3 million of them do not have access to safe drinking water, while 14.1 million suffer a shortage of food, and 2.2 million children suffer from acute malnutrition, up 200% from 2014.

The Yemeni Minister added that the legitimate government in Yemen hopes that the conference to support Yemen to be held in 2017 will adopt resolutions on financing including immediate relief to the Yemeni people, implementing urgent public and private facilities projects, reconstruction and restoration projects and integrated local development projects, and supporting and strengthening the infrastructure and basic services.

On his part, the UN Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Partnerships with Middle East, Central Asia, Mr. Rashid Khalikov, stressed that 18.8 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance, half

of whom are in need of emergency relief, pointing out that 7 million people do not know from where they will get their next meal. He added that only $150 million have been received from the total of $1.6 billion pledged in 2016.

Mr. Khalikov thanked the OIC for its regional and international efforts to support the people of Yemen.

The meeting, which was organized in cooperation with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, solicited support for a UN/OIC high-level humanitarian pledging conference, to be held in 2017, to mobilize the necessary resources to support the Yemeni people.

The meeting brought together high officials from major donors and representatives of the main humanitarian actors in Yemen and also addressed how to coordinate future humanitarian and developmental activities.

The strategic discussion at the meeting focused on how to respond in an effective manner to the immediate and medium term needs of the people of Yemen.

The meeting also took stock of the current humanitarian situation, anticipated future developments, ongoing response and key operational and financial challenges.

The meeting was held in implementation of the OIC’s decision contained in the Final Communiqué of the 13th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Istanbul in April 2016, which requested the OIC Secretary General to organize an international conference to mobilize the necessary resources to provide humanitarian and development assistance to the Yemeni people.

The humanitarian crises in Yemen is one of the most critical in the world today and is having a devastating impact on civilians.

10 Million Dollars from Saudi Arabia to

Address Malnutrition in Yemen The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) recently announced that Saudi Arabia has made a financial contribution of $10 million to support the fight against the high levels of malnutrition in the province of Hodeida in western Yemen.

The UN program said in a statement posted on its website, which was also reported

by Anadolu Agency, that the contribution made by King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Center will help in providing 6 months of emergency food aid to around 465,000 people as part of WFP’s efforts to provide food assistance in Yemen.

There are more than 14 million people in Yemen suffer from food shortages and inability to meet most of their basic food needs, including 7 million severely suffer from food insecurity, according to the World Food Program (WFP).

In the Red Sea governorate of Hodeida, high rates of acute malnutrition among children under the age of five have been recorded at 31 percent, which is more than double the emergency threshold of 15 percent, according to the WFP statement.

Ertharin Cazin, the executive director of WFP said, “We are grateful for the continued support from Saudi Arabia, and this contribution boosts efforts to eradicate

www.oic-oci.org

malnutrition and address the chronic hunger challenge in Hodeida”.

WFP has provided food for more than three million people every month since February 2016. However, in recent months, WFP split rations to reach six million people every month with a smaller quantity of food,

as needs are increasing and resources are diminishing WFP also aims to treat and help prevent malnutrition among more than 700,000 children under the age of five, as well as among pregnant women and nursing mothers in Yemen.

A Yemeni girl fills jerry cans with water from a donated source amid ongoing widespread disruption of water supplies, in Sana›a, Yemen (epa).

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

5

PALESTINE FILE

OIC Welcomes UNSC Resolution on Israeli Settlements; Calls for Implementation

T

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of a resolution that condemned Israeli settlements in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Al-Quds, and stressed the illegality and illegitimacy of colonial settlement under international law and relevant UN resolutions.

OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, asserted that the resolution is historic and contributes to affirming the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, calling at the same time for its implementation.

Al-Othaimeen commended the positions and efforts of the Islamic countries and all UNSC member states that voted for the resolution.

He expressed the hope that the resolution would be an important step contributing to the promotion of the efforts aimed at relaunch-

UNSC members vote to pass a resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction, 23 December 2016 (epa)

6

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

ing a multi-lateral political process to end the Israeli occupation and achieve peace based on the two-State solution.

The 15-member Security Council adopted the resolution by a vote of 14 in favour and with one abstention – the United States abstained from the vote.

The resolution states that the establishment of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, have “no legal validity,” constitute a “flagrant violation” under international law and are a “major obstacle” to a two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

The Council in the resolution, reiterated its demand that Israel “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard.”

The Council also underlined that it will not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.

It further called for compliance with obligations under international law for the strengthening of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including through existing security coordination, and to clearly condemn all acts of terrorism.

The Council also urged for intensification and acceleration of international and regional diplomatic efforts and support aimed at achieving, without delay a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Roadmap and an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967.

The resolution had been put forward by Malaysia, New Zealand, Senegal and Venezuela.

Some 430,000 Israeli settlers currently live in the West Bank and a further 200,000 Israelis illegally live in occupied East Jerusalem, which is the capital of the Palestinian state.

www.oic-oci.org

PALESTINE FILE Financial Crisis of Gaza Strip Universities Puts Educational Process at Risk

Gaza, (dpa) – Students at the Palestinian universities in the Gaza Strip struggle to pay their academic tuition fees as a result of the deteriorating economic conditions in the coastal zone under Israeli siege. The students’ failure to meet the academic fees regularly, has led certain university administrations to deny them access to the examination halls, which threatens their educational progress and puts them and their families under great pressure.

At the University of Al Azhar, the largest university in the Gaza Strip, students are facing severe difficulties in settling their educational fees, which puts their academic future at risk particularly under the stringent measures adopted by the university’s administration, under which defaulting students are denied access to the examination rooms. Anwar Hassan, one of the university’s students says that a many student segments have no choice but to interrupt their studies for one or more years until they manage to raise the required financial resources to meet the university dues.

Hassan notes that the university’s management resorts to imposing an advance payment, but this solution represents a heavy burden for the students’ families.

Similarly, Maram Noaman, complained about the “abuse” of the university’s administration in dealing with the students who are unable to pay their educational fees, particularly at the start of each academic session and preventing them from entering the examination rooms. She points out that many university students are enduring economic difficulties particularly

www.oic-oci.org

those from families that have more than one student.

The financial crisis of the universities in Gaza features prominently in the news having led to major deficits in their budgets and forced them to scale down their staff salaries amid risks of imminent jeopardy to their continued operation. There are six of-

The deputy head of administration and finance, Marwan Al Agha, indicates that crisis of unpaid academic fees has grown over many years and led to a gross budgetary deficit in excess of 35 million US dollars

ficially recognized universities in Gaza, two of which are public, in addition to another five specialist universities and six intermediate community colleges.

Israel has been imposing a severe blockade on Gaza with its population of two million since mid 2007. According to some inter-

national organizations, the unemployment rate in Gaza is estimated to be the highest worldwide, having reached 43%, while 40% of the population lives under the poverty line. Against this background, the students’ associations in the Gaza Strip firmly reject the idea that the students should be the party that bears the financial crisis of the universities, including Al Azhar University. The student associations’ coordinator in Gaza, Arafat Abu Zayed, notes that the students’ fee-payment crisis has been chronic for many years as a result of the Israeli siege and the deteriorated economic conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Officials at Al Azhar University in Gaza say that it has more than six thousand students who are facing difficulties in terms of meeting their academic tuition fees at the beginning of each academic term. The deputy head of administration and finance, Marwan Al Agha, indicates that crisis of unpaid academic fees has grown over many years and led to a gross budgetary deficit in excess of 35 million US dollars.

Al Agha also points out that the accumulated deficit is attributable to the fact that the main source of the university’s budget depends principally on the tuition fees from the students, due to the absence of external funding. He further adds that the crisis is largely due to the deteriorating financial situation.

The absence of public universities offering free education for students is also considered as a major cause of the exacerbated crisis. Observers affirmed that the solution resides in reactivating the Students Fund and garnering support for it from the public and private sectors in order to assist the students who are in need.

The suspension of classes in many universities in Gaza due to the financial crisis and its repercussions is considered almost normal, amidst repeated cautioning that the expenditure on higher education in Palestine is trivial (compared to the rest of the world), resulting in a regression in the academic level. Official data indicate that the cost of one student in Palestine ranges between one thousand to two thousand dollars per annum, whereas elsewhere it reaches something between 15 and 40 thousand dollars per student.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

7

PALESTINE FILE OIC Commends KSA Donation of $20 million to UNRWA The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commended Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s announcement of the financial contribution of USD 20 million in support of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which will enhance its ability to alleviate the suffering of

Palestinian refugees and continue provision to their basic needs.

While the OIC stresses that this financial contribution embodies the generous support Saudi Arabia has been providing to UNRWA in the framework of its efforts to support the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights,

it renews its call to the international community to continue to support UNRWA. The OIC also calls upon the international community to assume its responsibilities towards the issue of the Palestinian refugees and find a just solution for it in accordance with the relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

OIC Condemns the Bill to Ban Adhan in the Occupied City of Al-Quds

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned a bill by the Israeli occupation government aimed at le-

gitimizing colonial settlement areas in the occupied Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Shareef. It stated that these illegitimate measures undertaken by Israel with a view to consolidating its occupation and colonial settlement are null and void by virtue of international law and relevant UN resolutions.

The OIC also strongly condemned the Israeli escalation represented by the endorsement of a bill banning the adhan (call for prayer) in the mosques in the occupied city of AlQuds and its suburbs, underscoring that these serious measures are part of Israel’s

racist practices and continued aggressions on Islamic holy sites. These practices also constitute a grave violation of the freedom of worship and of the inviolability of sacred sites, and a violation of the international humanitarian law.

The OIC warned against the persistence of such Israeli racist practices and aggressions which could fuel religious conflict, extremism and violence in the region. It also called on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to assume its responsibility and put an end to these repeated serious Israeli violations against sacred places.

Al-Othaimeen Reaffirms International Community’s Responsibility on Day of Solidarity with Palestinians The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Yousef AlOthaimeen, sent a message to the meeting held by the United Nations on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. He reaffirmed, in this message, the OIC’s solidarity and unwavering support to the Palestinian people in their just struggle to obtain their legitimate national rights, particularly their right to self-determination, the establishment of their independent Palestinian State with Al-

Quds as its capital, and the right to return in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

In his message read on his behalf by the OIC Representatives to the UN in New York and Geneva, he condemned Israel for the crimes and violations it perpetrates in the occupied Palestinian territory, namely the policy of judaization, settlement, killing, blockade, detention of thousands of Palestinians, and the aggressions against Islamic and Christian holy sites, particularly the Blessed Al-

Aqsa Mosque. The Secretary General called on the international community to assume its responsibilities by providing international protection to the Palestinian people.

The Secretary General emphasized the need to pursue efforts aimed at issuing a UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlement, and providing international guarantees and control mechanisms to ensure the implementation of the international resolutions, as a true contribution to the consolidation of the two-State solution.

OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset’s Passing of Law Legalizing Settlement Outposts The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed absolute rejection and strong condemnation of the Israeli Knesset’s so-called law “legalizing settlement outposts”. It stressed that this represents a serious affront to the international community’s will and a blatant breach of the international legitimacy resolutions, especially the recent UN Security Council resolution 2334, which condemned the unlawful Israeli policies and called for their immediate cessation.

The OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef AlOthaimeen said this void measure speaks

8

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

volumes of Israel’s persistent unilateral policies that aim to consecrate occupation and colonial settlement, undermine international political efforts and destroy any chances of a two-state solution.

Furthermore, the Secretary General expressed his condemnation of the military escalation on the Gaza Strip, warning about the perils of continued Israeli policy of aggression and settlement and its ramifications on the region. Effective steps by the international community – and the Security Council in particular – are needed to enforce the Council’s resolutions and put an

end to Israel’s constant crimes and ongoing violations of the international law, Dr. AlOthaimeen stressed.

www.oic-oci.org

PALESTINE FILE

Olive Trees

Represent a source of livelihood for Palestinians and deep connection with the land Ramallah (dpa) – Plastic tarps on the ground are slowly filling up with green and black olives. Imad Hasan, clad in a blue pullover, a cap and jogging pants, is standing on a metal ladder five metres above the ground, picking the olives by hand from the tree, the ripe fruit nestled between narrow pointed leaves.

Down below, his mother Fatima is sitting on the ground, examining each olive. The green ones she sets aside for being pickled. The others go immediately into the oil press.

The setting is Dura al-Qari’a, a West Bank town of 3,000 Palestinians a few kilometres north of Ramallah.

Hasan cultivates a total of 19 olive trees across 2.5 hectares. The olives are merely a bit of income on the side in addition to his employment in the Economics Ministry archives.

From up on his ladder, he points to the black olives down on the red earth. “They have all already dropped off,” Hasan says.

He had been unable to take off from work sooner, and so now he and his family were harvesting the 19 trees in a single week.

But, the 39-year-old is satisfied with the harvest: “This year is better than last year,” he says. Only every second year do the trees yield a lot of olives. Last year, the pickings were thin.

The olive harvest that takes place around mid-October to mid-November is the most important time of year for Palestinian agriculture. The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Agriculture reports that the livelihood of around 100,000 families depends on the olive harvest, which itself accounts for about 25 per cent of total earnings in the Palestinian agricultural sector.

The ministry was projecting a harvest of around 100,000 tons of olives. This would be an average yield. From these, upwards of 17,000 tons of olive oil can be produced, Agriculture Minister Sufian Sultan reported in Bethlehem.

The projections may be too optimistic, according to others.

“The season is not like we expected it,” says Majed Naser of the Union of Agriculture Work Committees in Ramallah, a non-governmental organization helping the Palestinian farm sector.

“It is below average,” Naser says, with his group projecting a final output of 15,000 tons of olive oil.

During the flowering time last spring, the weather was too cool, and then the summer was too dry.

Only a small amount of the Palestinian olive harvest gets exported.

Last year’s harvest was estimated at just 3,750 tons.

The olives are chiefly exported to the Gulf region through Jordan, Palestinian agro-industry officials say.

www.oic-oci.org

The modest figures belie the deep psychological importance that olives have for the Palestinians. To them, the olive tree is a symbol of peace and of their attachment to the land.

Besides olive oil, they can make soap from the fruit, and medicinal remedies from the leaves. The wood can be carved to produce souvenirs.

The weather is not the only worry for the West Bank farmers. Over and over there are reports of Israeli settlers coming to steal the olives or damage the trees. Among the 2.9 million Palestinian residents there are now also several hundred thousand Israeli settlers.

Imad Hasan’s sister Randa and her family own trees near the Bet El settlement.

“We are not allowed to go there just on our own,” the 49-year-old woman says. First they must get approval from the local authorities.

Only when the Israelis give the green light can they go to harvest the olives - accompanied by workers.

Hasan is hoping to produce 112 kilograms of oil this time around.

This would be worth around 1,200 dollars - more than what an average worker earns in two months.

Because the overall harvest is lower, he might even be able to sell his oil at a higher price than last year, he says.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

9

PALESTINE FILE Al-Othaimeen: Arab Peace Initiative Remains a Realistic Opportunity

Wide Participation of OIC Countries in Paris Conference

French President Francois Hollande delivers a speech at the Mideast peace conference in Paris, France, 15 January 2017 (epa)

Paris – OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen stressed that the participation of a large number of the OIC Member States at the International Conference to support the peace process in the Middle East held at Paris, France on 15 January 2017, expresses their firm commitment to support the Palestinian people’s rights.

In a speech he delivered at the conference on OIC’s position regarding the Middle East peace process, Al-Othaimeen noted that the large participation of OIC member states affirms that the Arab Peace Initiative, launched by Saudi Arabia in 2002 and then adopted by the OIC, is still a historic, serious and realistic opportunity and a courageous step towards peace, stability and security in the region.

The OIC Secretary General re-iterated the Organisation’s position welcoming the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2334, which condemns the Israeli settlements and demands their halt in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including Al-Quds.

He expressed hope that the resolution would be a step towards the UNSC carrying its responsibilities and embodying a political reference that would enhance the chances of success of the Paris Conference to achieve its desired objectives, notably the launch of a timed multilateral political process to end the Israeli occupation and achieve peace based on the two-state vision.

10 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

Al-Othaimeen re-affirmed that East AlQuds is an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory in 1967, the capital of the State of Palestine, and referred to the religious and spiritual centrality of the City of Al-Quds and the eternal ties of Muslims all over the world to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

This he said asserts the need to respect and ensure the unquestionable right of Muslims to practice their religious rights there.

Ambassador Samir Bakr, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Palestine Affairs, attended the preparatory senior officials meeting to the International conference on the Middle East peace process on 14 January 2017. A joint declaration was agreed on at the preparatory meeting in Paris attended by 69 delegates, which reaffirmed the In-

The joint declaration formally adopted at the International conference on the Middle East Peace process, on 15 January 2017 reaffirmed the participants’ support for a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

ternational community’s commitment to the two-state solution.

The joint declaration formally adopted at the International conference on the Middle East Peace process, on 15 January 2017 reaffirmed the participants’ support for a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They reaffirmed that a negotiated solution with two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, is the only way to achieve enduring peace.

The participants reiterated that a negotiated two-state solution should meet the legitimate aspirations of both sides, including the Palestinians’ right to statehood and sovereignty, fully end the occupation that began in 1967, satisfy Israel’s security needs and resolve all permanent status issues on the basis of United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and also recalled relevant Security Council resolutions.

They underscored the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 as a comprehensive framework for the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, thus contributing to regional peace and security.

They also welcomed international efforts to advance Middle East peace, including the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 2334 on 23 December 2016, which clearly condemned settlement activity, incitement and all acts of violence and terror, and called on both sides to take steps to advance the two-state solution on the ground; the recommendations of the Quartet on 1 July 2016 ; and the United States Secretary of State’s principles on the two-state solution on 28 December 2016.

The Participants highlighted the potential for security, stability and prosperity for both parties that could result from a peace agreement. They expressed their readiness to exert necessary efforts toward the achievement of the two-state solution and to contribute substantially to arrangements for ensuring the sustainability of a negotiated peace agreement, in particular in the areas of political and economic incentives, the consolidation of Palestinian state capacities, and civil society dialogue.

www.oic-oci.org

OPINION Paris International Conference on the Middle East Peace Process: A Step in the Right Direction

U Adel Salameh Al Quds and Palestine Affairs Department

If the conference is to bear fruit, we need combined efforts to weave the key elements set out in the Paris Declaration into working mechanisms

www.oic-oci.org

N Security Council Resolution 2334, passed in December 2016, brought a positive transformation in the Palestinian cause. It reaffirmed that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 has no legal validity, and demanded that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory. Against this backdrop, the International Conference on the Middle East Peace Process convened in Paris, on 15 January 2017, with the participation of 70 states and 5 international organizations. The conference signified a global consensus and commitment regarding the two-state solution, based on the 4 June 1967 borders, as a basis to resolve the Palestinian conflict, and a clear rejection of the continued Israeli occupation motivated by its project of colonial hegemony.

In the resolutions of the fifth OIC Extraordinary Summit (Jakarta, 2016) and the 13th Islamic Summit Conference (Istanbul, 2016), the OIC welcomed the French initiative on the Palestine-Israel Peace Process, since its launch last year, as an opportunity to bolster the international responsibility to achieve peace and entrench the two-state solution. As well as being a quantum leap in breaking away from the US monopoly over the peace process, the French initiative proved an important step that offers international assurances and sets a specific timeline for serious negotiations leading to a political solution that ends the Israeli occupation since 1967 of the Palestinian territories.

The Israeli Prime Minister rejected the initiative, from the outset, and did not take part in the subsequent Paris conference. This Israeli opposition was part of a bid to dash all hopes for a global engagement in a multilateral political process; maintain the overtly pro-Israel US mediator; and escape any restrictions or obligations the conference would have yielded. Netanyahu was also attempting to take time advantage, with the world’s attention focused on the serious situation afflicting the region, to accelerate the Israeli extreme-right government’s policies of perpetuating occupation, settlements and plans to Judaize AlQuds, thus undermining all chances to establish an independent Palestinian State.

In its concluding statement, the Paris conference reflected global commitment to supporting the twostate approach as a solution to the conflict, building up capacities for the institutions of the future Palestinian State, providing economic stimuli, and activating the role of civil society institutions.

The importance of this conference lies mainly in the fact that it brought back the Palestinian cause to the attention of the international community. Also significant, convening of the conference a little before the new American administration was sworn in constituted a political constraint on and a determining factor for the US imbalanced policy and biased positions in favor of Israel. The conference also signaled a rejection and isolation of Israel because of its arrogant defiance of international law and disregard for the international community’s will. It also reaffirmed the principles of the peace process, which are consistent with the rules of the international law, including the UN resolutions.

It was hoped though that the conference would set up an international support group to follow up on the implementation of its joint Declaration. Instead, the conference called for closer cooperation between the Quartet and the Arab League members, as a basis on which to bring international actors to bear on building a multilateral framework for the peace-making process. The fact that the conference stressed that there should be no conditions or dictates for negotiations to be resumed is a positive assurance that the international stakeholders will not accept any illegal Israeli demands, especially the condition that Israel be recognized as a Jewish state and that Israeli settlements continue prior to the resumption of the political process.

In stressing the need to respect the international reference frame, notably UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, along with the Arab Peace initiative, the Paris conference’s final statement came as an expression of the commitment by the international stakeholders to supporting and advocating the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, especially their right to establish their state based on the June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and also their right to return to their homeland.

If the conference is to bear fruit, we need combined efforts to weave the key elements set out in the Paris Declaration into working mechanisms. There is also the need to increase prospects for closer cooperation among other international actors, in furtherance of the objectives of the final statement.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 11

WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Ministers of Foreign Affairs Emergency Meeting Reject

Brutal Policies Pursued by the Syrian Regime in Aleppo

Syrian people walk down a street in Aleppo, Syria (epa) OIC Secretary General and Turkish Foreign Minister at the Meeting on Syria

Jeddah – The final statement of the emergency meeting of the Executive Committee, held at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, denounced the Syrian regime and its allies for carrying out criminal military operations and arbitrary use of aerial bombardment with barrels explosive and incendiary materials, and internationally proscribed weapons on residential areas.

The ministers made the declaration after their meeting at the headquarters of the Organization, in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi

12 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

www.oic-oci.org

WORLD AFFAIRS

Arabia on 22 December 2016, on the situation in Syria in light of developments of the tragic situation in the city of Aleppo. The meeting was chaired by the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, who called in his opening statement on the member states to send strong messages on ending the crisis in Syria and the need to unify ranks to find peaceful means for evacuation from Aleppo and delivering humanitarian aid immediately.

The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Al-Othiameen, in his speech stressed on the need to establish a ceasefire and ending aggres-

www.oic-oci.org

sion. He called for international observers to monitor the stopping of aggression and protecting civilians in Aleppo and other blockaded areas in Syria and the delivering of humanitarian relief.

At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed deep concern over the serious tragic developments, in Aleppo and its countryside, because of the blatant aggression waged by the Syrian regime and its allies against unarmed civilians and the destruction of the city, its humanitarian resources and cultural heritage.

The meeting condemned unequivocally all arbitrary policies pursued by the Syrian regime to subjugate the people through the blockade, starvation and intimidation, in Aleppo and the rest of the besieged areas, considering these crimes, massacres as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The ministers stressed that the actions of the Syrian Regime and its allies are serious violations of international conventions, international law and international humanitarian law, stressing the need to protect civilians at the time of war, which requires the punishment of the perpetrators and putting them on trial.

The meeting reiterated OIC’s consistent position that the only solution to the Syrian crisis is the resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, according to the statement of Geneva (1) of the Year 2012 and UN Security Council Resolution no.

2254 as the only reference for the negotiations, with the participation of Syrian opposition representatives and the Syrian regime.

The Foreign Ministers however reiterated the commitment of the OIC Member States to the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic, its independence, political unity and its territorial integrity.

The Executive Committee Meeting called for the need to expedite the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance for civilians throughout Syria.

The Meeting also urged the OIC Member States and civil society organizations working in the humanitarian field to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the Syrian refugees and the displaced both in Syria and in the countries hosting them.

The Meeting requested the OIC Secretary General to stay engaged with all regional and international stakeholders concerned with the situation in Syria, including the UNSC member states, to implement the UNSC resolutions, particularly Resolutions No. 2254 and No. 2328 (2016) and adopt a new resolution that stipulates the cessation of hostilities throughout the Syrian territories.

The Meeting also called on the UNSC and influential parties to impose an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire in all the besieged areas in Syria to allow humanitarian workers to extend relief and humanitarian assistance to the inhabitants of these areas.

The emergency Executive Committee meeting falls within the framework of the ongoing OIC’s efforts since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis six years ago; efforts that aim to stop the killings and the genocide to which the regime of Damascus has exposed the Syrian people.

The efforts also include attempts to find a political settlement to the conflict in Syria on the basis of (Geneva 1) and the political process under the auspices of the United Nations in order to implement the process of a political transition led sovereignly by the Syrians, likely to build a new State of Syria on the basis of a pluralist and civil democratic system based on the principles of the rule of law and respect for Human rights. This is in conformity with the final communiquĂŠ of the Islamic Summit held in Istanbul on 14 and 15 April 2016.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 13

WORLD AFFAIRS Syrian Kids Suffer

Psychiatric Illnesses in Hotbed and Safe Areas

Damascus, (dpa) – Children in Syria form the largest segment of society and the most vulnerable to the effects of the war raging in their country. They have endured all the woes of war and are deprived of their childhood; a whole generation was born under the rising smoke and falling dust of a war that has left its clear marks on them, whether they were in hotbed or safe areas, to the extent that some were driven to attempt suicide.

Dr. Caroline Al Mohsen, professor of psychiatric consultancy at the College of Education in Damascus University, identified the effects of war on the Syrian children from a social, behavioral and physical aspect. She says: “Children have been suffering nerve

14 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

and muscle pains due to the stress to which they are exposed, some turning aggressive and others obstinate and impulsive”.

Indeed, certain negative new behaviors are seen among some children who were subjected to psychological traumas, including, according to Dr. Al Mohsen: “bedwetting among children around the age of ten, as well as smoking, sexual harassment and excessive weeping, all of which are behaviors known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They leave grave marks on children, which means the need for many years of work to ensure these children’s return to their normal life. That is why there are a number of institutions, both public and private, working on a psychological program for the benefit of these traumatized children.”

With the numbers of traumatized children in Syria surpassing the hundreds of thousands, there are no effective Syrian public authorities in the area for extending psychological support. Such activities have been evolving within the confines of public societies or the Syrian Red Crescent, the philanthropic Orthodox Patriarchic Church, or the Hope and Appeal Society for the mentally ill, and Syria Candles.

The Director of the refugee project run by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society, Mona Kurdi says: “All Children in Syria are affected directly or indirectly by what they hear and see of the war”. She appealed to all donor countries to be more generous if they genuinely want to help. Kurdi adds: “The impacts of war on children are multiple and diverse, some are psychological resulting from loss and displacement, while others are physical, from being forced into the labour market to be the breadwinners for their families. In addition, there are many cases of physical life-long injuries”.

The Director of child protection sector in the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society, Nagham Maalula, said there are many sudden dangers that children are exposed to now that were not present before. She says that they know of 389 cases they observed in shelters this year who had problems in Damascus

alone.

Among these problems are children not accompanied by their parents. In the course of the current year the Society has registered, through its field monitoring, more than 63 cases of children who lost their parents or their parents lost them, particularly in the hotbed areas, until last September. This figure represents only the registered cases, whereas in fact there are many more cases that have not been reached.

Nagham says they are monitoring a wide spectrum of symptoms resulting from sudden dangers which children were forced to endure and which often lead to a whole range of psychological and behavioral problems, such as the phenomenon of introvert children. Out of every 200 kids they meet, around 100 deliberately avert merging and interacting in the games they play with them. In other cases there are symptoms observed among children emanating from fear and violence that result in hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder and sometimes reaching the level of attempted suicide. Indeed many cases of attempted suicide have been registered among children between 12 and 13 years of age, which led the Society to intensify its action for the children. The number of beneficiaries of the Red Crescent Society’s services in 2014 reached about 13,000.

Dr. Al Mohsen goes on to say that the Syrian children who left their towns and neighborhoods are facing difficulties even in the safe areas to which they have migrated. She said “many of the displaced kids have difficulty adapting to the districts they have moved to”.

The Syrian children’s ordeal is not exclusive to those that have suffered displacement and migration. It extends to each and every one. Indeed, even the kids in the safe areas have been deprived of their natural right (i.e. proper education) with many of them being moved from the safe area schools to refugee centers back in their own towns or neighborhoods, let alone those who have been out of school for many years!

www.oic-oci.org

WORLD AFFAIRS A Referendum in the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire President of the Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara casts his ballot in the referendum elections, 30 October 2016 (epa)

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the

results of the constitutional referendum in the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire held on Sunday, 30th October 2016. It commended the turnout and peaceful behavior of the Ivorians, a matter that constitutes a significant step towards the restoration of constitutional order and the democratic process in the country.

The referendum shows the ability of Cote d’Ivoire citizens and their desire to set a stable foundation in order to achieve sustainable development.

The OIC General Secretariat congratulates

the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire on the good conduct of the constitutional referendum, which was approved by 93.42% of voters, and affirms its readiness to help the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and the Member States lay the foundations of democracy and good governance, in accordance with its Charter and the Ten-Year Program.

The new constitution approved in the referendum removes the age limit of 75 and scraps the requirement that both parents of presidential candidates must be native-born Ivorians.

Michel Aoun Elected New President of Lebanon The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the election of Michel Aoun as President of the Republic of Lebanon, congratulating the newly elected president and wishing him full success in his mission of steering the country toward greater security, stability, prosperity, welfare and national unity.

It also congratulated Saad Hariri for his appointment as Prime Minister tasked with forming a new government.

That ended a political stalemate in Lebanon that had lasted 29 months.

Further, the OIC congratulated the Lebanese people for their commitment to preserving the legitimate institutions of the Lebanese State, and their strong attachment to the values of democracy, the State of law and rule of institutions.

Lebanon is due to hold parliamentary elections in May.

President Michel Aoun (epa

OIC Welcomes the Release of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari tained in all the peace treaties namely: the 1976 TripThe Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) weloli Agreement, the 1996 Jakarta Agreement and the comes the decision of the President of the RepubComprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB). lic of the Philippines, H. E. Mr Rodrigo Duterte, to The OIC maintains its position that it does not favour lift the warrant of arrest against Prof. Nur Misuari, one Moro faction over another, but that it is in full Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front support of the inalienable rights of the Bangsamoro (MNLF) and to reinstate his freedom. people to determine their future and seek peace and The OIC received this information with great satprosperity in their homeland. isfaction and considers it another manifestation The OIC welcomes the pledge of President Duterte of the positive approach of the current administo implement all previous international peace agreetration towards the long-standing problem of the ments, and reiterates its position that “for a peaceful Bangsamoro people. settlement to be just durable in Mindanao, it must be The OIC Special Envoy for Peace in the Southern based on the historical compromise contained in the Philippines, Ambassador Sayed El-Masry, reiterated 1976 Tripoli Agreement” the long standing position of the OIC, that ChairNur Misuari The OIC Special Envoy for Peace in the Southern Philman Nur Misuari is an indispensable factor to the peace process; being the founder of the MNLF and the historical ippines will carry out consultations with the Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines (PCSP), in particular the two facilitators, leader of the Bangsamoro people.

The OIC also takes this opportunity to reiterate its support for Malaysia and Indonesia as part of the OIC’s efforts to prepare the the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its leader, Chairman ground for a meeting of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum Hajj Murad as well as for the Comprehensive Agreement on the (BCF) to harmonize the two peace tracks, consolidate cooperation Bangsamoro (CAB), which should be embodied undiluted in the between the two Moro fronts and come up with a unified position.

The OIC is confident that it will receive the cooperation needed new enabling law.

The OIC believes that it is now time to proceed steadfastly to close to reach a successful conclusion to this endeavor and calls upon the ranks between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and all parties to remain fully committed to the peace process and to the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF) in order to coordinate ef- strive together towards the advancement of a final resolution of forts to merge the two peace tracks and maintain all the gains con- the conflict in Mindanao.

www.oic-oci.org

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 15

SPECIAL REPORT OIC Foreign Ministers Call on Myanmar to Take Decisive Steps to End the Persecution of

Rohingya Muslims Kuala Lumpur – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on the Myanmar government to ensure its security forces apply maximum restraint on its civilians and end aggression against Rohingya Muslim community.

OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen said this was essential to prevent right wing extremist groups from fanning the flames of religious hatred.

“They (Myanmar government) should also put an end to acts of aggression that have no tenable of legitimate justifications against the Muslim community,” said Dr. Yousef at the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) on the situation of the Rohingya Muslim Minority of Myanmar, in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday 19 January 2017.

He said the election victory of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar, gave hope that the nation would be entering the dawn of a new era for an inclusive government. He said the new Myanmar government was expected to be responsive to the aspirations of its people without exercising any ethnic of religious segregation or discrimination.

“Despite the progress that has been achieved in the democratic process and the transition to a new leadership, there is

16 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

evidence of a sustained and organized campaign of violence and intimidation perpetrated against the Rohingya Muslims inside Myanmar,” said Al-Othaimeen.

“This was clearly indicated in the report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein last year, which documented a wide range of human rights violations and abuses against the minorities in Myanmar, particularly against the Rohingya community,” he added.

Al-Othaimeen stressed that the unfortunate developments as well as the serious human rights problems identified by the United Nations in Myanmar cannot be ignored as an internal matter of that country. “It is a human rights issue and one of global concern.”

“I hope that all OIC member states, particularly those in ASEAN, will continue their efforts to urge the Myanmar authorities to allow access to humanitarian aid to the region and to allow transparent investigations to take place on the incidents of violence against Rohingya,” he added.

Muslims Must Act On his part, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak called on Muslim countries to lead international action over the plight of Myan-

mar’s Rohingya Muslims.

Describing the situation as “a cause of great and immediate concern”, Mr Najib said: “Far too many people have lost their lives in Myanmar. Many have suffered appalling deaths, and those that have lived through the atrocities have witnessed or endured unspeakable cruelty. That in itself is a reason why we cannot keep silent.”

The situation also threatens to create “a new home for terrorist groups”, he said, as “militant elements could infiltrate and possibly radicalise this oppressed community”.

“The persecution of your fellow men and women, simply on the grounds that they are Muslim, must stop,” he said.

“The killing must stop. The violation of women and girls must stop,” he added.

The Malaysian Prime Minister noted that his Government, and indeed the people of Malaysia are willing to shoulder the financial and social responsibility of providing shelter and basic necessities to ‘our Rohingya brothers and sisters’, stressing that it is the morally right thing to do.

He also described a situation where Rohingyas have become easy targets for human trafficking networks. In many cases, according to him, they are held for weeks while smugglers extort more money from families

www.oic-oci.org

SPECIAL REPORT back home. During their perilous journeys, they risk abuse by smugglers, and worse, death by drowning.

Prime Minister Najib therefore strongly urged the Government of Myanmar to provide unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected areas. At the same time, he called on the Government of Myanmar to facilitate the safe and dignified return of refugees to their homes and communities.

Resolution In a resolution issued at the end of the emergency meeting, the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) expressed grave concern at the recent eruption of violence in Rakhine state that resulted in the loss of innocent lives and displaced tens of thousands of Rohingya people, and called on the Government of Myanmar to take decisive steps to restore calm to the affected areas.

The meeting also called on the Government of Myanmar to ensure that the security forces act in accordance with the rule of law and that all perpetrators of acts of violence be held accountable.

The meeting again urged the Government of Myanmar to abide by its obligations under international law, international humanitarian law and human rights covenants, and take all necessary measures to stop the violence and discrimination against the Rohingya Muslim Minority and the continued attempts to deny their culture and identity.

The ministers further urged the Government of Myanmar to eliminate the root causes affecting the Rohingya Muslim Minority. In this regard, the Meeting renewed its call on the Government of Myanmar to restore the citizenship of the Rohingya Muslims, which was revoked in the Citizenship Act of 1982.

The Meeting also urged the authorities of Myanmar to take effective measures to prevent the worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State. The Meeting expressed appreciation to OIC Member States that have extended humanitarian assistance to the affected communities and urged the international community and other OIC Member States to do so.

The Kuala Lumpur Meeting called on the Government of Myanmar to take all necessary measures to restore peace and intercommunal harmony through dialogue and a comprehensive national peace and reconciliation process involving all segments of society in Myanmar. In this regard, the

www.oic-oci.org

importance of moderation was underlined as a core value in countering extremism in all its aspects.

The emergency council of Foreign Ministers also invited OIC Member States to continue to share the substantial costs incurred by those countries that have provided temporary shelter and protection to Rohingya refugees, in accordance with the principles of burden-sharing and shared responsibility, and in the spirit of Islamic solidarity.

The Meeting called on the Government of Myanmar to ensure an inclusive and transparent policy towards ethnic and religious communities, by including the Rohingya Muslim Minority as an integral part of this process and considering them as an ethnic minority, as called for by relevant UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council resolutions.

The Meeting also requested the OIC Secretary General to coordinate with the Government of Myanmar for a high-level delegation from the OIC Contact Group to visit Rakhine State to meet with local officials and the affected Rohingya Muslim Minority.

In this regard, the Meeting further requested the cooperation of the Government of Myanmar to receive the visit.

The Secretary General was also mandated with further responsibility of exploring joint initiatives with his counterparts in the UN and ASEAN that can support the Government of Myanmar to develop and implement inter-faith and inter-communal dialogues in the country and in the wider Southeast Asian region.

The meeting also encouraged the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) to continue examining the situation of the Rohingya Muslim Minority in Myanmar as a priority issue on its agenda.

The meeting requested the OIC Groups in New York, Geneva and Brussels to regularly review the evolving situation and explore sustained engagement strategies with Myanmar, the United Nations, the European Union, and other international organizations.

It is worth mentioning that the OIC Groups held emergency meetings in Geneva and Brussels last December where they proposed further engagement with the international community, particularly the United Nations and European Union, to coordinate further action to alleviate the plight of Rohingyas.

The numbers of the displaced and refugees among the Rohingya Muslims, inside

Myanmar, have exceeded the figure of 120 thousand people who are in dire need of emergency humanitarian relief, while over the period from 9 October 2016 to 5 January 2017, more than 65 thousand Muslim Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh as refugees from the killings and violence they had been subjected to in a systematic way in Myanmar.

According to estimates released by the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian action during the past waves of violence, thousands were forced to flee to other states, Members of the OIC or of ASEAN. The Emergency Council of Foreign Ministers meeting was held within the framework of the constantly deep concerns of the OIC General Secretariat over the situation of the Muslim Rohingya, the continued violence against them and the indifferent stand of the Myanmar government towards the situation in the province of Rakhine.

It is worth noting here that the Foreign Ministers, members of the OIC Contact Group on the Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar, had held an earlier meeting on the margin of the Council of Foreign Ministers Conference, which was held in Tashkent, last October. Their meeting had launched a renewed appeal to the Government of Myanmar to reinstate citizenship to the Muslim Rohingya, which had been withdrawn from them under the citizenship act of 1982.

The Foreign Ministers expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Malaysia for its hospitality and excellent arrangements in hosting the meeting.

Side Meetings H.E. Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) on the Situation of Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar held in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Al-Othaimeen met H.E. Datuk Seri Mohamed Najib bin Tun Abdul-Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Datuk Seri Hanifa Aman, Foreign Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, H.E. Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, and H.E. Dr. Mohammad Asim, Maldivian Foreign Minister.

He also met H.E. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor of Prime Minister of Pakistan for Foreign Af-

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 17

SPECIAL REPORT

OIC Secretary General Yousef Ahmed Al-Othaimeen delivering his speech (epa)

fairs, H.E. Shahriar Alam, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Mr.

Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak delivering his speech (epa)

Ahmed Yildiz, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, and Mr. Mohammed Yusuf, Deputy

Foreign Minister of Brunei.

The meetings covered the bilateral relations with those OIC Member States, the situation of the minority Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar and the steps the OIC and Member States should take to alleviate their suffering and achieve the immediate cessation of acts of murder and violence in Rakhine State.

They also discussed the efforts to urge the Myanmar authorities to allow humanitarian access to the region and to enable the people of Rohingya to regain their rights.

IPHRC Urges Access of Humanitarian aid to the Affected Population in Rakhine State

The OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) also expressed grave concern and strongly condemned the deteriorating human rights situation and violence against Rohingya and other Muslim minorities in Myanmar, which has resulted in destruction of their homes, torture and killing of innocent civilians.

During its 10th Regular Session, which concluded on 1st December 2016, IPHRC’s Working Group on Muslim Minorities extensively discussed the current situation of the Rohingya and other Muslim minorities and noted that the destruction of homes and mosques has forced tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to flee their villages.

The committee added that the subsequent blockade in the region has further wors-

18 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

ened the existing humanitarian situation creating extreme shortage of food, education, health and other nutrition assistance.

Reports by international human rights NGOs, indicate that approximately 1250 Rohingya homes were burned down by the authorities last month. Sadly, according to IPHRC, many satellite images have confirmed that the destruction in Rohingya villages is far greater and at more places than the Myanmar government has admitted in its official communications.

IPHRC noted that, contrary to the claims of the Government of Myanmar that it is addressing the situation based on the principle of rule of law, it appears that it is merely deflecting the criticism and remains in a state of denial to address the grave human rights

violations.

The commission added that, the apparent arson attacks against Rohingya villages and ill treatment of civilians including torture, rape and extrajudicial killings is a matter of grave concern for the entire international community.

IPHRC condemned the acts and called on the Myanmar government to take immediate and effective steps to bring to an end all forms of human rights violations against innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslim population.

It urged the Government of Myanmar to initiate urgent, transparent and impartial investigations of all the allegations of violations of human rights and bring to justice the perpetrators of these violations.

In this context, IPHRC called on the Myanmar Government to positively respond to its request for a fact-finding visit as well as allow the establishment of the OIC humanitarian office for disbursement of humanitarian aid.

Furthermore, IPHRC urged all OIC Member States, especially neighboring countries to continue engaging and urging the Myanmar government to uphold its obligation of ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights of all its citizens including its Rohingya and other Muslim minorities.

It also called on the international community and relevant organs of United Nations to take all necessary actions to ensure that the Government of Myanmar abides by its obligations under international human rights law to prevent further deterioration of the crisis in Rakhine state.

www.oic-oci.org

SPECIAL REPORT Kuala Lumpur Conference Supports Paris Conference, Rejects Settlements The centrality of the cause of Palestine for the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was reaffirmed at the Extraordinary Meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers of OIC member states in Kuala Lumpur on 19 January 2017.

The Declaration adopted on Palestine and the City of Al Quds Al Sharif reiterated the unequivocal condemnation of all the illegal settlement regime perpetrated by Israel, the occupying power, to colonize the occupied Palestinian land, including Al Quds / East Jerusalem. It welcomed the adoption of Security Council’s resolution No.2334 (2016) which provides, among other things, for the non-recognition of any alterations to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Al Quds/ East Jerusalem, and emphasizes the importance of this resolution in ensuring better prospects for a just, durable and comprehensive peace. The Declaration deplored statements/positions against the said resolution that are incompatible with international law and with the requisites for the achievement of peace.

www.oic-oci.org

In addition, the ministers reaffirmed the central, religious and spiritual character of the City of Al Quds Al Sharif, and reiterated in this respect its rejection of any attempts susceptible to prejudice the Palestinian right to full sovereignty over the city of Al Quds / East Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Palestine. They called upon the States or officials to desist from any activities or statements that might support or encourage Israel, the occupying power, to continue its violations and pursue its illegal occupation and annexation of Al Quds / East Jerusalem, including any such encouragement through the transfer of their diplomatic missions to the city or the holding of any official meetings there. The meeting reiterated its rejection and condemnation to any declaration or measure that may compromise the legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the City of Al Quds/ East Jerusalem and invites Member States to take the necessary steps and measures in this respect, and to uphold their commitments within the framework of international law

and the resolutions of OIC Summits and Foreign Ministers Conferences in the face of any such hostile positions.

Furthermore, the Declaration welcomed the convening of the Middle East Peace Conference on 15 January 2017 in Paris to mobilize international support to uphold the two-state solution for peace. It called for the need to follow up on the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2334 (2016) and the Paris CommuniquĂŠ, in such a way as to compel Israel, the occupying power, to put an end to its illegal settlement regime, including in Al-Quds / East Jerusalem, and to cease sabotaging the two-state solution through its illegal activities and policies.

Finally, the Declaration stated the determination to continue extending assistance to the State of Palestine in mobilizing international support for the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which their right to self determination and to the embodiment of their independent state with Al Quds Al Sharif/ East Jerusalem as its capital.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 19

OPINION 15 July Coup Attempt: The victory of People and Democracy in Turkey

O Amb. Salih Mutlu Sen Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Turkey to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

The majority of the Turkish Armed Forces, including the top echelons, did not join the coup attempt and resisted

n 15 July 2016, Turkey and the Turkish Nation faced a dramatic chain of events that shocked the millions in Turkey, the Muslim world and beyond. Rouge army officers, with their civilian collaborators, all belonging to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization/Parallel State Structure (FETO/PSS) staged a bloody coup, which cost the lives of 248 people and injured 2.195. The Government, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as the opposition parties, civil society organizations have put up a staunch defense of democratic constitutional order and legitimacy, and prevailed. Most important, the ordinary citizens, responding to the call of President Erdoğan, joined together, went out to the streets and resisted the coup attempt. The majority of the Turkish Armed Forces, including the top echelons, did not join the coup attempt and resisted.

This was an historic moment of Turkey. Since the defeat of the coup attempt, numerous questions have been raised about the instigators, their motivations and FETO terrorists around the world.

The OIC, promptly came out, on 16 July, and condemned the coup attempt in a press statement. Furthermore the OIC, adopted a historic Resolution, after comprehensive discussion, on Fetullah Terrorist Organization in its preparatory Senior Officials meeting on 28 July 2016, which was endorsed by the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in the same year. The Resolution have proved once again the OIC’s unwavering spirit of solidarity and cooperation with its member states, and in particular with Turkey, whose “security, stability and prosperity is vital to whole Ummah”.

What is FETO/PSS? The FETO/PSS is a secretive and clandestine cult which was established by Fetullah Gülen. From 1974 onwards, Gülen formed his own network and sought strategic allies. The ultimate objective of this cult has always been to take over the Turkish state by clandestine and complete infiltration, and establish a totalitarian system.

One of FETO’s main tactics was to protect his cult’s interests at any cost at critical times. For that purpose, Gülen supported the 1980 military coup, which shut down all political parties and associations, imprisoned and tortured tens of thousands and executed dozens of people. Gülen wrote “The Last Barrack” immediately after the coup where he praised military officers and expressed his strong support for military authority. He was also supportive of the military intervention of 28 February 1997 which indirectly overthrew the late Prime Minister Erbakan, who was a devout Muslim and a strong proponent of cooperation with Islamic world.

These interventions created a social and political atmosphere which was highly beneficial to Fetullah Terrorist Organization for spreading their network. Starting from Izmir, his followers opened private colleges and tutoring centers in Turkey and then internationally. From the mid-1990s, Gülen began to present himself and his movement as the enlightened and pro-Western face of progressive Islam. Especially in the face of growing radicalism and fear after 11 September, this became a strategic move for Gülen rather than an ideological one.

The uniqueness of FETO as a terrorist group comes from their use of legal front organizations and institutions as a cover to achieve illegal objectives and to hide the criminal means they employ, including black mail, money laundering, wire tapping, extortion and assassinations.

Criminal investigations into FETO/PSS The recent probes into the activities of the FETO/PSS by the Public Prosecutor’s office have shown that under the banner of service tolerance and humanitarian organizations, the FETO/PSS and its leader Fetullah Gülen have established and managed an illegal organization; exposed confidential information belonging to the state for political or military espionage purposes; attempted to overthrow or obstruct the function of the Government of the Republic of Turkey; violated the confidentiality of private life; engaged in unlawful recording of personal information; forged official documents; fabricated crimes; destroyed evidence; laundered money and committed assassinations on investigative writers and prominent figures.

Measures Taken By the Government Right after the plot, Turkey has immediately established public safety, subdued the perpetrators, and has begun to remove FETO/PSS members from the State and Public institutions. Civil servants who have been identified as FETO members have been dismissed from all institutions, including the Army, the Judiciary and the Security. The investigations and court proceedings are underway to detect and punish the FETO coup plotters and FETO members, in line with rule of law, under the state of emergency in conformity with Article 120 of the Turkish Constitution and relevant international conventions.

20 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

www.oic-oci.org

Donald J. Trump (L) takes the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States in Washington, DC, USA, 20 January 2017 (epa)

T

The OIC Looks Forward to Sustaining Relations with the New US Administration

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) congratulates Mr. Donald Trump for his swearing in as the 45th President of the United States of America.

The OIC recalls its fruitful relations developed over the years with the USA and hopes that this constructive relationship will continue with the new administration based on mutual interest and respect.

The OIC expresses its readiness to engage closely with the new US authorities to further strengthen the existing OIC-US bilateral ties and to jointly contribute in addressing global challenges with the aim of enhancing peaceful coexistence, understanding, and harmony in the world.

Uzbekistan Holds Successful Early Presidential Elections

U

pon the invitation of the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan, a delegation of observers from the OIC General Secretariat monitored the early presidential elections held on Sunday, 4 December 2016.

OIC observers were able to monitor the different stages of the vote.

They also met with several senior Uzbek stakeholders and were briefed on the voting process as well as on some new important changes to further improve the election regulations and guarantee more free participation of the citizens in the elections.

The OIC delegation observed that the election was peaceful, well-

organized, transparent and free with the massive turnout of voters to exercise their political and civil rights in a disciplined manner.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen congratulated H. E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on his election as the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen further expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation between the OIC and Uzbekistan, an important member of the Organization and the current Chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers, would further be consolidated in the coming years.

OIC Welcomes Ceasefire Agreement in Syria

T

he General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed satisfaction at the reaching an agreement for a comprehensive ceasefire in Syria unanimously approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in its Resolution No. 2336 dated on 31 December 2016.

United Nations Security Council Members vote on a ceasefire in Syria at UN headquarters in New York, New York, USA, 31 December 2016 (epa)

www.oic-oci.org

Dr. Yousef Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary General welcomed reaching the agreement and asserted that it must be comprehensive and durable to put an end to the cycle of violence, killing, and displacement the Syrian people have been suffering for six years.

In this regard, Al-Othaimeen stressed that the obligation of all parties that pledged ceasefire is to implement that on the ground, stressing the importance of creating an international mechanism to monitor the implementation of this agreement.

The OIC Secretary General stated the OIC principled position approved by the Islamic Summit and ministerial statements and resolutions supporting reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis within the framework of the Geneva CommuniquĂŠ 1 and relevant UNSC resolutions including Resolution No. 2254 for the year 2015 and Resolution No. 2268 for the year 2016.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 21

WORLD AFFAIRS

T

Gambia Averts Political Crisis through Peaceful Interventions

he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, has expressed his satisfaction on the peaceful resolution of the protracted political crisis in the Gambia leading to the successful handover of power to HE President Adama Barrow who was sworn in on 19 January 2017. Dr. Othaimeen commended the ECOWAS mediation efforts supported by the AU and UN that facilitated the smooth political transition in The Gambia.

He also paid special tribute to the Presidents of Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea and Mauritania for their immense contributions in saving The Gambia from violence and bloodshed.

The Secretary General, while further recalling the preventive diplomacy role played by the OIC through his good offices, renewed his congratulations to President Barrow and the entire people of The Gambia for their commitment to sustain democratic governance in their country. He urged them to work towards achieving national reconciliation in the period ahead.

Preventive Diplomacy The OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, as part of using his good offices in preventive diplomacy, had earlier dispatched an OIC delegation led by Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, to deliver a written message to the former President of The Gambia Yahya AJJ Jammeh.

The Secretary General who was concerned about the electoral dispute and political impasse following the December 2016 presidential election in the Gambia, urged the former President to avoid any act that may endanger the peace and stability of the country, which will chair the next OIC Islamic Summit.

He also appealed to President Jammeh to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to the President-elect Adama Barrow in accordance with election regulations of the country.

The OIC delegation was composed of Amb. Samir Bakr and Amb. Yahya Lawal who delivered the message on Jan 9 2016 in Banjul in the presence of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Health.

The Secretary General also issued several public appeals to the for-

President Adama Barrow

mer President to ensure a smooth and peaceful transfer of power to his democratically elected successor, Mr. Adama Barrow.

He added that the OIC supported the joint efforts led by other international and regional organizations, in particular the mediation efforts led by the Chairperson of ECOWAS to preserve the legitimacy of election results and to facilitate the peaceful and orderly transition process.

Dr. Othaimeen reiterated his earlier statement on 4 December 2016, expressing satisfaction at the success of the Presidential elections in Gambia and congratulated the people of The Gambia that proved through an intensive participation in the elections, their attachment to peaceful rotation of power within the framework of the constitutional institutions of the country.

He reaffirmed the continuing support of the OIC to Gambia, an important Member State, which is going to host the upcoming OIC Islamic Summit, in its efforts to consolidate democracy and advance the causes of peace and stability for the development of the country.

It is worth noting that OIC General Secretariat participated in the observation of the presidential election in Gambia, which took place on December 1st, 2016.

OIC Welcomes the Lifting of American Sanctions against Sudan

T

he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Ahmed Al Othaimeen, expressed his satisfaction with the decision made by the US President, Barak Obama,

22 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

as announced by the American Administration on Friday, 13 January 2017, to lift some of the economic sanctions imposed on the Republic of Sudan since 1997.

The Secretary General noted that this decision represents an important step towards the normalization of relations between the two countries and a contribution towards the achievement of peace, security and stability and economic development in Sudan whose people have endured so much as a result of the sanctions.

The Secretary General stated that the OIC General Secretariat has, on its part, consistently called on the American Administration, through many of its resolutions, at the level of both the Summit and Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) Conferences,

to lift all the sanctions imposed on Sudan.

It adopted in this respect a joint initiative together with the African Union and the Arab League by way of which the American Administration was approached to lift the said sanctions without delay. Al Othaimeen commended the efforts put in by the OIC Member States that contributed to the fulfillment of this achievement, foremost of which the Gulf States led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Secretary General invited the two parties to continue their dialogue with a view to achieve the aspired results and laid stress on the need to have the name of Sudan removed from the American list of terrorist sponsoring countries in view of Sudan’s ongoing commendable efforts in this respect.

www.oic-oci.org

WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Secretary General Congratulates New AU Commission Chairperson

Welcomes the Return of Morocco to the African Union

T

he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen congratulated the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Chad, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat on his election on 30 January 2017 in Addis Ababa by the 28 Summit of the African Union as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Dr. Othaimeen who commended the incoming Chairperson for his known wisdom, competence and experience, expressed the hope that he will steer the affairs of the

Commission to greater heights towards a more prosperous, stable and peaceful continent in the years to come.

The Secretary General recalled the existing bilateral cooperation between the OIC and the AU and looked forward to working closely with the new Chairperson and his Commission towards developing partnership in all areas of common interest and concern.

The Secretary General also welcomed the admission of the Kingdom of Morocco on 30 January 2017 as a member of the African Union (AU).

King Mohammed VI (epa)

Dr. Othaimeen who congratulated Morocco for its return to the continental body also commended the 28 Session of the of the AU holding in Addis Ababa, for the wise decision which will enable Morocco play its rightful role within a united African continent.

The Secretary General expressed the hope that the return of Morocco in the AU family would further enhance African voice and weight at the international level and would facilitate the resolution of critical challenges facing the continent.

Othaimeen: The Joint Force to Combat Insecurity in the Liptako-Gourma Area is a Significant Step

T

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the creation by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of a multinational joint force to combat insecurity in the Liptako-Gourma area straddling their common borders.

The OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef AlOthaimeen in commending the leaders of the three countries who announced this decision at the end of their summit held on 24 January 2017 in Niamey, Niger, noted that the pro-active measure represents a significant step towards stemming the wave of

www.oic-oci.org

cross- border attacks by militant and terrorist groups active in the sub-region.

The Secretary General, who urged the three countries to promptly activate the joint force, underscored the importance attached to such collaboration by its Members States to confront common security challenges.

The leaders of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali met in Niamey on Tuesday, January 24, and agreed to set up an anti-terrorism force to fight against insecurity in the Liptako-Gourma area that sits across their borders.

The area is believed to be a growing sanctuary for terrorists and the presidents of three states agreed in Niamey to create the Liptako-Gourma Multinational Security Force.

“We have decided to pool our intelligence resources, our [military] operational capacities to deal with the security situation in this area,” read a statement from Niger’s Mahamadou Issoufou, Roch Marc Christian

Kaboré of Burkina Faso and Modibo Keïta of Mali regarding the Liptako-Gourma Multinational Security Force.

“The region of Liptako, once a haven of peace, is fast becoming a sanctuary [for] terrorist groups and criminals of all kinds. … Despite the efforts made by the member states, in relation to the international community, the security situation in the zone remains volatile and worrying,” the communique from the conference read.

The new force will be like the mixed multinational force created by Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon in 2015 to fight the Islamist group Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin, Issoufou explained.

The Liptako-Gourma zone is a vast 370,000 km2 area sitting across the three countries and home to 45% of the total population of the three states.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 23

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OIC Mobilizes Efforts to

Help Somalia Confront the Sufferings Caused by Drought

Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen and Dr. Abdullah Al Rabiah at the signing of agreement

Jeddah – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) acted quickly in taking measures to help Somalia overcome the wave of drought that hit the country.

The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, and Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, signed at the Center’s headquarters in Riyadh on 10 January 2017, an agreement to implement an executive program for distributing assistance to those affected by the drought in the Republic of Somalia consisting of 30,000 food baskets for 180,000 beneficiaries in Somalia.

The OIC Secretary General thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the establishment of this Center, which represents a huge leap and great renaissance in the global relief work, and for the executive program the Center intends to do for Somalia adding that the first batch of aid is on its way for distribution.

The OIC Secretary General further appreciated the diversity of aid work done by the Center, including education and health, pointing to the group of initiatives agreed to which would cover all the regions needing assistance such as Somalia and Gaza. Pointing out further that the first batch of aid contained in the program, which its agreement signed yesterday, is on its way to distribute to the beneficiaries.

In early December 2016, the OIC issued an urgent appeal to assist the Federal Republic of Somalia in view of the severe conditions it faces. Furthermore, the OIC called upon all its member states and partners in the humanitarian field to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people affected by the drought and famine there,

24 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

and engage in a rapid intervention before the humanitarian situation worsens and escalates out of control. The OIC pointed out that its Development Office in Somalia is ready to cooperate in the delivery of humanitarian aid in the areas affected by drought.

The OIC appeal follows the request issued by the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed last November in this regard.

It is worth mentioning that the wave of drought and severe famine hit vast areas of Somalia due to delayed rainfall for five consecutive seasons; a condition that led to a new humanitarian disaster in most regions of Somalia, particularly in the central and northern parts, similar to the humanitarian catastrophe that swept the country in early 2011. The affected people in the current situation are estimated at 760,000 in all the regions of the country that encompass broad areas of Somaliland and Puntland, as well as Hiran region, Gedo, Lower Juba and Bkolo that overall constitute more than two-thirds of the Somalian territory.

On January 17, 2017, the United Nations made a request to the international community to provide $864 million to rescue 3.9 million people in Somalia, including 1.1 million displaced from their homes to other parts of the country.

This came during a review of the humanitarian response plan for Somalia in 2017 in the presence of humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Peter de Klerk and senior officials of the Somali government.

The humanitarian response plan aims at saving lives, ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable groups, enhancing adaptability, supporting the provision of basic services and enabling durable solutions.

According to a UN report, there are more than 300,000 children under-five among the victims of the drought suffering from acute malnutrition, and 3.3 million people who need health care.

The UN confirmed that the humanitarian situation in Somalia is aggravating due to lack of rain and the spread of the drought affecting the countries of the Horn of Africa.

The UN humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Peter de Klercman, warned of a humanitarian catastrophe such as that witnessed in Somalia in 2011, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people. He pointed out that this phenomenon caused the rising prices of water and food staples and leaving hundreds of residents their homes in search of food.

The speaker of Somalia’s parliament Mohammad Osman Jowari confirmed that the legislative institution would do its best to help those affected by climate change and armed conflicts in Somalia.

www.oic-oci.org

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS Saudi Arabia to Support Needy People of Myanmar’s Rakhine State

T

he General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomes the signing in early November 2016 of an operational programme between King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Aid Centre (KS-RELIEF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for delivering humanitarian aid and relief in Myanmar.

The KS-RELIEF Centre will carry out projects in 35 villages in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with a view to boost agricultural development and provide necessary means for a decent livelihood, thereby contributing to the reduction of outward illegal migratory flow and improvement of living conditions.

In this regard, the OIC General Secretariat appeals to its Member States as well as Civil Society Organizations and NGOs for making similar humanitarian aid fforts, with the objective of catering to the needs of people in Myanmar, in particular in its Rakhine State.

Establishment of OIC Network for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

T

he Humanitarian Department of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OIC hosted a Preparatory Meeting for the Establishment of a Network for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies within the OIC Member States on Tuesday, 29 November 2016, at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The preparatory meeting was attended by the OIC General Secretariat in conjunction with the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO), the Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) as a steering committee.

During the 13th Islamic Summit Conference

T

prepare for the conference of the OIC Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which will take place in Istanbul in early 2017 under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Erdogan, the President of the Republic of Turkey.

The last ten years have been particularly challenging for the International Humanitarian Community with mounting devastating natural and man-made humanitarian crisis across the globe.

Two thirds of those globally displaced are in the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The humanitarian challenge within the OIC countries continues to be quite alarming.

The OIC Member States have a great burden that could only be dealt with effectively through collective collaboration and strong partnerships.

The OIC Holds its Final BBR Workshop in Côte d’Ivoire

he OIC concluded the final “Build a Better Response” (BBR) workshop for 2016 in Abidjan in cooperation with the USAID and the International Medical Corps (IMC).

The said workshop was held on 14-16 December 2016 in Abidjan and focused on the global humanitarian architecture and the different funding mechanisms and strategies being used by major stakeholders in their efforts to cope with humanitarian challenges and crises throughout the world.

The BBR workshop was organized for the benefit of French speaking NGOs within OIC Member States in Africa and it brought together 35 participants from Côte d’Ivoire,

www.oic-oci.org

organized by the OIC in Istanbul on 14-15 April 2016, H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of the Republic of Turkey, stressed the necessity of establishing a network among National Societies within the OIC Member States in order to collectively deal with the current unprecedented humanitarian crisis affecting the OIC Member States.

The proposed network is expected to bring a new perspective in dealing with the alarming humanitarian challenges faced by the OIC Member States as well as a number of affected countries worldwide.

The Network will also encourage and foster a more proactive and innovative approach in preparing and responding to humanitarian crises in order to alleviate human suffering and achieve sustainable development.

The aim of the steering committee is to

Niger, Senegal, Mauritania and Cameroon.

Participants to the Abidjan workshop were afforded the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the global humanitarian setting, to familiarize themselves with key actors of the humanitarian world as well as with the principles governing the international humanitarian system.

In addition, the participants to the workshop dealt with the best ways and means to foster a stronger cooperation among humanitarian NGOs in Africa emphasizing on the different guidelines used by funding agencies and donors.

It is also worth noting that the participants

committed to work more closely so as to pool their resources and efforts together in meeting the humanitarian challenges faced by their respective countries.

The workshop also expressed its gratitude to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for hosting this event as well as to the OIC and its partners namely the USAID and the IMC for organizing such an important humanitarian gathering.

The previous five BBR sessions were held in Jeddah in March 2016, Nairobi in July 2016, Malaysia in September 2016, Qatar and Morocco in November 2016.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 25

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OIC, Swiss Agency for Development Hold Joint Workshop for Humanitarian Workers

D

elegates from humanitarian organizations and NGOs in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States attended a

three-day workshop to enhance their capacity on how to evaluate the impact of their projects on communities.

The OIC Department of Humanitarian Affairs in conjunction with Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) organized the workshop at OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah from 27 -29 November 2016 with the theme ‘Managing for Result’.

“The aim of the workshop is to equip humanitarian workers in OIC member states with requisite skills on how to quantify the impact of their projects on the communities they are working with,” said Ambassador Fouad Ali Maznai, Director of OIC Humanitarian Affairs Department.

“This is the first such collaboration between the OIC Humanitarian Affairs Department and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC and lays down building block for further strategic cooperation with SDC,” he added.

Al-Othaimeen Commends Saudi Public Campaign in Support of Affected People in Syria

T

he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen expressed his deep appreciation for the royal directive issued by the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, sovereign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to launch a public campaign for the relief of Syrian people in the wake of the tragic circumstances through which they have been suffering as a result of the fierce war endured by the

country. The OIC Secretary General also expressed his deep appreciation for the generous donations made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and by the Crown Prince and the Deputy Crown Prince.

Also, the Secretary General paid tribute to the significant contribution and manifest enthusiasm and generosity of the Saudi people in lending support towards relieving the sufferings of their Syrian brothers. He considered this initiative as a major humani-

tarian step, which is bound to have a positive impact on those affected by the difficult situation, particularly with regard to the conditions endured by the migrants facing the extreme cold weather. Al-Othaimeen described the public campaign as a start for assistance of a more comprehensive character and as an initiative that could be modeled after at the level of all the Islamic World.

OIC Humanitarian Funds, Turkey’s Relief Body Sign Partnership Agreement

T

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation Humanitarian Funds (OICHF), headquartered in Doha, signed a partnership agreement with Turkey’s Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) to promote cooperation between the two sides in the field of humanitarian work.

The agreement was signed by OICHF’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees Sheikh

26 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

Dr. Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and IHH Chief Executive Bulent Yildirim.

Under this strategic cooperation, the two parties seek to promote their regional and international presence, and build their capacities especially in the joint fields, and to cooperate in specific programs and projects that serve the mutual objectives of both parties.

“This agreement came within the vision of both international institutions for humanitarian work and their response to the growing needs of humanitarian development, in light of diminishing resources, which requires fostering joint efforts among actors to mobilize available resources and rationalize their use to meet the most urgent needs,” said an OICHF statement.

The statement noted that the purpose of this agreement is to regulate the management of strategic cooperation between the two parties, in a way that would allow them to achieve their common stra-

tegic goals efficiently and effectively.

The two sides agreed on joint cooperation to implement a number of projects including the establishment of Insan Agency for Crisis and Disaster Management, and Council and Fund for Orphans in the OIC member states, in addition to the establishment of Insan Open University in Turkey.

They also agreed to discuss opportunities to establish endowments to support the humanitarian work, and utilize the successful practices of Turkey’s relief body.

Further, they agreed to strengthen cooperation in the launch of a UN human rights bill on “humanitarian diplomacy” and to establish a joint system in the field of information and studies of humanitarian work.

Furthermore, they agreed to make use of the headquarters, offices and possibilities of both parties, in the countries where each party has regional branches, in favor of enhancing their humanitarian partnership.

www.oic-oci.org

OIC NEWS Al-Othaimeen: Coordination between OIC Institutions Ensures Synergetic Action

T

he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr, Yousef Al-Othaimeen, said the coordination meeting between the institutions and organs working under the umbrella of the OIC proved an effective mechanism for stronger coordination and synergy.

Speaking at the second session of the Annual Coordination Meeting of the OIC Institutions (ACMOI), convened on 4-5 December 2016 at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Dr. Al-Othaimeen described as highly commendable the mechanism for coordination between the OIC and all institutions working within its ambit.

He went on, “this mechanism has a synergetic, non-overlapping effect on the work of all OIC institutions. It has within a short

space of time yielded a matrix of activities intended to leverage joint action efforts to successfully implement the resolutions of the Islamic Summit Conference and the Council of Foreign Ministers.”

For the record, affiliated within the OIC are 26 organizations operating in economic, cultural, socioeconomic and other fields.

The OIC system also includes two Islamic universities, one based in Bangladesh and the other in Uganda.

For his part, ISESCO Director for External Relations and Cooperation Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah underlined, “these meetings of coordination between the institutions of the OIC system will qualitatively gear up joint Islamic action to live up to the hopes and aspirations of our Member States.”

IDB Vice-President for Cooperation and Capacity Development, Mr. Sayed Agha, speaking on behalf of the IDB chief, explained that the OIC institutions cannot achieve the objectives assigned to them in isolation and should liaise to rise up to the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah. This annual coordination meeting is an ideal platform on which to build, he emphasized.

The two-day second ACMOI meeting reviewed the work methods and tools used to carry out the resolutions of the Islamic Summit Conference and the CFM. It also featured an assessment of the achievements and efforts made, since last year’s session in December in Rabat, to achieve the goals set out in the OIC 2015-2025 programme of action.

UN Security Council Holds Briefing on OIC-UN Cooperation

T

he United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held at the United Nations General Secretariat in New York, on 17 November 2016, a briefing on the cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN).

The Council Meeting heard briefings from Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, Mr. Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Dr. Souleymane Bachir Diagne, Professor and Chair of the Department of French Ro-

Amb. Hameed Opeloyeru delivering the OIC statement

mance Philosophy at Columbia University.

These briefings mostly focused on enhancing the existing strategic partnership in countering extremist ideology and other mutual areas.

In addition, Security Council members affirmed the importance of enhancing OICUN cooperation in conflict prevention, counter-extremism and stressed the importance of fighting terrorism through adopting a comprehensive approach combined with security and developmental initiatives.

OIC and the United States Hold Inaugural Bilateral Consultations

A

delegation of representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation headed by Ambassador Yahya Lawal, Acting Director General for Political Affairs and Director for African Affairs, met on 21-22 December 2016 with counterparts from across the US Department of State in the inaugural OIC-US bilateral consultations.

www.oic-oci.org

Ambassador Thomas Shannon Jr., Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, welcomed the consultations and stressed the importance of maintaining close ties between the two organizations.

The two-day meeting was chaired by Mr. Arsalan Suleman, Acting Special Envoy of the United States of America to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The delegations exchanged views on a wide range of issues important to the OIC: including the situation in Palestine; the ongoing situation of the Rohingya Muslim Minority; the global refugee crisis; humanitarian assistance; The Istanbul Process; the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue; global women’s issues; terrorism

and other regional issues of mutual interest.

The two sides pledged their intent to continue to work collaboratively in a number of areas, particularly in preventing radicalization; increasing access to employment, particularly youth employment; promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue and continuing a number of strong partnerships including with USAID and programmes aimed at preventing violence against women.

Such bilateral consultations will further enhance cooperation between the OIC and the United States and will be held annually, alternating between Washington DC and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 27

OIC NEWS President of the Republic of Niger Receives OIC Secretary General

H

.E. President Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, during a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia met the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen at the Guest Palace in Makkah al-Mukarrama on 11 January 2017.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations between the Republic of Niger and the OIC and the latest developments in the Muslim world. They also reviewed a wide range of issues of common interest, particularly the question of Palestine and Al-Quds and combating violent extremism and terrorism by groups working to distort the reputation and image of Islam and destabilize some OIC Member States.

The Secretary General briefed the Niger President about the activities and initiatives of the OIC in various fields, including political, economic and humanitarian.

For his part, President Issoufou expressed his satisfaction with the efforts being made by the OIC and assured of the Republic of Niger’s continued support for the activities of the OIC.

Turkey Donates 1.8 Million Dollars to the OIC General Secretariat

I

n line with the pledge made by the President of Turkey, HE Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) received with much gratitude and appreciation a donation of 1.8 million US Dollars from the Republic of Turkey, a founding member of the OIC. The Secretary General of the OIC, Dr. Yousef Al Othaimeen, expressed utmost gratitude and most sincere thanks to His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish Government for so generous a donation, pointing out to the full commitment of

Turkey to the objectives and principles of the OIC. Turkey, chairs the current session of the Islamic Summit Conference, and actively involved in the various OIC programmes and activities.

Turkey concurrently also made 100.000 USD donation to the Islamic Solidarity Fund and another 100.000 USD to the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission.

For the record, His Excellency the Turkish President had announced a donation pledge to the General Secretariat of the OIC, during the 13th Islamic Summit Conference in Istanbul in April 2016.

Al-Othaimeen and Bokova Discuss Protection of Cultural Heritage during Conflicts

T

he Secretary General of the OIC, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Irina Bokova, the Director General of UNESCO on Friday, 6 January 2016, in UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

The two sides had useful and extensive exchange of views on various international and regional issues of common interest, regarding inter alia the protection of cultural heritage in the event of con-

flict; the fight against violent extremism and radicalism; the need to promote intercultural and inter-faith dialogue to achieve mutual respect; peaceful coexistence and long lasting peace and to combat the rising phenomenon of Islamophobia. Both sides agreed to remain engaged as well as further strengthen the bilateral cooperation on mutual issues, through the update of the OIC/UNESCO cooperation agreement signed in 1979.

Lebanon’s Mufti Appreciates OIC’s Efforts in Addressing Muslim World Challenges

T

he Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Ambassador Abdullah Abderrahman Alim, received at the OIC General Secretariat on Tuesday, 10 January 2017, His Eminence Sheikh Abdellatif

28 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

Faiz Darian, Mufti of the Republic of Lebanon and his accompanying delegation. His Eminence the Mufti expressed high appreciation for the OIC’s efforts to address the challenges facing the Muslim world stating that Lebanon takes pride in its membership of the OIC. The Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs affirmed the OIC’s continued support for the unity, security and stability of Lebanon and its keenness to preserve its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. He also expressed the OIC’s satisfaction with the election of the President of the Republic and the forming of a national government.

Ambassador Alim reaffirmed the crucial role of His Eminence the Mufti in preserving the Ummah’s faith and the important role the scholars of the Ummah play in clarifying the truth about the noble Islamic religion and highlighting its role in achieving security and stability by explaining its objectives, principles and values.

www.oic-oci.org

OIC NEWS High Level EU Commission Delegation Visits OIC General Secretariat

A

High Level Delegation from the European Union (EU) Commission led by Dr. Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, visited the OIC General Secretariat on 21 November 2016.

Ambassador Abdullah A. Alim, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, welcomed Dr. Hahn and members of his delegation at the OIC General Secretariat.

A formal meeting followed the brief welcome ceremony. During the meeting, both sides had extensive discussions on the cause of Palestine, the Middle East Peace Process and the current situation in

the region. They also discussed issues related to the refugees’ crisis, humanitarian assistance, fighting terrorism and violent extremism and cooperation in the cultural field and women’s rights.

Commissioner Dr. Hahn explained the European Neighborhood Policy and emphasized on strengthening mutual cooperation to address common challenges. Ambassador Abdullah Alim briefed the EU delegation on the OIC and its activities and shared Dr. Hahn’s sentiment to strengthen mutual cooperation in line with the MoU signed with the European Union in September 2015 for common interests.

OIC Secretary General Receives Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela

S

ecretary General of the OIC, Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, received in his office on 8 December 2016, Mr. Felix Plasencia González, Vice Minister for Middle East, Asia and Oceania of the Ministry for People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The Secretary General and his guest had useful and extensive exchange of views on various international and regional issues of common interest. Both sides agreed to remain engaged on mutual issues and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

On his part, Dr. Al-Othaimeen welcomed the interest of Venezuela in the programmes and activities of the OIC and to establish formal relations with the Organization. He reaffirmed OIC’s readiness to work with Venezuela on issues of shared interest.

OIC Participates in Global Forum for Migration and Development

A

n OIC delegation participated in the three-day 9th Summit of the Global Forum for Migration and Development under the theme ‘Migration for Sustainable Development’, which was inaugurated on Saturday, December 10, 2016 by the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Sheikh Hasina, at the Bangbandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.

This annual forum of discussion on the link between migration and development is an open space of exchange on migration’s pos-

www.oic-oci.org

itive dynamics and challenges over the years and its influence on our societies. This year the Forum is focused on the integration of migration issues within the SGDs. The forum is also an occasion to advance the discussions on the Global Compact on Migration annexed to the New York Declaration on refugees and migrants adopted by the NY summit held on 19 September 2016.

In her introductory remarks, The Hon’able Prime Minister of Bangladesh stated that in a diverse and connected world, migration

is beneficial and essential. She stressed that societies need to understand the benefits of diversity for harmony among all people, which is brought by migrants, adding that the challenge is how to facilitate safe, orderly and regular movement of people.

The OIC delegation was led by Amb. Aissata Kane, Acting Permanent Observer of the OIC Mission in Geneva. A cross section of participants from 125 countries, and over 35 UN Agencies, NGOs and international civil societies participated in the conference.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 29

HUMAN RIGHTS The Rights of Children during Armed Conflicts

the Focus of OIC Human Rights Commission

Jeddah – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is currently working in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to design a project for providing humanitarian aid for the benefit of children in the respective conflict areas of Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and the Central African Republic.

In addition, the OIC Department of Humanitarian Affairs has collaborated with the Qatif Charity Organization in launching a project to provide education and health care for the children of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Othaimeen disclosed this in his speech at the tenth session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held at the OIC General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah on 29 November 2016.

The Secretary General added that the project is similar to the initiative taken by the OIC after the 2004 tsunami disaster, by establishing an Islamic alliance in coordination with the Islamic humanitarian organizations and OIC Member States to provide humanitarian assistance to the children victims of the tsunami.

Al-Othaimeen said that “the protection and promotion of children’s rights in situations of armed conflict, foreign occupation, emergencies and disasters, which is the theme of the current session of the Commission, comes at a time when conflicts and crises as well as humanitarian emergencies infringe on children’s rights and the international human rights law.”

He warned that children in these circumstances may be separated from their families and be subjected to violence, mistreatment and forced labour because of poverty, or may be forced to join armed militias.

Proceedings of the 10th Session of IPHR. Beside IPHRC Commission Members, the session was attended by Dr. Abdul Salam Al Abadi, Secretary of International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) and relevant international human rights experts from UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF and Islamic Development Bank (IDB). Representatives of OIC Member and Observer States,

30 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

their National Human Rights Institutions and media also attended and actively participated in the open proceedings of the Session.

The traditional thematic debate of the Session was held on 29 November 2016 on the subject of ‘Protecting and Promoting Rights of Children during Situations of Armed Conflict, Foreign Occupation, Emergencies and Disasters’.

In his opening remarks, IPHRC Chairperson, Ambassador Abdul Wahab, lauded the efforts of Dr. Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the OIC, in expediting the conclusion of the IPHRC Headquarters Agreement with the host government and thanked the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the steadfast and generous support in establishment of the Headquarters.

Referring to the subject of thematic debate, the Chairperson emphasized that protection and promotion of children’s rights must be accorded highest priority through an integrated rights based multisectoral approach to break the vicious cycle of human and nature related precipitating factors.

According to him, achieving all the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and OIC Plan of Action 2025, especially those related to ending poverty and child labor; addressing gender inequality and harmful practices; and promoting health and education, access to justice and creation of accountable and inclusive institutions will help reduce the risk of violence in children’s lives and provide effective remedies for victims.

The Commission members, OIC General Secretariat, panelists and representatives of Member States had an exhaustive and fruitful discussion that underlined the vulnerability of children in crises and risks they confront in volatile situations and accordingly defined general framework for humanitarian actions.

During the five days session, the Commission had in depth discussion on all items on its agenda including human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC Member States as well as specific mandates given to it by the Council of Foreign Ministers such as Islamophobia and incitement to hatred; Standing Mechanism for monitoring human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) and human rights situation of Muslim minorities in Myanmar and Central African Republic (CAR).

Human Rights in Palestine & MyanmarWhile condemning the deteriorating human rights situation and extrajudicial killings in Palestine, including innocent children, at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces, and establishment and expansion of illegal settlements, the OIC Human Rights Commission urged the Member States and the international community to call for an immediate action by the UN Security Council to intervene for cessation of hostilities against Palestinians and counter the Israeli attempt to change the demographic composition of wider city of Al-Quds.

Further, the Commission endorsed the proposal that Member States should consider imposing strict ban on import of products from Israeli settlements, reinforcing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions regime.

The Commission also discussed and adopted the report of its visit

www.oic-oci.org

HUMAN RIGHTS

Children pose for a photo in Salah al-Din area, the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, Syria (epa) Syrian and Iraqi refugee children, along Lebanese children, during an international affair in Beirut, Lebanon (epa)

to Palestine, earlier in 2016, which provided firsthand information on the sufferings of Palestinians and Israeli violations of human rights including specific recommendations.

Islamophobia The Commission acknowledged that Islamophobia continues to present one of the grave challenges to the Muslim Ummah.

The major indicators are the rise of far-right groups across the world and spread of this phenomenon to nontraditional regions

T

OIC Human Rights Commission and the Government of Saudi Arabia Sign the IPHRC Headquarters Agreement

he Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) concluded the Headquarters Agreement with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on February 2, 2016.

On behalf of the host government, H.E. Mr. Azzam A. Al Gain, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, and from the Commission, Mr. Marghoob Saleem Butt, Executive Director of the IPHRC Secretariat, signed the Agreement at an official ceremony held at the KSA Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh.

In 2011, IPHRC was established as one of the principle organs of the OIC to provide independent expert advice on all human rights issues to the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM). The 41st Session of the OIC CFM, held in June 2104, decided that IPHRC Secretariat will be based in Jeddah, KSA. The signing of the IPHRC Headquarters Agreement reaffirms the commitment

www.oic-oci.org

such as Asia and Africa.

It was noted that the rise of incidents of discrimination against Muslims and distortion of Islam is often due to the ignorance and lack of understanding of Islam.

The Commission stressed the need to provide necessary material and human resources to the OIC Islamophobia Observatory to monitor Islamophobic acts, publications and utterances on a daily basis with a view to removing misperceptions by issuing rejoinders and calling on the authorities concerned to take appropriate remedial measures.

IPHRC also expressed willingness to jointly work with the OIC’s Dialogue and Outreach Department to develop a counter narrative to comprehensively combat the phenomenon of Islamophobia in coordination and cooperation with the Member States, the international community and the UN Human Rights mechanisms.

Recalling its recent report on the subject, adopted by the 43rd Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), IPHRC decided to continue to work on the subject by writing reports and holding events to raise awareness about this contemporary form of racism and human rights violation.

of the Government of the KSA, as host country, to provide requisite resources and facilitation for the effective functioning of this independent organ of the OIC. The Government of the KSA has also provided a separate Headquarters building for the independent functioning of the IPHRC Secretariat.

On behalf of the Commission, Mr. Marghoob Butt, thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Government of the KSA for their generous support and continued cooperation to the Commission including necessary logistical support for its

effective functioning. He also thanked the OIC Member States and the OIC Secretary General for their full moral and material support to facilitate the work of the IPHRC and requested them to continue extending the needed support to the Commission to perform its mandated tasks in an organized and efficient manner.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 31

OPINION Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights as Human Rights

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

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced reforms banning female infanticide and granting women a series of rights, for instance, right to choose her husband; right to keep her maiden name; and right to have financial independence, while the husband is responsible for providing for her and her children’s sustenance

exual and reproductive health rights are human rights. These are neither new rights nor optional. Intrinsic to a range of internationally binding treaties, ensuring these rights imply protection of a wide variety of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.

The global protection and promotion of rights relating to sexual and reproductive health have advanced significantly in the last few decades. National constitutions and laws as well as international human rights instruments have begun to emphasize that reproductive and sexual health is not just a health issue; it is also a social justice, human rights and development issue.

Article 16 of CEDAW explicitly provides for human rights regarding family planning services, care and nutrition during pregnancy and information, education and means to decide the number and spacing of one’s children. CEDAW also provides a mechanism to monitor States’ laws, practices and policies for their compliance with the international obligations under the treaty.

The concept and articulation of reproductive rights are based on fundamental belief that women possess thinking and feeling persona, which is influenced by their particular social, economic, and cultural environment and in process creates certain expectations and aspirations about pursuing their reproductive choices.

The concepts of ‘autonomy’ and ‘choice’, which are pivotal in discourse on reproductive rights, are influenced by social and cultural factors that vary widely, even within one region or country. For example, the marriageable age within UK is 18 in England while it is 16 in Scotland (similar variations exist at other places such as US). This difference has no medical/scientific reason but is deeply rooted in history, local traditions and customs. Therefore, while emphasizing autonomy the influence of history and socio cultural norms cannot be underestimated. Also, the Western notion of autonomy, which is based on concepts of privacy and individual rights may be less relevant to Muslim women who value interdependence of individuals, families and communities. Therefore, a cultural perspective that clarifies the link between the global and local norms must be developed and respected.

It is because of these sensitivities that in guiding the implementation of the recommendations contained in the ICPD, clear recognition is given to the fact that the “implementation of the recommendations is the sovereign right of each country consistent with its national laws and development priorities with full respect for various religious and ethical values and cultural backgrounds of its people….”.

Islam does not treat reproduction as mere mechanics, as isolated biological events of conception and birth; rather it is considered as a lifelong process inextricably linked and intricately balanced in a marital relationship of corresponding ‘rights and responsibilities’. Husband and wife form the nucleus of a family. Their relationship is described in Holy Quran as having two major qualities: ‘Love’ (passion, friendship, companionship), and ‘Mercy’ (understanding, reconciliation, tolerance, forgiveness) within the overall objective of achieving ‘Tranquility’. (Sura Ar-Rum:21) The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced reforms banning female infanticide and granting women a series of rights, for instance, right to choose her husband; right to keep her maiden name; and right to have financial independence, while the husband is responsible for providing for her and her children’s sustenance.

So where are the problems? In some cases, misinterpretation and abuse of Islamic teachings are shown as the tenets of Islam. Alternatively, communities confronting problems of poverty, illiteracy and under development have prevalence of gender discrimination and certain harmful practices, which distort the inherent egalitarianism of Islam. Beyond Muslim societies, even in countries where reproductive laws are less restrictive, women’s access to reproductive health services is hampered by inequalities of educational level and economic resources, as well as urban/rural divide in availability of services.

As would also be true in most developing countries, the gaps between legal frameworks and reality are stark, and a legal right does not guarantee access or necessarily protect women from repercussions or discrimination. Therefore, in the absence of economic justice and equality, reproductive rights for women will remain elusive in every society.

Considering above as an issue of concern, the OIC Secretary General has formed a Permanent Consultative Committee (comprising members of OIC General Secretariat, OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission and International Islamic Fiqh Academy) with the task to come up with clear definitions of important concepts/terms relating to right to sexual and reproductive health. Once finalized, the work of the Committee would serve as concrete guidance for the Member States to take informed positions/ decisions when discussing these issues at international forums as well as while devising and implementing corresponding policies and actions at home.

32 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

www.oic-oci.org

CULTURE Amman Arab Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture 2017

T

he history of Amman goes back to 7000 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Amman is an ancient city that sits atop the ruins of a city that was first called “Rabbath Ammoun”, then Philadelphia, and ultimately Amman, derived from Rabbath Ammoun. The city, built on seven hills, was the Ammonites’ capital and seemingly the region’s center at the time.

Amman’s different monuments are indicative of the many civilizations it witnessed over its long history, especially the Ammonite civilization. The Roman Amphitheater is located in East Amman, on Al Jawfa mountainside facing Amman Citadel.

www.oic-oci.org

The amphitheater was used for theatrical, musical and artistic shows. Next to it is the Forum Square, and together they occupy 7600 m2. Both the amphitheater and square were built in the 2nd century BC. There are two museums on both sides of the amphitheater: the Jordan Folklore Museum, which documents the evolution of Jordanian lifestyle and Jordanians’ use of tools and furniture throughout the previous century, especially in the countryside, and Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions, devoted to traditional costumes, jewelry, cosmetic items used by women in Jordanian cities.

As for Jabal al-Qal’a (Citadel Hill), which stands 135 meters above sea level, it still encloses remnants of Ammonite palaces, and components of Islamic heritage dating back to the Umayyad era such as the Umayyad Palace, the Umayyad Water Cistern and the Umayyad Mosque. On top of Jabal Al-Qal’a, there is the Jordan Archaeological Museum, established in 1951.

In addition to holy sites associated with biblical prophets, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan boasts a rich Islamic heritage, which includes mausoleums, mosques and sites echoing events having marked the lives of companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

King Hussein Mosque in Amman is the official and biggest mosque of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The mosque, which

was built in 2006, reflects the Islamic architecture predominant in many archeological sites in Jordan.

As one of the most important cultural centers in the Middle East, Jordan is known for its cultural and artistic buoyancy and its capital Amman offers a number of prestigious theaters, showrooms and art exhibitions.

Jabal al-Qal’a and the Roman Amphitheater are the most important theaters in Amman.

Amman is also home to numerous museums such as the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Jordan Museum, Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions, the Martyrs’ Memorial and Museum, Jordan Archaeological Museum, Children’s Museum, and the Royal Automobile Museum.

Amman’s natural and ecological diversity is also vast. The drive from Amman, in the mountains, to the shores of the Dead Sea, is a descent of 1,200m in less than an hour.

Most of the land is desert plateau, but the uplands are temperate and the Jordan Valley semitropical.

Amman is a model of Jordan’s diversity.

High-tech companies rub shoulders with the shops of traditional craftsmen, and glass skyscrapers rise from the hills. In the valleys below, itinerant shepherds still graze their flocks.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 33

CULTURE IRCICA Repairs what Wars and Conflicts have Damaged of Islamic Heritage The Roman Theater in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria (epa)

The minaret of a clay-mosque in Timbuktu, Mali (epa)

Istanbul – The Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) aims to revive Islamic monuments affected in wars and conflict zones especially in Syria, Iraq and Mali where terrorist groups have destroyed a great part of its historical monuments.

The Center’s Director, Halit Eren, said that his institution, which is affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and has its head office in Istanbul, aims to

34 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

revive Islamic affected monuments in war zones.

Eren added in his interview with Anadolu Agency: “IRCICA center cooperates with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officials to restore the smuggled monuments from war and conflict zones.”

He states that the center is cooperating with UNESCO about the inventory works since the war began in the city of Aleppo and that they will meet later in the American University of Beirut to rebuild and revive the affected monuments in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

Since June 2014, ‘Daesh’ persist on the destruction of archaeological, civilization and cultural landmarks in the dominated areas in Syria, and in particular the cities of Mosul and Nimrud in Iraq and Palmyra in Syria.

According to Eren, the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) intends to establish a ‘books hospital’ to reform and renew historical affected books and to supervise the training and qualifying of employees in a prominent Turkish institution to work in the new project.

He added: “we had another project covering the period of 2005-2015 to protect the remaining historical heritage within the walls of Jerusalem, and we are conducting academic research about it to ensure their survival and protection from neglect and forgetfulness.”

He affirmed that the center has presided on

the publication of books about Jerusalem during the Ottoman Empire, and displayed them in various exhibitions around the world as they contain very important historical information and documents about that era of history. Eren also revealed that the center has recently signed a protocol with the Ministry of Culture in Mali in order to protect more than 370 thousand of ancient Islamic manuscripts in the Malian city, Timbuktu, which is considered be one of the most important Islamic capitals in West Africa.

He pointed to the importance of these historic manuscripts for the Islamic heritage, as Timbuktu is considered to be one of the most important Islamic cultures and science centers throughout history, and has thousands of monuments.

The director of IRCICA mentioned that the center will begin with the implementation of the Protocol starting from January 2017.

From his point, Abdelkader Hydra, the chief executive officer of saving the Islamic manuscripts and cultural heritage in Timbuktu project, said: “Mali has a great importance in terms of Islamic culture and writing heritage, despite of being an African country.”

Hydra explained: “The historical books in the city include writings about Holy Quran sciences, philosophy, history, astronomy, mathematics, notes and diaries, as well as Turkish written letters.”

www.oic-oci.org

CULTURE Daesh Crimes Turn Assyrian Era Nimrud Civilisation to Ruins

Mosul (dpa) – Following the destruction of one of the oldest heritage sites in Iraq and the world, the Iraqi armed forces were able to reclaim the sites of the Nimrud civilization in the Nineveh Province, which had been built in the Assyrian era, after almost two and a half years of occupation by Daesh.

According to historical documents, Nimrud is the local Arabic name of the Assyrian city of Calah (Kalakh), which was built in Iraq on the bank of the Tigris River by the Assyrian king Shalmaneser I who made it his capital during the mid Assyrian empire.

The civilization of Nimrud, which is situated in the southeast of Mosul on its left coast, is a civilisational heritage that dates back to 7BC. It reflects the civilization of the Assyrian state, which is one of the oldest historical periods in the world.

The Daesh group, which invaded Iraq in mid June 2014, was able to destroy all the heritage sites – Ziggurat, the temple and civilization of Nimrud, tombs of prophets and righteous people, churches and monastery, and Yazidi temples – in the most violent wave of aggression Iraq has seen in centuries. They turned all these sites to ruins after the group had pulverized them with explosives.

The Nimrud civilization and its big museum, which contain pieces of antiquities and manuscripts, reflect the historical heritage of this long civilization that served humanity with various arts and sciences. The Winged Bull, the most prominent feature of the Nimrud civilization, has become scattered pieces.

www.oic-oci.org

No wave of occupation that swept through Iraq for centuries dared to touch these heritage sites except some pilfering or items that were taken to international museums to showcase to the public. Anyone who sees the Nimrud antiquities today would be stunned at the damage and destruction of these sites. The images would linger in the memories of those who are keenly interested in the antiquities, the locals who have lived close to the sites or those who have formed memories of them during their previous visits to the sites.

While the world stood perplexed seeing the video clips circulated by Deash of the destruction of these heritage sites using sledgehammers, explosives or excavation, the real scene of the place today is harsher because of its atrociousness.

Sheikh Ahmad Ibrahim, one of the notables of the Naiva village, which is a short distant from the heritage sites of Nimrud, liberated recently from the grip of Daesh by Iraqi forces and the tribal mobilization told the German News Agency (dpa) that “Daesh stole all the valuable antiquities before the destruction and demolition.” “At that time,” he added, “the Daesh criminal elements imposed a curfew before commencing the excavation, with dozens of trucks bearing registration plates of the Syrian Raqqa Province waiting in the area while they stole the antiquities and loaded them on the trucks.”

He recalled that: “after loading large quantities of the pieces of antiquities and the departure of the trucks, Daesh members

instructed the locals and inhabitants of villages in the neighbourhood of the Nimrud heritage site to leave their homes and keep the windows open as they would bulldoze the ancient sites because their existence is prohibited, a breach of the Islamic Sharia and that idols cannot be worshipped and visited in the Islamic state.”

Brigadier Bashar Al-Saati of the 9th Brigade of the Iraqi army, which supervises Nimrud heritage village, the Naiva village and the neighbouring Naamaniya village, said: “the holding of the ground is now under the control of the Iraqi forces and the tribal mobilization who are inhabitants of the village given that they know the nature of the area well.” He added that the Iraqi army has neutralized about 20 explosives buried under the rubble that had been planted to target the Iraqi forces. Our forces continue to comb the area and to remove other explosives left behind by Daesh in the heritage sites or under the rubble.

Iraqi officials believe that the European and American archeological teams that worked in Iraq would be greatly disappointed as they see with their own eyes – if allowed to visit Iraq – the quantum of destruction wrought by Daesh, which has changed this city to rubble and scattered pieces that are difficult to restore to their previous state. Dr. Jamal Hikmat, the curator of the Nineveh Province, said: “The Daesh terrorists deliberately demolished and bulldozed this civilizational edifice that dates back to thousands of years in order to wipe out civilizations, particularly the Assyrian civilization, and used the method of excavation and destruction to obliterate the antiquities and civilizations of Mosul.” He added: “The Iraqis are determined to rebuild these sites, but of course important artifacts stolen by Daesh will be missing. The international community should cooperate with Iraq to return them because they are part of Iraq’s stolen treasure, and it is difficult for Iraq alone to return them to their original places.”

The Iraqi General Commission for Antiquities and Heritage at the Iraqi Ministry of Culture began with forming field teams to collate and evaluate the damages done to heritage sites in the liberated Nimrud region ahead of initial steps for rescue and rehabilitation projects.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 35

CULTURE The simplicity of marriage in Tajikistan …

one sheep and $300 dowry only

Dushanbe (IINA): Marriage in Tajikistan is connected to some ancient traditions whether in the way of engagement, marriage ceremony, or even in the served foods at the wedding.

Marriage ceremony in Tajikistan begins when the man chooses the family that he wants to marry from. Then, the man goes along with his mother to the bride’s house to see her. If he liked her, he would tell her a traditional wise-saying or proverb that summarizes the qualities of a perfect wife according to Tajik. The proverb says: ‘you must be a good woman who respects my and can and do the house’.

But in the villages, the bride is chosen by the parents and the groom is not allowed to see her until after the wedding ceremony, pinning his hopes on the honesty of his mother and relatives’ descriptions of the bride’s beauty and gentleness.

Just as the engagement has rituals, the wedding ceremony has rituals too. It begins three days before the ceremony in what is called

by Tajik ‘firewood news’ as the groom and 20 or 30 of his friends gathered firewood and carry them to his house, where his welcomes them and the neighbors celebrate by serving sweets and songs.

Tajik people take the idea of marriage with great simplicity, especially after the issuance of government legislation endorsing this simplicity. Tajik customs oblige the groom to only bring a certain amount of cotton enough to fill 10 pillows and 12 mattresses in different sizes and a dowry usually ranging between 300 to 500 US Dollars.

As for the cost of the food served in the wedding ceremony, it is

36 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

negotiable. Usually the groom or his family brings one sheep, 30 to 50 kg of rice, 50 kg of carrots, 50 liter of oil, 20 kg of onions and the same amount raisins to the bride’s house in order to make delicious dishes of “osh or pilaw” which is famous in Tajikistan, and to serve it in the ceremony.

The day before the wedding ceremony is held, which is usually on Saturday or Sunday, one of the oldest Tajik rituals in marriage takes place. It is called “damad talban” which means “request of the groom” where the man goes with his friends to the bride’s house and when everyone takes their seats on the dining table prepared for them, the groom remains standing until a precious gift is given to him.

On the day of the wedding, the groom goes with a small group of his friends to the bride’s house to complete the marriage “nikoh” process followed by the newlyweds eating sweets. Then in the evening the wedding ceremony starts by dividing the groom’s friends into two groups, one stays in the groom’s house to serve the guests and the other one accompanies the groom to the bride’s house.

When the groom arrives with his friends to the bride’s house, they start to sing an old Tajik song. They continue singing until the bride comes out, and then they go with her to the groom’s house.

When the newlyweds arrive to the groom’s house, the ritual of “damad talban” takes place again but reversed this time. The bride refuses to enter her room until a precious gift is given to her. When the groom’s father gives her a gift only then the bride enters her room.

www.oic-oci.org

ISLAMOPHOBIA Forum on Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination Focuses on Solutions New York – The OIC Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations together with Permanent Missions of Canada, the United States, and the EU Delegation co-organized on Tuesday, 17 January 2017, a High Level Forum on combating anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred.

The Forum, held at the UN headquarters in New York, brought together representatives of governments, civil society and individuals from the academia.

Throughout the Forum deliberations, there was a clear recognition of the rise of antiMuslim discrimination and hatred in many parts of the world and a general consensus on the need for a concerted effort by all sectors of society to focus on solutions to this growing challenge.

Ambassador Moiz Bokhari, Advisor to the OIC Secretary General, addressed the daylong Forum, and stressed that the OIC is gravely concerned at the mounting trend of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims.

He emphasized that the causes of the rise of anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred in many parts of the world are manifold.

They include the rise of xenophobic political discourse and movements, upsurge in the extremist ideologies and related terrorist attacks across the world, global migration crisis due to unresolved political issues, and promotion of negative stereotypes and misinformation against Muslims based on ignorance of Islam by various forms of media.

He also recognized the need to counter all types of radical extremist discourse, including through education as well as the media and new communications technologies, particularly the Internet, in order to delegitimize the violent and manipulative acts committed in the name of religion, ideology or claim of cultural supremacy.

Ambassador Bokhari also underscored that discrimination and hatred do not represent a threat to Muslims only, but it constitute a threat to the very principles of justice,

www.oic-oci.org

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

equality, freedom and harmony. According to him, this brings out the need to address all forms of discrimination and hatred, in particular on the basis of religion or belief, by applying universal standards to provide equal protection to all targeted groups and religions, in all parts of the world. He pointed out that the OIC considers the UN HRC Resolution 16/18 titled “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief” an important tool to counter radicalization, marginalization and alienation, and calls for its effective implementation by the international community.

In a video message to the High-Level forum, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that Anti-Muslim hate crimes and other forms of bigotry are on the rise. He urged people to see diversity as a richness and not as a threat.

He announced that The United Nations is launching an effort to promote respect, safety and dignity for all called the “Together” campaign.

Many speakers at the forum underscored

the connections between anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred and other forms of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance, including Antisemitism and anti-immigrant discrimination. In discussing possible solutions, there was broad recognition of the need to address all forms of discrimination and hatred, in particular on the basis of religion or belief, in all parts of the world by applying universal standards to provide equal protection to all individuals.

During the panel discussion on government policies to combat anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred, expert representatives from governments and intergovernmental organizations presented various strategies and best practices for combating anti-Muslim discrimination.

The panel on positive narratives to promote pluralism and inclusion highlighted the vital role played by various forms of media in framing social understanding of Muslims and minority groups in general. There was a clear recognition of the challenge of access to media outlets for members of vulnerable groups and the importance of accurate and effective representation of such groups.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 37

ISLAMOPHOBIA US President’s Executive Order Restricting Entry into the US Raises Concern A rally in response to the Trump administration›s ‹Muslim Ban› executive order at Brooklyn Borough Hall in New York (epa)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed grave concern at the Executive Order passed by the US President banning nationals of 7 OIC Member States from the United States and excluding those holding valid visas and permanent residence cards from entry.

The 90-day ban affects travel to the US by citizens of Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Iraq (later excluded).

The order also suspends refugee admissions for 120 days and indefinitely bars the processing of refugees from Syria.

The OIC General Secretariat stated that this decision will further complicate the already grave challenges facing refugees.

As a result of this ban many of those fleeing war and persecution have been adversely and unjustly affected.

OIC stressed that such selective and discriminatory acts will only serve to embolden the radical narratives of extremists and will provide further fuel to the advocates of violence and terrorism at a critical time when the OIC has been engaged with all partners, including the US, to combat extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations.

The OIC called on the United States government to reconsider the blanket decision and maintain its moral obligation to provide leadership and hope at a time of great uncertainty and unrest in the world.

Global Anger The US President’s order to restrict people from the seven OIC member states from entering the United States sparked confusion and anger after immigrants and refugees

38 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

were kept off flights and left stranded in airports.

Civil rights and faith groups, activists and Democratic politicians were furious and vowed to fight the order.

The new rules trapped people in transit and families waiting for them, and caused havoc for businesses with employees holding passports from the targeted nations and colleges with international students.

Some leaders from the U.S. technology industry, a major employer of foreign workers, issued warnings to their staff and called the order immoral and un-American.

Sudan, one of the countries affected by the restriction, called the action “very unfortunate” after Washington lifted sanctions on the country just weeks ago for cooperation on combating terrorism.

US allies in the United Kingdom, France and Germany were also critical. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted a photo of himself welcoming Syrian refugees.

In Germany, which has taken in large numbers of people fleeing the Syrian civil war, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the global fight against terrorism was no excuse for the measures and “does not justify putting people of a specific background or faith under general suspicion.”

The Arab League - whose members include many of the countries included in the ban - also expressed deep concern and said the restrictions were unjustified.

In Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said her country deeply regretted US President’s plans for “extreme vetting” of people from some Muslim

countries.

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said “open society, plural identity, no discrimination” were the “pillars of Europe”, while the Danish, Swedish and Norwegian governments also registered their opposition.

IPHRC Expresses Concern The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also joined the international community and human rights organizations in expressing strong concerns over the deeply divisive Executive Order of the U.S President.

The IPHRC stated that the principle of nonrefoulement is a key facet of international refugee law that concerns the protection of refugees from being returned or expelled to places where their lives or freedoms are threatened. It is a well-established principle of customary law as well as that of international human rights and humanitarian laws.

The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights, Article 22(7) of the American Convention on Human Rights and Article 27 of the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man also provide ample guidance on the subject.

Accordingly, all law abiding and peace loving countries, including the United States, are expected to welcome refugees fleeing war, oppression and persecution to guarantee their right to life, security and protection without any distinction based on race, religion, ethnicity and origin.

www.oic-oci.org

ISLAMOPHOBIA Observatory

Last Quarter of 2016 Recorded Worst Cases of Islamophobia

Protesters denounce the US-enacted travel ban from Muslim-majority countries, outside the Islamic Center of Southern California (epa)

The Islamophobia Observatory of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reports that Islamophobia seems to have reached an intractable point during the last quarter of 2016 for it continued to grow high since the last few years without any sign of decline.

In its latest report, the Islamophobia Observatory based at the OIC General Secretariat noted that during the last three months of 2016, the graphic was even constantly high, reflected by the wide scale of negative narratives against Islam as well as incidents targeting mosques, Islamic Centers, Muslim individuals and Communities, and women wearing veil or hijab.

Mosques and Islamic Centers are the most common target during the period as the OIC Islamophobia Observatory noted at

www.oic-oci.org

least 16 major incidents of vandalism and burning of mosques and prayer facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden, UK and Netherlands.

The report by the OIC Islamophobia Observatory stressed that the confirmation of Donald Trump’s Presidency has left Muslims living in the US with deep concerns.

The Islamophobia Observatory also noted that Trump’s election has also bolstered right-wing forces elsewhere in the world, particularly in Europe, where right-wing parties continued to gain increased support particularly in France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary and Italy.

The report urged close attention to be focused on Slovakia, which in December approved a law that would ban Islam from

becoming a state religion.

The Observatory also reports that Islamophobia stands sturdy in Myanmar parallel with human rights and political issues.

During the latest three months of 2016, the situation of Rohingya Muslims was even becoming the constant headlines of world media due to the harsh approach applied by the Burmese Security Forces following the incident on 9 October where 9 police officers were killed.

Similarly, the OIC Islamophobia Observatory noted a significant wave of Islamophobia from Israel as representatives of Israel’s Knesset approved what was known as the ‘Muezzin Bill’ for banning religious leaders from using loudspeakers or public address systems to summon worshippers for prayers. While the bill was primarily targeted at curbing noise pollution, the proposed law contained a clause harmful to the freedom of religion. The Observatory believes that the law was targeted at Muslims.

In terms of positive developments, the Observatory hails Canada’s decision to pass the motion that condemned Islamophobia and recognized that extremists did not represent the faith in the country or elsewhere.

The Observatory also noted that in countries where Islamophobia is most concerning, legal measures against Islamophobes were also plausibly on going. In the US and the UK. Amidst the growing trend of Islamohobia, the report observed that interfaith dialogue was taking place in different countries around the world.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 39

FAMILY

AFFAirs Resolutions on Empowering Women at

the 6th Ministerial Conference on Role of Women in Development

President of Turkey in a group photo with participants in the women’s conference in Istanbul

Istanbul – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held the 6th Session of the Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of OIC Member States on Wednesday, 2 November 2016, in the city of Istanbul under the theme “The Status of Women in the OIC Member States in Light of the Current Challenges”.

The session was attended by H.E the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the First Lady, Mrs. Emine Erdogan.

The Ministers discussed and adopted four important resolutions, over a period of two days, concerning women empowerment and their role in the development of the OIC Member States.

The resolutions concern expediting the ratification of the Organization of Women’s Development Statute; appointing OIC goodwill ambassadors in the field of maintaining family values and empowering women; adopting the updated OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW); and adopting the concept paper on the establishment of the OIC Women Council (OWC).

40 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

H.E the President of the Republic of Turkey gave a welcoming address affirming that his country will make best use of its chairmanship of the 13th Session of the Islamic Summit by giving due attention to the status of women in the OIC Member States.

President Erdogan commended the positive developments taking place with respect to the establishment of the OIC Women Council (OWC) proposed by Turkey during the Istanbul Summit held in April 2016. H.E called for conducting a sound evaluation of the status of women in the Member States and for providing opportunities for the participation of women in the development of the Member States.

On his part, the OIC Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, on behalf the Secretary General emphasized the importance of preparing policies, strategies and programs, as well as enhancing the laws and legislations based on noble and tolerant Islamic laws that aim at improving the participation of women in the development process and empowering them to address the challenges they face.

Ambassador Opeloyeru added that the

agenda of the Session is considered very important to achieving the various goals aimed at enhancing the role of women in the social and economic development of the OIC Member States.

The ministers reviewed the most important challenges facing Member States in the field of women empowerment and advancement, as well as the obstacles to the achievement of the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW).

The session also shed light on the obligations of Member States in the next phase as stated in the final communique of the Islamic Summit held in Istanbul in April 2016 in the area of ​​promoting women advancement and empowerment in Member States.

The Conference also reviewed and approve the outcome of the intergovernmental expert meeting on updating OPAAW held at the General Secretariat headquarters in November 2015 and discussed the implementation of the revised plan and developing indicators for monitoring and periodic evaluation of its implementation.

The Ministerial Conference also devoted a special session to review the proposal of the

www.oic-oci.org

FAMILY

AFFAirs

Republic of Turkey on the establishment of a supreme advisory women council.

The session also featured presentations on the review of the efforts of the OIC General Secretariat in implementing the recommendations of the Fifth Session of the Ministerial Conference on Women, the policies of Member States on women advancement and empowerment, as well as presentations of the participating delegations on national policies and procedures in this area.

The presentations also include educational and pedagogical procedures taken by Member States to combat violence against women and achieve justice and equality between genders, as well as the OIC’s efforts to alleviate the economic, social, and psychological effects on women and girls in fragile areas.

The Ministers also reviewed the contribution of Muslim women in waqf and charity work throughout the Islamic history and the establishment of an observatory to correct the image of women in the media, along with the OIC efforts in the implementation of UNSC resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in Member States.

The OPAAW: The OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW) is an innovative approach that articulates the OIC Member States’ commitment in addressing a range of challenges faced by women. Therefore, through the OPAAW, OIC is taking steps towards eliminating all acts of discrimination against women in order to reduce inequalities between women and men pursuant to the Islamic values of justice and equality. The OIC seeks to improve the status of women through partnership with men and women, NGOs, communities and the private sector.

It also seeks to restore the honorable social and economic status given to women. The OPAAW seeks to ensure the respect of international, regional and national commitments towards the promotion and protection of women’s rights as enshrined in the international covenants and the values of the Islamic world.

The OIC Member States believe that the adoption and implementation of the OPAAW will go further in supporting both individuals and collective efforts to improve the status of women in the Muslim world.

political, economic, social and cultural representation of women in all levels of decision-making.

2. Education: providing equal opportunities for all women and girls to have access to quality education, vocational and skills training as well as literacy programmes.

3. Health: improving women and girls’ access to quality healthcare and services, to clean water and sanitation as well as adequate and healthy nutrition.

4. Economic empowerment: enhancing women’s access to equal economic opportunities in the public and private sector.

5. Social protection: improving and ensuring women’s social needs, safety and wellbeing.

6. Protection of women from violence: combating any form of gender based violence, human trafficking and other harmful traditional practices against women and girls.

7. Women in crisis situations: Ensuring women’s protection and access to humanitarian assistance during armed conflicts, natural and man-made disasters, foreign occupation, forced displacement and other vulnerable situations, particularly, rural women. OIC Member States will also promote the role of women in conflict resolution, peace and security.

OIC Women Council: The OIC Women Council is offered as a structure to perform advocacy and advisory counseling functions that would play a global role regarding the policies and programs on increasing women’s status in OIC

Member States. In addition, it will aim at developing a global platform to address and announce the key issues and challenges facing women in OIC Member States.

The OIC Women Council will also play a role in developing policies to ensure that the women in OIC Member States are involved in the development process. It shall address the contemporary problems and challenges facing Muslim women and propose necessary recommendations and solutions accordingly.

The Coucil shall act as an advisory forum and guide on issues of women and recommend policies to the OIC Member States’ Ministries in charge of women issues. Thus its mandate include reviewing current OIC women programs and initiatives and making necessary policy recommendations; conducting surveys and research on women’s issues; identify critical areas of women development and advise on these issues; propose new projects to the OIC institutions and member states in regards to women empowerment; network with local and international women’s groups and service agencies and participate in international forums.

The OIC Women Council will consist of 15 women members, ten from OIC regions and 5 from Muslim communities, for a four-year term. It will convene at least once a year.

The nominations for membership are by the member states – those from the Muslim communities will be nominated by the OIC Secretary general – and allow for a diverse representation and broad inclusion.

The OPAAW identified 7 objectives: 1. Decision making participation: Ensuring

www.oic-oci.org

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 41

FAMILY

AFFAirs

OIC Supports Role of Women in Peace Processes

T

he OIC has always taken a clear position on issues related to women involvement in the socio- economic, political and decision-making spheres in the Muslim world, in accordance with principles of Islam that has always recognized the pivotal role of women in building families and societies.

OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen stressed this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mrs. Mehla Talebna, Director General of Department of Cultural, Social and Family Affairs, at the Second International Women and Justice Summit, held on 25 November 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey with the attendance of Turkish President H.E. Recep TayyipErdogan.

The Ministry of Family and Social Policy in Turkey and the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM) organized the two-day Summit.

It coincided with the occasion of International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women celebrated on 25 November.

In the speech delivered at the ministerial level roundtable meeting on the role of women in peace processes and the status of women refugees, Mrs. Talebna indicated that both the OIC Ten-Year Plan of Action (2005-2015), and the new OIC Strategic Programme of Action (2025), as well as the landmark OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW), have set a number of important goals to be achieved for the benefit of family, women and children in the Muslim world.

The OPAAW accounts for many issues laid out in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and its relevant resolutions for the participation of women in peace process and peace building, she added.

The OIC General Secretariat has revised and updated OPAAW mainly for it to reflect and comply with the goals of resolution 1325 and its sister resolutions for the realization of women participation in building peace and maintaining security.

On the issue of women refugees, Mrs. Talebna warned that the status of Muslim family and women refugees around the world is very critical.

Wars and terrorism in Palestine, Syria and Iraq have shattered millions of families and caused their displacement around the world.

These refugee families face difficult – sometimes unlivable circumstances in refugee camps.

She urged for more proactive efforts from the international community to resolve this problem.

OIC: International Day for the

Elimination of Violence

against Women an Opportunity to Review Commitments T he international community commemorates on 25 November the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women who are the most vulnerable segment of society. The Day is an occasion to review all socio-economic and political achievements and the international community’s commitments regarding all forms of violence against women. It is our duty to ensure women’s advancement and to provide them with the needed care, adequate facilities and opportunities. Women should also be given access to the means enabling them to reinforce their foundation, boost their confidence and foster their contribution to society. We must provide women in the Muslim world with the required facilities to develop themselves and become good mothers capable of educating generations and contributing effectively to the overall development of the Ummah.

The OIC has always taken a clear position

42 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

on important issues relating to the elimination of all forms of violence against women, consistent with the principles of the Islamic noble religion and international covenants, which are in line with the very objectives and principles of the OIC. This position is in conformity with the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action (OIC-2025), and the OIC Plan for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW), as well as with the call by the latest session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Tashkent on the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to conduct studies and research with a view to highlighting the OIC’s position on all forms of violence against women, and helping those work-

ing in the field in OIC Member States and relevant organs prove that Islam is innocent of them.

The OIC rejects categorically all physical and psychological violence against women. It calls on all Member States, the international community and civil society organizations in the Muslim world to intensify their efforts to alleviate the suffering of women living under occupation and armed conflicts, as well as those living as refugees and IDPs, preserve their dignity and develop effective policies, strategies and mechanisms to protect women and guarantee their prosperity.

www.oic-oci.org

Media OIC Secretary General Calls on Member States to Support

Achievement of IBU Objectives Jeddah – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Youssef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, has called on the Member States to support the Islamic Broadcasting Union (IBU) to deliver its lofty goals of getting Muslim peoples to know one another.

Speaking at the opening of the fourth meeting of the IBU General Assembly, convened at the OIC General Secretariat, on 24 November 2016, Dr. Al-Othaimeen stressed that supporting the IBU will help in entrenching the spirit of common brotherhood among Muslims, promoting cooperation among broadcasting bodies and organizations operating in the OIC Member States, and fostering production and exchange of radio and TV programs that serve the Organization’s objectives.

He noted that: “essential to effectively addressing the myriad of challenges and threats facing the Muslim world is the attainment of Islamic solidarity through leveraging support for a strong, unbiased media portrayal of the major issues of concern to the Muslim world, and visibility for the goals and objectives pursued by the Organization.”

On the priority areas of intervention provided for by the OIC 2025 Program of Action, adopted by the 13th Islamic Summit Conference, Dr. Al-Othaimeen explained that, “building an effective media infrastructure in the Member States is a prerequisite for revitalizing OIC media outfits and will lead to greater solidarity, harmony and joint Islamic action on all planes.

As well as reviewing the decisions and recommendations of the Executive Council in its third meeting held on 23 November 2016 at the OIC General Secretariat, the IBU General Assembly examined the Union’s activity report, along with the action plan and

www.oic-oci.org

budget for the next two years and closing accounts for 2015.

The participants welcomed the focus by the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation, in its paper presented at the meeting, on the need to produce radio and TV programs focused on the youth, along with radio programming to combat bigotry and extremism, and provide Islamic countries, particularly in Africa, with necessary technical assistance and training.

IBU is an OIC specialized institution - originally Islamic States Broadcasting Organization (ISBO) - and was established in pursuance of a resolution adopted by the Sixth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in July 1975.

IBU is a body made up of broadcasting organizations from OIC member countries. It is governed through its own statutes and important decisions are taken by a General Assembly, which passes and modifies those statutes from time to time. The day-today running of the Union is done through

The participants welcomed the focus by the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation, in its paper presented at the meeting, on the need to produce radio and TV programs focused on the youth, along with radio programming to combat bigotry and extremism

its Secretariat and an Executive Council is formed to take executive decisions, which is then ratified by the General Assembly.

The mission of the union is to promote the heritage of Islam and promote the use of the Arabic language to Muslims throughout the world. It also seeks to promote awareness, understanding and tolerance between Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide. It is also aims at promoting the exchange of information amongst its members, which include broadcasting programs, news and technology.

One of the prime objectives of the union is to promote and coordinate activities in producing content for radio and television, which include joint production initiatives and exercises as well as exchange of personnel amongst members of the Union.

The 9th session of the Islamic Conference of OIC Information Ministers (ICIM) held in Libreville, Gabon in April 2012 passed a resolution supporting the restructuring of the Islamic Broadcasting Union.

Also the 11th Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in December 2016 underscored the need to support the work of all joint Islamic media action institutions including the Islamic Broadcasting Union (IBU), and emphasized the importance of enhancing synergy among them and improving their effectiveness.

The session also supported the process of restructuring the IBU as adopted by the 8th session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers held in Rabat, in January 2009 and at the 10th IBU General Assembly, and commended the resolutions of the IBU General Assembly’s meeting at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, on 24 November 2016.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 43

MEDIA OIC Information Ministers Urge Mass Media to

Highlight Terrorism as a Global Social Phenomenon They also seek to attract young men and women and lure them to join their organizations or terrorist elements or to join elements that provide logistical support.

On the other hand, the Secretary General stated that the role of the media in this regard is to fight this terrorist ideology through the use of the same media and the same social media by specialist journalists in order to direct messages that would expose the terrorist ideology, and show the real image of Islam which calls for tolerance, moderation and peaceful coexistence between the people of the world.

Resolutions OIC Secretary General and Saudi Minister of Information and Culture at the opening of the conference

Jeddah – Ministers of Information and Communication in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States have urged the media to continue to play their role in countering terrorism by highlighting the menace as social rather than a religious phenomenon.

The call formed part of the declaration made by the ministers at the end of the 11th Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM) hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the theme ‘New media to counter terrorism and Islamophobia’ on 21-22 December 2016.

The opening session of the conference began with a welcome address by the representative of Iran, Chair of the previous session, delivered by the Deputy Minister of Culture and Guidance of Iran, Dr. Mohammad Hussein Hashemi.

The Chair of the current session, the Minister of Culture and Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Adel bin Zaid Al - Teraifi then delivered a speech in which he expressed hope to see the current session come up with a modern Islamic Media Charter dedicated to combating terrorism and Islamophobia, pointing out that the growing phenomenon of terrorism and the development of its methods and techniques have led to the exploitation of a number of media platforms and discourse

44 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

by terrorists and their proponents and financers.

The Saudi minister said that the resolution on the role of media in combating terrorism submitted by the delegation of Saudi Arabia, has been welcomed and supported by the OIC Member States, as the resolution called for condemning and criminalizing the media which promote, incite, support and fund terrorism.

Minister Teraifi called for setting up of specific mechanisms for the coordination of media policies among the various media outlets in OIC countries with regard to counter-terrorism issues and the development of media legislations governing the works of satellite channels and media institutions, demanding to close satellite channels and media organizations supporting terrorist groups.

For his part, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, H.E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen explained that the conference held under the theme ‘New media to counter Terrorism and Islamophobia’ addresses the role of traditional and modern media and their impact on these phenomena, which target the pillars of international peace and security.

The Secretary General noted that terrorist groups utilize all the available media to expand their extremist ideology and misleading messages.

After exhaustive discussions, the 11th session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM) condemned all manifestations of violence, extremism, fanaticism and terrorism that distort the noble messages of human cultures.

The 11th Session of the ICIM adopted several resolutions, which include a resolution on the role of the media in the OIC Member States in supporting the Cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Ash-Sharif.

The conference commended the special role of media in Islamic countries in exposing the brutal Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and urges it to continue to highlight the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people and defend them until the establishment of their independent State with Al-Quds as its capital, and the evacuation of the Israeli occupation from Arab territories.

The ministers adopted the OIC Media Strategy to address Islamophobia and the mechanisms of its implementation. The meeting affirmed the importance of countering the fierce campaign waged on Islam and Muslim communities, particularly as regards the issue of Islamophobia.

They also stressed that addressing the issue of Islamophobia starts with presenting the truth about the magnanimous religion of Islam to foreign interlocutors in a thoughtful and effective manner.

The ministers of information also empha-

www.oic-oci.org

MEDIA sizes the importance of cooperation among Member States in developing media mechanisms to fight terrorism.

The ICIM also called on the media in Member States to serve truth and convey the concerns of citizens of Member States and to demonstrate the greatest degree of professionalism and objectivity in reporting facts and addressing political, economic, social and cultural issues in full respect for the principles of plurality and diversity of opinion.

The conference also commended the efforts of the OIC towards the advancement of the mission of Islam and promoting dialogue between the Islamic culture and the world’s cultures.

The ministers of information also unanimously adopted the draft resolution submitted by the delegation of Saudi Arabia on the role of media in combating terrorism.

The resolution urged the OIC General Secretariat to produce short films to counter terrorism through social and traditional media channels and to launch media campaigns that call for renouncing violence and extremism and opting for dialogue and coexistence.

The conference also adopted a resolution on the support for the implementation of the special media program for Africa in order to emphasize its place and role in the Muslim world and launch similar programs in other regions.

The resolutions adopted include resolutions on developments of the launch of the OIC Satellite Channel, supporting the work of the joint Islamic action institutions in the field of media, introduction of an international prize for the media and media

www.oic-oci.org

personnel and a resolution which called for promoting OIC visibility in the media in pioneering the issues of cultural exchange, development and peace, and strengthening the capacity and productivity of media personnel and institutions in the OIC Member states and cooperation among them.

In the same context, the ICIM also adopted the OIC Comprehensive Media Strategy until 2025, and empowering women in and through the media.

Women Media Observatory The OIC has already initiated steps to establish an OIC Women Media Observatory within its Information Department, based on the ICIM resolution.

The Observatory is introduced due to lack of existing system that captures women’s progress in the media in OIC member states and to encourage more OIC Member States to participate in the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) conducted by the UN. The project also aims to highlight the role of Muslim countries in supporting the progress of women in general and particularly in the media sector.

The Director of OIC’s Public Information and Communications Department Ms. Maha Akeel noted that the Women Media Observatory would issue special reports on women’s coverage and role of women in the media in OIC Member States.

The Observatory will also disseminate stories about successes and achievements of Muslim women and importantly reports on position of women in Islam.

She added that the Observatory would also develop a guideline on best women empow-

erment practices in and through the media, and to combat discrimination to which women are subjected to amid terrorism.

Ms. Akeel also explained that “there are ongoing consultations to consider the possibility of initiating a women media prize for the best press reports and media achievements by women in the OIC Member States, and to provide financial support to media institutions who are helping in boosting women’s place in the media.”

The Director of OIC’s Public Information and Communications Department noted that the Observatory would liaise with the OIC’s Organization for Women Development, upon its activation, to implement all the provisions of the OIC resolution on Women empowerment in and through media including organizing activities, workshops and symposia, drawing on its initial functions and mandate set out in its Rules of Procedure.

One of the aims of establishing the Observatory according to Ms. Maha is due to the fact that “the image of the Muslim world, Islam and Muslims as it is portrayed in the media, particularly western media, is mostly negative, distorted and in many cases false, stereotypical or ignorant.”

She added that women are among the segments in the Muslim world who are most misrepresented or underrepresented in the media, whether in the OIC Member States or outside them.

She also observed that, in the western media, there is a general perception that women are oppressed by Islam and in Muslim communities due to reports highlighting some of the negative practices and laws that do exist in some Muslim countries, the extremist views on women expressed by a minor group of Muslims and the oppressions of so-called Muslim terrorist groups against women.

The Director of the OIC’s Public Information and Communications Department noted that this shortage of more balanced representation and presence of Muslim women in the media undermines their achievements, their role in society and the support they receive through national policies to empower them in all fields. There is need, she said, for news of Muslim women’s success stories and role models, struggles and pains, expertise and contributions, to be more visible in the media of the member states before they can be adequately visible in non-member states.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 45

Education Ministers of Higher Education Promoting Scientific Research and Strategic Studies on Sustainable Development

ISESCO Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri with one of the winners of ISESCO prize

Bamako, Mali – The 8th Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research was held in Bamako, Republic of Mali, from 14-15 November 2016 under the Chairmanship of Mali.

The Conference was co-organized by OIC General Secretariat and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), a specialized organ of the OIC. The ministers of higher education and scientific research in the OIC Member States at the conference adopted the “Bamako Declaration” and recommended promoting scientific research and strategic studies on sustainable development and major societal challenges preoccupying the peoples of Member States.

The challenges include health, demographic growth and well-being; in addition to the bio-economy challenges, including food security; safe, clean and efficient energy; smart, green and integrated transport; countering climate change, efficient use of resources and raw materials, and addressing biodiversity loss and other challenges.

Further, the Declaration invited ISESCO to take the necessary steps towards invigorating the “Scientific Research Fund” that the Conference’s previous session called for establishing, entrusted ISESCO to supervise and to coordinate the implementation of its projects, and invited the Member States and donors to support it and contribute to its

46 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

budget, in coordination with the OIC General Secretariat and the Conference Chair.

Also recommended was the increased application of ICTs in teaching and research to ensure entrenchment of quality in higher education and bring excellence in innovation and R&D in universities.

In addition, the Declaration urged Member States to pay more attention to the issues of private higher education by supporting and promoting it.

Youth and Science: Participants at the conference underlined the importance of addressing the issues of youth and women in science and the necessity of establishing and invigorating acad-

Participants welcomed the project to establish the University of Timbuktu, launched by H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of the Republic of Mali, and invited the Member States as well as regional and international organizations, financing agencies and donors to back the initiative

emies and networks in the various areas of science to support these two important social categories to help them play a vital role in the promotion of scientific knowledge, technology and innovation in the Islamic world.

By the same token, the ministers invited specialized institutions and relevant bodies to support the “Islamic World Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation” in order to contribute to developing a strategic roadmap to boost Member States’ STI capabilities and provide decision and policy makers with the relevant national and global scientific and technological trends and statistical data.

The participants adopted the project on the Establishment of the OIC Collaborative Efforts in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Education (OIC-CECE), and recommended the adoption of all measures likely to hone entrepreneurship skills of students, researchers, stakeholders, through developing entrepreneurship education curricula and identifying successful models in this field among universities’ research bodies.

Further, they urged the Member States to actively participate in the OIC Summit on Science and Technology, to be held in Astana in 2017, which will seek to increase involvement in the consolidation of coordination and cooperation ties between the Member States in STI areas.

The Declaration congratulated the winners of ISESCO Prizes in Science and Technology, and underlined the necessity to improve the status of researchers and scientists in society by establishing mechanisms to incentivize them and stimulate interest in science.

It also emphasized the growing role of university institutions in promoting peace and security in society, and invited the Member States to harness the knowledge potential of universities for entrenching the values of dialogue and peace and discarding extremism and violence, through the creation of specialized academic chairs and adoption of appropriate educational pathways.

Participants welcomed the project to establish the University of Timbuktu, launched

by H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of the Republic of Mali, and invited

www.oic-oci.org

Education

the Member States as well as regional and international organizations, financing agencies and donors to back the initiative and to financially and technically support this leading civilizational project to ensure its success.

The Declaration commended the role the OIC General Secretariat plays in strengthening joint Islamic action, particularly in the fields of science, technology, innovation and higher education.

The Declaration further commended the efforts the ISESCO-affiliated Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) makes towards advancing cooperation between universities in the Member States, and urged universities in the Member States to join it, contribute to achieving its goals

www.oic-oci.org

and adhere to its mission.

ISESCO Prizes: During the 8th Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, ISESCO Prizes in Literacy and non-Formal Education and in Science and Technology were awarded to their winners, in recognition of their distinctive works of research and outstanding contribution to literacy and promotion of scientific research in the Islamic world.

ISESCO Prizes in Science and technology were awarded to: Dr. Ikram-Ul-Haq, A Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (IIB) at the Government College University La-

hore in Pakistan, in Biology.

Dr. Elgemeie Galal, a professor of organic chemistry at the Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt, in Chemistry.

Dr. Sobhi Nassir, the Director of Earth Sciences Research Centre at the Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman, in Geology.

Dr. Aminu Alhaji Ibrahim, the Rector of Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic Sokoto in Nigeria, and Dr. Galimir Mutanov, the Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Kazakhstan, won ex aequo the Prize for Mathematics.

Dr. Amal Alkahlout, an associate professor of Physics and Material Sciences and the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, in Physics.

Dr. Mariam Al-Ali Al-Maadeed, Professor in Physics, ex-Director of the Center of Advanced Materials (CAM) at Qatar University, Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies, in Technology.

ISESCO Prize for Literacy and Non-formal Education was awarded to “Soumeiya Centre for Women and Girls Literacy” in the Republic of Mali, in recognition of its active role and outstanding efforts in women and girls literacy as well as for its support to nonformal education programs in Mali.

The winners were awarded ISESCO’s Gold Medal, a cash reward and an appreciation certificate signed by Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, ISESCO Director General.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 47

Education OIC-ISESCO-GCTF Religious Education Workshop Calls for Moderation and Openness

Amb. Askar Musinov (C), Head of the Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution Unit, delivered the OIC speech

Rabat – Mohamed Al-Senoussi, speaking on behalf of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bia, chair of the Abu Dhabi-based Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, unveiled the initiative to issue the Encyclopedia of Peace in Islam, which will be the first of its kind in the Muslim World. It aims to promote the values of peace and counter all forms of terrorism and extremism. Bin Bia also suggested introducing a subject on peace in the curricula, as well as another on temporal reality and changing contexts in order to promote understanding of contemporary reality.

Sheikh Bin Bia’s proposals were introduced during a workshop, held in Rabat on November 1, titled “The role of religious education in promoting peace and fighting violence”. It was organized by the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

At the beginning of the workshop, Amb. Askar Musinov, Head of the Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution Unit, delivered the OIC speech in which he stressed that the OIC has a principled position against terrorism and denouncing it in all its forms and manifestations. He indicated that the OIC Member States take the threats of extremism and terrorism very seriously especially that the OIC was the first to adopt an antiterrorism convention as well as a code of conduct for the same purpose. He stated that the OIC is developing a website for the Center for Dialogue, Peace and Understanding to expose the falseness of the rhetoric of extremists and present the true image of Islam.

ISESCO Director of External Relations and

48 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

Cooperation, Mr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, said that holding the workshop at ISESCO is a good indication of the importance that ISESCO attaches to addressing extremism, noting that the ISESCO has placed education at the forefront of its competencies.

The UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco presented their experiences in reviewing curricula and promoting the principles of peace in religious education. Amb. Mohammed Al-Shamsi from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the absence of religious references has created foreign loyalties that have nothing to do with the homeland, stressing the importance of spreading the message of moderation and peace.

For his part, Abdel Wahed Ben Daoud of the Moroccan Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs indicated that Morocco sought to restructure the Ministry of Awqaf, and “rationalize and modernize Islamic education”.

“If we want to defeat terrorism, we must initiate a joint global effort, which requires a common international leadership, to work collectively against this phenomenon,” said Amb. Sue Perez of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, who co-chairs the GCTF. Dr. Al-Senoussi presented the first papers of the workshop, prepared by Sheikh Bin Bia, that included a number of proposals, including the creation of a laboratory that joins a group of scholars who understand the reality and the requirements of the age to enrich contemporary religious discourse.

Over two days, the workshop discussed a number of topics related to the upgrading of religious schools, qualification of teachers working there, and modernization of religious curricula. Add to this the need to establish an electronic platform that contrib-

utes to the training of teachers of both sexes and opening up to to modern and advanced educational tools and methods while focusing on the moderation of religion in its various dimensions.

Massarat Qadim from Biman Association, Pakistan, indicated the need to form a working group for developing the sources of education, stressing the need to initiate a general assessment of the educational process.

Dr. Khalid Al-Samadi, the educational adviser to the Moroccan Prime Minister’s Office, said that there was a need for specialists in curriculum development, as well as the need to hold a workshop to discuss the integration of religious sciences and humanities.

For his part, Dr. Hassan Nazem of the University of Kufa, Iraq, said that the attempts to develop religious education are part of the unfinished modernist project, stressing the problem of the link between education and ideology and the implications of policy on curricula and education in general.

Aisha Gray Henry highlighted the role of Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali and his books in advancing the deeper understanding of religion. She explained that her organization (Fons Vitae) has worked to present Al-Ghazali’s ideas and writings to the public through a seven-year project that included the translation and explanation of his books in an easy manner for adults and young people. Preacher Hamza Yusuf and Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) took part in this project.

Mosma Badrlinsha indicated that one of the most difficult-to-surmount challenges facing religious education is the process of indoctrination, stressing the need to move from indoctrination to understanding. She ascribed that to the inadequacy and lack of qualification of some teachers in explaining religious texts and verses in a contemporary way.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Yahya al-Ninevi of Madinah Institute in the United States pointed to the World Wide Web as important in providing a broad information base for those who seek it. “The Internet has helped create the religious diversity given the ability of this technical development to overcome the boundaries and barriers.”

www.oic-oci.org

OPINION Balance and Moderation a Main Feature of Islam

S Consultant Abdulfatteh Sulaiman Secretary General of the World Federation of Arabo-Islamic International Schools

Balance in Islam means steering away from any excessive indulgence in religious matter, in overdue spirituality or mysticism, or in excessive interest in life entertainments, decadence or desires

www.oic-oci.org

ince the early days of its advent, the Islamic faith featured among its key merits: balance, moderation, tolerance, and soft approach.

The midway notion refers us to the idea that the middle way in everything is the fairest and best of all.

For this reason, the balanced perspective of the Islamic faith appealed to moderate people both East and West.

The Islamic religion’s tenets endorse the principle of neither overtaxing or overwhelming oneself nor that of merely escaping from observing the divine edicts as enshrined in the Holy Scripture. This is the principle of easing duties rather than encumbering them with hardships, a principle that offers a fundamental characteristic involving the alleviation of burdens, a gradual progress in legislation and facilitating matters rather than making them strenuous.

Most importantly, Islam’s midway stand entails a recognition of every individual’s free will particularly in terms of freedom of worship as prescribed by Allah: “There is no compulsion in religion. Verily the right path has become distinct from the wrong path”. Surat Al Baqara, Verse 256.

A balanced position also means reconciling material and spiritual matters, and Islam’s balance is also manifested in its perception of inter-personal relations. Hence for instance, the notion of Jihad in Islam points to the duty of defending the sanctities of Islam and Muslims, not to carrying a sword or using force against others unjustly, taking innocent lives, terrorizing people, spreading terror among societies or forcing anyone to embrace Islam. All of which are acts in dissonance with the moderation championed by Islam, a prime advocate of peace, security and serene living for all, except in standing against aggression or combating injustice.

Also, in Islam there is no room for extremism, terrorism or inflicting any harm on others, destructive acts, corruption, vandalism or igniting strife or dispute, as the Prophet (PBUH) says: “It is not permissible for anyone to terrorize his fellow Muslims”. The Prophet also said: Do not terrorize your Muslim fellow, doing so is a great sin and injustice”. These Hadiths, although talking about the rights of Muslims, actually encompass all human beings, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

Furthermore, balance in Islam means steering away from any excessive indulgence in religious matter, in overdue spirituality or mysticism, or in excessive interest in life entertainments, decadence or desires. The Prophet (PBUH) said “Beware of excesses in religion, indeed what ended other nations before you was extreme religiosity”.

In Islam, another requisite for a balanced approach is achieving a social osmosis between the rich and the poor, and establishing a proper equation between capital and expenditure by ensuring that the ownership is tied to a permissible project whose possession is legitimate and not forbidden or harmful, and that assets are managed in mutual agreement away from any senseless squandering.

As for balance in worship and belief, it is also delineated by many criteria and benchmarks, foremost of which the sense of abidance by the ideal of tolerance and proper measure, in terms of duty assignments, such as not to overwhelm the self or cause it to derail and fall subject to boredom and loss of interest in the fulfillment of duties. This is quite manifest in Islam where we find no act of worship that is onerous or taxing for the spirit.

As for authentic belief and faith, they are best solidified through self rational and intellectual persuasion, with the right synchrony between a Muslim’s belief and his intellectual capacity, be it a modest, average or above standard capacity and talent; this is rooted in its simplicity, clarity and both sensual and empiric evidence.

Regarding balance and proper measure in rituals, we find that all jurisprudence is permeated with ease, tolerance, balance and midway stands such as to ensure their easy implementation and practice for everyone at all times, in strength and in weakness, during travel or residing, in health and in illness, in youth and in old age.

In closing, I would like to recall that Allah (Mighty and Sublime Be He) enjoined upon His Messengers and Prophets (Peace and blessings be upon them all) not to be overpowering in their preaching and warnings, so as to leave room for their people to be guided and moderated by their own rational thinking and wisdom.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 49

‫إعالم‬ OIC is Considering Establishing Cybersecurity Unit to Combat Cyber Terrorism Jeddah – The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen said the Organisation is considering establishing a Cyber Security Unit within its General Secretariat in 2017 to prevent and combat Cyber Terrorism.

The OIC Secretary General made the statement during the OIC-Computer Emergency Response Team’s (OIC-CERT) Annual General Meeting and Conference 2016 with the theme “Towards Cyber Resilient Ummah” held from 11-14 December 2016, in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The OIC is considering to establish a Cybersecurity Unit within the General Secretariat in 2017 with the objective of promoting and developing cooperation among OIC Member States to prevent and combat cyberterrorism,” said Al-Othaimeen.

“We all realize that the nature of the internet and cyberspace is not confined to the physical boundary of a country. Hence there is a strong need to strengthen the OIC-CERT, which is meant to establish cross border collaborations to share information and initiatives to counter cyber threats,” he added.

The Secretary General noted, “Terrorism is the enemy of all mankind. It has no borders, creed, race or faith. It is simply a crime driven by hate and destruction. Islam considers terrorism as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity for which it stipulates severe punishment that intends to protect the sanctity of human life and to preserve the

‫ اسطر‬3 ‫اختصار‬

50 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

society against intimidation and unjust aggression.”

He observed that, in today’s world, very fast development of technologies and faster and easier access to them at one hand is making our life easier and more comfortable. However, on other hand, these technologies and means can potentially be used for purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international stability and security and may adversely affect the integrity of the infrastructure of member states to the detriment of their security in both civil and military fields, such as cyberattacks, hack threats, intrusion worms, viruses or fraud.

Al-Othaimeen therefore urged OIC Member States, who are not yet members of OICCERT, to exert more efforts to join the organization to make the important mechanism more effective in dealing with cyber security issues.

The OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen used the occasion to launch the new OIC-CERT web portal: www.oic-cert. org Also speaking at the conference, Eng. Badar Ali Said Al Salehi, Chair, OIC-CERT and Director General, Oman National Cert (OCERT) noted that the conference aligns well with the objectives and efforts OIC-CERT is putting in place to address the uprising issues of cyber-attacks and their significant impacts on the economy, defense, Security, energy, financial services, telecommunication and transportation.

Al Salehi Observed that, on a national scale, economic investment will increasingly be dependent on how well we can demonstrate a secure cyber space, where statistics shows that the annual estimated financial impact of cybercrime on global economy is around $445 billion, and in the United States alone, cybercrime already costs an estimated $100 billion each year.

According to him, cyber-attacks are becoming inexpensive, easy, effective and hard to detect. Neither is it executed just by adults or ICT professionals, but kids as young as 15 have the capacity to infiltrate multinational organizations causing millions of confidential data breach and espionage.

He added that Cyber Attacks are now led not just by Hacktivism (like “Anonymous”) and criminal gangs, but by State sponsored cyber warfare/cyber espionage and terrorists.

The Annual Conference is an initiative by the OIC-CERT to enhance cyber security and raise awareness through international cooperation among its members and other information security organisations.

The 2016 event, which focused on strategising towards achieving a Cyber Resilient Ummah, also featured Steering Committee Meetings, Technical Workshops, Annual General Meeting and Annual Conference.

OIC-CERT, an Affiliated Institution of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is committed to achieving peace and cooperation in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs) which have become a crucial factor of development and stability.

The objective of the OIC-CERT is to provide a platform for members to explore and develop collaborative initiatives and possible partnerships in matters pertaining to cyber security that shall strengthen their self-reliance in the cyber space.

The OIC-CERT draws its mandate as well as strength from the OIC resolution on “Collaboration of Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) among the OIC Member Countries” adopted in Kampala, Uganda by the 35th OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in June 2008.

www.oic-oci.org

information technology Towards an Age of Man-Robot Interchangeability Ishiguro, this researcher who adopts extreme views in this approach, believes that separation between humans and technology in this area is impossible. Therefore, he defines the human race as “an animal laced with more technology.” He also says, “If we cannot use technology, we will not be human beings. Robotics is the embodiment of cutting-edge technology.”

As for the big acceleration witnessed in robotics technology, researcher Ulrich April indicates that “time has come to design robots and computers that have human-like intelligence.”

Currently, there are several factors pushing the development of robotics technology, including the desire to have computers that conduct processes with exponential speed and the proliferation of smart phones and spread of their potential use in operations that exceed those of the computers at the end of the millennium. Add to this the endless growing in storage capacity and the volume of easily transferrable digital data via cable or wirelessly. The ambition now is teaching robots to obtain information via the Internet.

Berlin/ Tokyo (dpa) – Erica is Japanese while Ermaar and Mason are Germans. Although they do not know each other, it will be interesting to see them together along with other “humanized” robots to get to know their abilities and skills. The guest of honor could the Russian Yevgeny Cherzinov, who has an implanted organic chip and calls himself (Cyborg).

The enthusiasm of the scientists in Europe, Asia and the United States never stops to build more humanized robots in a more sophisticated way that have the appearance of human beings, and equipped with hearing and vision sensors, and sometimes to engage in conversation. This has nothing to do with robotic arms used by companies for other purposes in their own business within the framework of “artificial intelligence”.

Scientists advance their research assisted by the development of science in the field of mental activity and its operating mechanism.

Then they design computers that operate in a similar manner of nerve cells that are active in the human brain. They are also keen to simulate other human aspects, such as movement.

In parallel, medical technology progresses in the field of implanting robotic molecules in humans, such as middle ear chips to improve hearing, in addition to the possibility of strengthening body parts using industrial structures that help paralyzed people to walk short distances normally and healthy people to lift more weights.

Ruediger Dillman, Professor at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany who manufactured Ermaar, believes that the goal should not be cloning human beings, because in his view this would be to no avail. However, the Japanese Hiroshi Ishiguro manufactures objects that look like a reproduction of human beings, such as, Geminoid HI-1, that perfectly matches his human body.

Erica that also looks like humans is designed with cutting-edge voice recognition technology in collaboration with Ishiguro and his colleagues from the Universities of Osaka and Kyoto and ATR Institute.

Although the female robot with loose chestnut-hair cannot walk, it is a genius shift in the world of communication. When she talks, her facial muscles reacts as if she were a human being.

www.oic-oci.org

What comes after humans’ manufacturing of robots? Ishiguro says that the extent of technical development reached by robotics technology does not matter because human beings control it in the end.

They determine the programs, specifications and use of every robot despite the assiduous pursuit of scientists to give the robots more independence.

Miyun, a humanized robot of one meter and quarter in length and 16 kilograms in weight, is like a child. It has a camera to observe around him to learn from the experience, although it must undergo improvements in the movement techniques, according to Professor Manfred Hilde, the developer of this type of robots at Berlin University labs.

As for the anxiety when the day comes when robots’ intelligence outperforms humans’, two American authors, Nick Bostrom and Ray Krozuel, are calculating when this would happen and not only in strictly defined areas. “Watson” software developed by IBM already helps physicians to diagnose cases faster and more accurately through data analysis. Google “AlphaGo” application could defeat the most skilled player in this game, which actually happened in 2015.

As for the extent to which similarities between robots and humans can reach, Ishiguro states that humans were able throughout their history to develop their intelligence rates and abilities and robotics follow suit.

Yevgeny Cherzinov, whose chip contains personal data, works in Kaspersky digital security labs and seeks to demonstrate how easily others can know him and develop his data.

“What we call artificial intelligence today does not so far deserve this designation, which requires at least 30 to 70 years, but in the beginning we must build a society that has the ability to control it,” says Hilde. He believes that danger also lies in the companies, states and governments, which might misuse this technology for private purposes, but he also believes that we still have plenty of time to prepare. “I think that during the next 200 years we will be able to get a human robot,” concludes Hilde.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 51

HEALTH A Call to Attain Self-Reliance in Supply and Production of Medicines, Vaccines and Medical Technologies Bandung – A two-day meeting of OIC Vaccine Manufacturing Group (VMG) was held at the Headquarters of Bio-Farma in Bandung, Indonesia on 14 November 2016.

Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt Tunisia, WHO, GAVI, IDB, COMSTECH and SESRIC participated in the meeting.

The Third Meeting of VMG reviewed the implementation of the recommendations made by the Second Meeting of the Group held in Tunis on 11-13 May 2015.

The meeting also discussed the status of implementation of the Short, Medium and Long Term Plan of Action towards self-reliance in production and supply of vaccines among OIC Member States.

One of the resolutions of the 5th Islamic Conference of Health Ministers held in 2015 has called for OIC member states to attain Self-Reliance in Supply and Production of Medicines, Vaccines and Medical Technologies.

The resolution called on OIC Member States to take additional measures to develop national pharmaceutical industries to ensure adequate supply of essential medicines and vaccines and further develop public-private partnerships in the production of pharmaceuticals including vaccines to enhance their collective capacity.

It also commended the ongoing collaborations between members of the OIC Vaccine Manufactures Group and encouraged closer cooperation in all aspects of vaccine manufacturing for the promotion of self-reliance in supply and production of affordable vaccines.

A Training Workshop on Vaccine Management targeting vaccine manufacturers and regulators was also organized in Bandung, from 15-18 November 2016.

The Workshop was aimed at strengthening the capabilities of OIC Member States in the area of regulation and production of Expand-

52 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

ed Program on Immunization (EPI) vaccines in order to support the regional self-reliance of OIC, including administration, and vaccine handling.

Some of the topics covered in the training include Vaccine Regulatory System; Role and Policy of World Health Organization (WHO); Requirement for licensing and regular inspection for GMP; Update on disease control and environmental health; Role and Policy of National Regulatory Affairs (NRA); and Review on new vaccine product for Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

The 4-day training had in-class activities, exercise and visit to vaccine industrial facilities.

In order to achieve self-reliance in vaccine production, the OIC has established the Vaccine Manufacturing Group in 2014. The VMG comprises entities from OIC Member States, who are involved in the production of vaccines.

Vaccine Industry The OIC Health Report 2015 prepared by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) observed that the global vaccine industry has been dominated by a few multinational companies.

The report added that vaccines production capacity remained very low across OIC countries. According to estimates, only two OIC countries, namely Indonesia and Iran, have good manufacturing capacities, whereas other vaccine producers like Senegal, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Tunisia and Egypt are characterized by low production capacities. Indonesia remained the star performer with 10 per cent share of the global vaccine production and is the third largest vaccine producer after China and India.

OIC countries according to the 2015 report, display a heterogeneous structure in terms of vaccine procurement.

Low-income countries, through Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), and high-income countries such as Gulf countries have been successful in the uptake of new vaccines.

On the contrary, middle-income countries have been experiencing financial and operational difficulties with the introduction of new vaccines.

Among other factors, lack of sufficient funds and the prevailing high prices of the new vaccines constitute two main obstacles.

In addition to delivering vaccinations, national immunization programs are concerned with the quality and safety of immunization through the adoption of safe injection technologies (auto disabled syringes, storage boxes, and incinerators) and proper cold chain and vaccine stock maintenance.

OIC countries are classified into two groups according to the source of the vaccines that are used in their Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

First group consists of 31 OIC countries sourcing their vaccines through UNICEF and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Comoros.

Second group refers to the OIC countries procuring the vaccines directly from manufacturers such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Oman, Palestine and Qatar.

www.oic-oci.org

environment With the Establishment of One of the World’s Largest Solar Power Stations, Morocco becomes Africa’s Model

Ouarzazate (dpa) – Over the stretch of many hundreds of kilometers around Ourzazate, located on the outskirt of the great desert in Morocco, all there is to be seen are sand and stones. Many may not know that the foggy and dusty background seen in “Stars War” and “Game of Thrones” belong to this location where the two films were shot. Here the sun shines for 320 days in a year, which is more than any other place in the world. This fact is the reason why this location represents the future of the Kingdom of Morocco or maybe the world too.

The area around Ourzazate it seems was created to host solar energy generating panels, and it is set to become a light station for solar power, which will be sited in a place neighboring one of the biggest stations of its type in the world. The station will be sited on an area of almost 30 square kilometers with a capacity of up to 580 megawatts.

Morocco, which recently hosted in Marrakech the Climate Summit sponsored by the United Nations, is trying to prove to the world its commitment to transformation to renewable energy, and to become a model for African and non- African countries. The Paris Climate Convention whose details was negotiated over the course of 2 weeks, contains commitment to eliminate by the first half of this century greenhouse gas emissions which lead to the rise of man-induced global warming.

Generation of electricity from solar energy is a relatively new issue in Morocco, which used to rely heavily on oil and gas imports.

www.oic-oci.org

The Moroccan Minister of Environment, Hakima El Haite, said that her country was used to importing more than 90% of its energy needs.

The Moroccan monarch, Mohamed VI, and his government however gave a major momentum to the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind, sun and hydro. Morocco is expected to produce 52% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030.

Part of the electricity generated front the Nour station was channeled to the national grid. The building of the station is expected to be completed in 2018, and the giant mirrors which reflect sunrays to capture and store heat are also expected to provide electricity to 2 million Moroccans.

The cost of the project investments is 2.2 billion Euros (US$2.34), which was partly funded by the German Development Bank (KFW). The German Minister of Environment, Barbara Hendricks, visited the project site during the Climate Summit events to inspect the solar power complex. She said: “This project is indeed a model for Africa.”

The perception of renewable energy in North Africa region has also changed.

Markus Fachina, a German Development Bank staff, who had worked in several African countries for 16 years, said that he has observed in recent years a new trend casting away the traditional perception of renewable energy as a form of affluence enjoyed by only advanced countries.

Fachina added that the matter is not only about protecting the environment, but also has to do with weaning countries off reliance on imports and the volatility of oil prices in the international market.

The Institute of Advanced Sustainability Studies in Potsdam, Germany sees an important opportunity for spreading renewable energy sources in Africa. Although it pointed out some ongoing problems in the countries that show interest in this renewable energy, such as lack of investment and unfavourable legal and institutional conditions, shortage of necessary training for operation and maintenance, and difficulty in introducing green energy into the existing energy system at the national level.

Nevertheless, politicians in Germany hope that African countries, with the rest of the world, can meet their energy needs from sun, wind and water sources rather than rely on coal, oil and gas. In this regard, the German Minister of Development, Gerd Müller, said during the Marrakech Climate Summit that it is possible for Africa to become a “green continent.”

Müller added “once we succeed in making solar energy produced in the desert work for Africa’s future, then this continent will make huge development strides.”

Therefore the solar energy project in Ourzazate is a model, even if most of the plant’s workers are from abroad and even if the water required by the plant is a problem depending on the raining season.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 53

ECONOMY Transportation in D-8 Countries: Investments in Transportation Networks and Services Essential The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), a subsidiary organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has published the “State of Transportation in D-8 Countries� report.

The report addresses different modes of transport including land, air and water transportation. Moreover, it elaborates on how transportation affects trade, tourism, and the environment. The report concludes with some specific policy recommendations at the national and D-8 cooperation level.

All the D8 Member States - Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey - are also Members of the OIC. The report looks at the transportation sector in D-8 countries in a comparative perspective. It investigates the performance of the different modes of transportation under three broad categories: land, water and air transportation. The report also highlights the relationship between transportation and trade and tourism, and examines the effects of population growth on the transportation sector by analysing the change in the growth rates and the urbanization. It also examines the negative impact level of transportation sector on the environment.

The report then concludes with some broad policy recommendations aiming at improving the efficiency of the transportation sector in the D-8 countries.

54 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

According to the report, transportation is a leading sector in both national and regional development, which contributes to socio-economic development of societies through boosting trade, jobs and the living standards. The provision of adequate and efficient transportation services is an essential requirement not only for gaining access to national, regional and international markets, but also for facilitating the provision of healthcare and education services, which in turn, promote development and create investment opportunities.

The population of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Development Cooperation (D-8) has been growing at higher rates than those observed in the developed countries, thus placing high demand on transportation infrastructure and services. Therefore, public-private investments in transportation networks and services are becoming increasingly essential.

In some of these countries, according to the SESCRIC report, the lack of adequate and efficient transport infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, which rely mainly on private vehicles, resulted in serious environmental and safety problems. One of the main en-

vironmental negative impacts is carbon dioxide emissions. Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, and Turkey are the largest contributor D-8 countries to carbon dioxide emissions. In this context, innovative technologies in the transportation sector should be given greater importance.

Increasing the quality and level of service provided by the transportation sector should be considered as one of the top priorities of the D-8 countries. Investments and improvements in transportation sector will contribute to the expansion of intra-trade among these countries and, thus, enhancing their competitiveness at regional and international levels.

Transportation and globalization according to the report are positively correlated.

In 2013, higher scores in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) are associated with higher port container traffic volumes in developing countries. The analysis shows that D-8 countries are not fully utilizing their transportation infrastructure in reaching a high level of competitiveness as they have lower scores in the GCI compared to the remaining developing countries with the same levels of port container traffic.

www.oic-oci.org

ECONOMY COP22: IsDB and Partners to Launch Investment Fund for Sustainable African Cities Marrakech - The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), in partnership with The Netherlandsbased Energy Investment Company (EIC) and the Moroccan-based Marita Group, will establish the new Sustainable Cities Africa Fund to invest in the development of green cities in Africa.

The announcement was made on 16 November at a workshop on the topic held during the COP22 meeting in Marrakech.

The Fund will mobilize US$300 million to invest in projects that reduce negative environmental and social impacts in African cities. The projects will significantly improve urban air quality and facilitate waste recycling across the African continent.

The Fund will obtain preferential access to a pipeline of projects and technologies made available by the Marita Group Holding. The Energy Investment Company will provide technical expertise.

The workshop was held to raise awareness of all stakeholders of the importance of transforming African cities into ‘smart’ cities. EIC and Marita Group initiated the concept during COP21 to encourage businesses to invest in technology transfer of successful projects to African cities. The Marita Group has already initiated the electric bus project in Marrakech and the Green Tech Valley project in Rabat (positive-energy eco-district). The on-field efforts are in line with the Moroccan royal vision of renewable energies in Africa.

Dr. Bandar Al-Hajjar, President of IDB

Participants in the workshop included leading Moroccan institutions, banking institutions and internationally renowned companies such as Peugeot Citroën Group, Schneider Electric and the electric bus manufacturer Yangtse.

Also during COP22, the IsDB signed a loan agreement with the Government of Burkina Faso and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS).

The financing agreement was signed by Dr. Bandar Al-Hajjar, President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and Ms. Hadizatou Rosine Coulibaly, Minister of Economy, Finance and Development of Burkina Faso.

The US$ 37 million dollar loan will go towards expanding and strengthening of the country’s electricity grid.

The project will improve the living conditions of about 415,000 people in the cities of Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso and Koudougou, as well as in the localities of the Central Plateau, the Northern Center and the Sahel. It will provide access to reliable electricity by extending and strengthening transport and distribution networks. It will increase the national electricity access rate by 2 per cent by connecting 70,000 households in Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso and Koudougou by 2023. It will also boost the network’s transit capacity from 20 MW in 2016 to 100 MW by 2020 in order to meet the growing demand in the Central Plateau, the Sahel and the Northern Center.

The MoU, signed by Dr. Hajjar and Mr. Marcel Alain de Souza, President of ECOWAS, will institutionalize cooperation between the signatory parties. IsDB and ECOWAS will work together to facilitate the flow of business, notably in trade, investment, information, infrastructure connectivity and private sector development.

Both signatories stressed the need to develop practical ways to implement the MoU, whose goal is to promote the regional economic integration of member states. The agreement will also strengthen the capacity of human capital and reduce customs barriers between signatory ECOWAS member countries.

The MoU is open to other fields of cooperation not yet covered in the agreement.

FAO: Food Prices have Fallen in 2016 for a Fifth Consecutive Year

Istanbul (Anadolu): Global food prices in 2016 dipped around 1.5 per cent compared with 2015 with an average of 161.6 points,

www.oic-oci.org

marking the fifth annual decline in a row, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The report pointed out that the reason for the continued decline in food prices globally, is the abundance of production and harvest, especially the cereal sector, whose prices fell by 9.6% compared to 2015, and were down 39% from their 2011 peak.

“Economic uncertainties, including movements in exchange rates, may negatively affect global food prices this year,” FAO senior economist, Abdul Rida Abbasian said.

The food price index consists of five key groups: major cereals, vegetable oils, dairy, meat and sugar.

In December, the food price index stabilized at around 172 points, unchanged from November. In addition, Cereal Price Index, which has been largely stable since September, slightly increased 0.5% in the month of December while the Vegetable Oil Price Index rose 4.2 % from November. The Dairy Price Index also rose by 3.3% while the Sugar Price Index fell by 8.6% and Meat Price Index by 1.1%.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 55

COMCEC : Challenges in Promoting Islamic Finance Istanbul, Turkey – The Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) held its 32nd Ministerial Session on 21-24 November 2016 at İstanbul Congress Center, Turkey.

During the session, the challenges facing member countries in promoting Islamic Finance in their respective countries and possible solutions for these challenges were addressed.

The delegates at the conference also addressed the latest developments pertaining to efforts to improve cooperation among the member states of the COMCEC. Resolutions: The 32nd COMCEC conference passed a number of resolutions regarding the key issues discussed during the session.

On the COMCEC Strategy and its Implementation, the conference welcome the Progress Report submitted by the COMCEC Coordination Office highlighting the progress achieved in the implementation of the Strategy and commended the Member States and OIC Institutions for their valuable contributions to its implementation.

The conference also called on the Member States to improve accessibility, relevance and quality of education and training programs in order to equip younger generations with the right mix of skills and competencies in line with the requirements of the labour market and facilitate their participation in the economy by developing young entrepre-

56 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

neurship programs.

Taking into consideration the opportunities offered by great market potential of the OIC region, the conference invited Member States to take effective steps to reduce barriers to intra-OIC trade and investment that hinder the movement of goods, services, people and capital among the OIC Member States.

Given their rich natural resources and renewable energy potentials, the committee called on Member States to diversify their energy sources with a view to improving overall energy security.

Islamic Trade Fairs: The 32nd Ministerial Session of the COMCEC commended the improvements in the number and quality of Islamic Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, and expressed its thanks and appreciation to Member States who hosted the Islamic Trade Fairs and Exhibitions in cooperation with Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT).

The session also welcome the offer of other Member States to host Islamic Trade Fairs and Exhibitions in cooperation with ICDT in 2017/2019 and requests the Member States to encourage active participation of their private sector and relevant institutions in the events.

COMCEC also called on IDB, SESRIC and ICDT to continue to provide technical assistance to Member States on WTO-related issues and to carry on with their efforts in raising the awareness of Member States on

the importance of the WTO trade negotiations and their impact on economies.

Trade Financing Activities: The 32nd session appreciated trade finance and trade promotion and development activities of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) through mobilization of funds from the international market and development partners for funding the trade operations in the OIC Member States, which is contributing towards the achievement of intra-OIC trade target of 25 percent.

It also lauded the activities of Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in the area of standardization, metrology and accreditation and their impact on trade facilitation and capacity building projects for Member States.

COMCEC therefore invited Member States to become members of SMIIC and actively participate in its technical committees (TCs), Metrology and Accreditation Committees.

The conference also appreciated the efforts of the OIC General Secretariat in sensitizing OIC Member States concerned on the need to include the respective national segments along the OIC Dakar-Port Sudan Railway corridor in their national development plans.

The meeting also requested the Member states concerned to submit their well-designed feasibility studies to the IDB Group and other international development banks for securing adequate technical support and financing for the project.

www.oic-oci.org

ECONOMY IsDB Islamic Microfinance Project to Create 25,000 Jobs in Senegal An Islamic microfinance project financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will create 25,000 jobs in the Republic of Senegal by 2022. This was disclosed during the signing of agreement on the project between the IsDB Vice President (Sector Operations), Dr. Mansur Muhtar, and Senegal’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning, Mr. Amadou Bah, in Dakar on 23 January.

Islamic Microfinance project falls within the social and economic development plan of Senegal known as “Plan Sénégal Emergent” (PSE). The total cost of the project is US $82m, out of which IsDB will provide US $60.30m.

The project will increase access to financing among disadvantaged members of the

population, particularly women and youth, from 15% to 18% by 2027.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of the Economy, Finance and Planning, Mr. Amadou Ba, commended the IDB for the constant support it has provided to the government and people of Senegal.

“There is nothing more pleasing than lifting people out of poverty by giving them access to finance. Building the capacity of citizens to create jobs is the best way to create a vibrant economic environment. Senegal is moving in the right direction, and IsDB will always be there to support the initiative of its member countries,” said Dr. Mansur Muhtar.

Furthermore, the Islamic Development Bank’s (IsDB) Lives & Livelihoods Fund (LLF) has provided US $32m financing to the Republic of Senegal to help the country eradicate malaria.

This was also announced in Dakar during the signing of agreement between the IsDB Vice President (Sector Operations), Dr. Mansur Muhtar, and Mr. Amadou Ba, Senegal’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning.

A total of 25 districts located in five different regions of Senegal will benefit from the project. The regions are: Thiès, Fatick, Diourbel, Matam and Louga. The malaria eradication project will consist of the provision of 1.56 million RDTs (Rapid Detection Tests), procuring anti-malarial drugs, and provision

of laboratory equipment.

The financing will also include the procurement of 240,000 insecticide bags, 1 storage container for 25 districts, and equipment for entomology surveillance and individual protection, among others.

In his remarks, IsDB Vice President, Dr. Mansur Muhtar stated that the scourge of malaria has cost Sub-Saharan Africa too many lives; therefore eradicating malaria is a top priority for the Bank. He added that achieving sustainable development is impossible without a healthy society. He assured the government and people of Senegal that IsDB is a reliable partner that will help the country achieve its development objectives.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning, Mr. Amadou Ba, thanked the IDB for the constant support it has provided to the Government and people of Senegal. He stated that the financing provided by the IsDB is a significant contribution to the Government’s effort to roll back malaria in Senegal. He noted that this is the third time IsDB provides financing in the fight against malaria in Senegal.

The LLF is an initiative of IsDB and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in partnership with other donors to support IsDB member countries in reducing maternal and child mortality, increase productivity of smallholder farmers, and lift people out of poverty.

Inauguration of Maferinyah Health Centre in Guinea Funded by IsDB for Fighting Ebola In a grand ceremony led by the President of the Republic of Guinea Mr. Alpha Conde, and the Vice President of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Dr. Mansur Muhtar, the Mafranye Health Centre was inaugurated on 25 January.

IsDB built the health Centre through the Fael Khair programme, from a donation made by the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. During the Ebola crisis that affected some IsDB member countries including Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mali, the late King Abdullah donated US $35 million through the IsDB in order to help strengthen the health systems of the affected countries.

“Let me seize this opportunity to express, on behalf of the Islamic Development Bank

www.oic-oci.org

Group our profound gratitude to the family of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Late King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz for his generous donation in support to the fight against the deadly Ebola Epidemic that hit West Africa in 2014-2015,” said Dr. Mansur Muhtar during the inauguration.

The Maferinya Health Centre is one of the four centers built by IsDB in Guinea to help various communities in the country, should an epidemic similar to Ebola emerge.

Ahead of the visit for the inauguration of the Maferinyah Health Centre, the Vice President of IsDB, Dr. Mansur Muhtar had an audience with President Alpha Conde at the presidential place in Conakry.

President Alpha Conde expressed the grati-

tude of his government to IsDB for its continued support. He told Dr. Muhtar that IsDB Group is a major partner for Guinea, and is counting on its support in the economic reforms he has initiated through the Economic and Social Development Plan (PNDES).

President Conde stated that the key focuses of his reforms are in agriculture, education for employment and tapping into the mineral resources of Guinea.

In his response, Vice President Mansur Muhtar assured President Conde that IsDB is ready to support Guinea in providing financing, sharing knowledge, building capacity and promoting regional cooperation and integration.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 57

Al-Madinah Al Munawwarah the ‘City of the Prophet’ is the second holiest site in Islam after Makkah. It is situated in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia.

Since the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace be upon him) emigrated there, it became the destination of Believers’ hearts to which they travel from all over the world to pray in prophet’s mosque and pay respects to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in his Sacred Grave.

The Sacred Precinct of Al Madinah Like Makkah, Al Madinah is distinguished from other cities by being a (sacred precinct) than any other secured area for creatures, in which no blood may be shed, no birds to be caught, and no trees to be cut.

Madinah is home to more than 200 sites and tourist places, including historical buildings and archaeological sites of religious importance:

The Prophet’s Mosque It is the most significant landmark of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. It was built up at the place in which the camel of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) settled down when he reached Al Madinah as an immigrant. He took part in building it with his two honorable hands. It became a headquarter of his leadership and the leadership of the Rightly Guided Caliphs after him.

Quba Mosque It is the oldest mosque in Islam. Its first stones were placed by the prophet Mohammad on his migration from the city of Makkah to Al-Madinah. Even after he left to Al-Madinah he used to visit Quba and pray in the mosque.

Al Baqi’ Al Baqi’ is the main cemetery of the people of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah since the era of the Messenger (PBUH). It is located next to the southeastern section of the fence of the Prophet’s Mosque. It is narrated that ten thousand Companions were buried therein

58 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

Al-Madinah Al-Munawwara

Capital of Islamic Tourism 2017 Cemetery of Uhud Martyrs In the north of the Prophetical Mosque there is a cemetery containing 70 Companions of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) who martyred in Uhud conquest and in their forefront His Uncle Hamzah Bin Abdul Mutaleb (May Allah be pleased with Him). The cemetery was visited by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) from time to time.

Qiblatain Mosque (Two Qiblahs) It is located in the northwest of Madinah city. Children of Sawad ibn Ghanam bin Kaab have built the mosque in the time of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). It is called the Mosq of two Qiblahs because Prophet Mohammed ordered the change in direction of Qiblah towards Kaabah in Makkah instead of its existing Qibla facing Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds. According to some sources, the shift of Qiblah was done during the Dhuhr prayer at the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, when a messenger from there was sent to the the Children of Sawad mosque telling them about the shift. They were praying in the second Rakaah, so they turned to the new Qiblah during their Prayer toward Kaabah.

Hence this mosque was re-named since then as the Qiblatain (two Qiblahs) Mosque.

A regional hub for heritage and ecotourism OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen stressed that Madinah Al-Munawwarah has the potentials to become a regional hub for heritage and eco-tourism, considering its peculiar ecological attractions, historical landmarks and opportunities

for desert safari.

This was contained in his statement on the occasion of the inauguration of Madinah Al-Munawwarah as the capital of Islamic Tourism 2017, on 18 February 2017, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, President and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and was attended by His Royal Highness, Prince Faisal Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Medina province and head of Tourism Development in the province.

The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has organised flurry of activities to celebrate Madinah as the capital of Islamic Tourism 2017. In addition to commissioning about 30 projects designed for the occasion among them launching of a tourist bus service to transport tourist across the historical sites of Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the government also commissioned a railway project and the launch of a program to preserve, restore and rehabilitate the historic mosques contained in Madinah Al-Munawwarah.

The OIC Secretary General congratulated the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the decision of the OIC to grant Madinah Al-Munawwarah the award of capital of Islamic Tourism for the year 2017. He stressed that the granting of the third edition of the award to AlMadinah Al-Munawwarah is indeed a clear testimony to the importance of the holy city in the realm of heritage and eco-tourism, in addition to its character as a preferred destination for Muslim pilgrims.

Al-Othaimeen also noted that the objective of establishing the award is to bring to the fore the growing importance of tourism in the cooperation framework of the Organisation, highlighting the OIC’s strategy for scaling up Islamic tourism through the development of tourism infrastructures, new investments in family-friendly hotels and leisure facilities.

www.oic-oci.org

Turkey Egypt

Iran

Bangladesh

Malaysia

Pakistan

Indonesia

Nigeria

International Tourism in D-8 Countries:

Prospects and Challenges 2016

A

new report published by Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), a subsidiary organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), examines the performance and economic role of international tourism sector in the member countries of the Organization for Economic Development Cooperation (D-8) in the latest five-year period for which the data are available.

The report looks at selected international tourism statistics from a global perspective, the state of the tourism sector in D-8 countries in terms of tourist arrivals, tourism receipts, economic role of international tourism and intra D-8 tourism. The report also elaborates the concept of “Islamic Tourism”, as a new direction in the tourism sector in D-8 countries with a great potential for sustainable growth and significant contribution to the development of the overall tourism sector in these countries.

The report also highlights the challenges ahead of the tourism sector in D-8 countries and proposes some recommendations to serve as broad policy guidelines to overcome these challenges.

All the D8 Member States - Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey - are also Members of

www.oic-oci.org

the OIC. According to the report, over the past few decades, international tourism activity has shown substantial and sustained growth in terms of both the number of tourists and tourism receipts. While the world tourist arrivals and tourism receipts have been growing substantially over the years, world tourism markets witnessed some important changes in the direction of tourism. This has been clear in the increase observed in the relative share of the developing countries, including D-8 member countries, in the world tourist arrivals and tourism receipts.

In 2013, the share of developing countries in the world tourist arrivals and tourist receipts exceeded 49.2 per cent and 38.1 per cent, respectively. Like many other groups of developing countries, D-8 countries also benefited from such a positive change. As a group, D-8 countries attracted 88.1 million tourists in 2013, compared with 76.7 million in 2009. International tourism receipts in D-8 countries also increased by about $11.4 billion during the period 2009-2013 and reached $76.9 billion in 2013. Yet, it is observed that tourism activity, in terms of both tourist arrivals and tourism receipts, is still concentrated in few D-8 countries. For example, in 2013, only Turkey and Malaysia together hosted 72 per cent of the total tourist arrivals to all D-8 countries and 73.5 per cent of total D-8 tourism receipts.

Similar trends have been observed in intraD-8 tourism, where intra-D-8 tourist arrivals increased from 6.2 million in 2009 to 6.6 million in 2013. Intra-D-8 tourism receipts also went up from $5.3 billion in 2009 to $5.8 billion in 2013. Yet, at the individual country level, it is observed that the intraD-8 tourist arrivals and receipts are concentrated in few D-8 member countries. In particular, Malaysia, Turkey and Indonesia represented 86.8 per cent of all intra-D-8 tourist arrivals and 92.3 per cent of all intraD-8 tourism receipts in 2013.

According to the report, one of the main driving factors behind this positive development in intra-D-8 tourism is the emergence of the Islamic (Halal) tourism in which all tourism activities, services, facilities and products are being provided in line with the principles of Islam.

The report dedicates a special section to highlight the “Islamic Tourism”, as a new direction in the tourism sector in D-8 countries with a great potential for sustainable growth and significant contribution to the development of the overall tourism sector in these countries. The Report elaborates on the challenges ahead of the tourism industry in D-8 countries and proposes some recommendations to serve as broad policy guidelines to overcome these challenges.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 59

ECONOMY Millennium Development

Goals

Reduce child mortality

Promote gender equality and empower women

Achieve universal primary education

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger at the global level

Develop a global partnership for development

Ensure environmental sustainability

Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Improve maternal health

A new report by Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), a subsidiary organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), analyses the national and regional efforts to spearhead successful transition of the OIC Countries to the ambitious global agenda for sustainable development by investigating their MDGs achievements and reviewing prospects and challenges for the implementation of SDGs. The report titled “Moving From MDGs to SDGs: Prospects and Challenges for OIC Member Countries� noted that the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) officially came into effect in January 2016 at the conclusion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is an ambitious and universal agenda to support a sustainable future for the humankind by integrating social, economic and environmental dimensions of development. Below is a summary of the SESRIC report’s assessment of the achievement of each of the eight MDGs in OIC Member States:

MDG1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger at the global level

60 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

The target of reducing extreme poverty rates by half was met five years ahead of the 2015 deadline. In line with the global trends, many OIC member countries have also achieved the target on extreme poverty, but country level experiences were quite diverse.

MDG2: Achieve universal primary education Average rates for primary school enrolment have increased all over the world during the period 2000- 2014. Despite these improvements, there are indications that still around one-fifth of the children in OIC countries who are at their primary school age have not registered in schools. Overall, achievements of OIC countries in MDG2 are less satisfactory.

MDG3: Promote gender equality and empower women Many more girls are now in school compared to 15 years ago in developing countries including OIC members. In terms of wage employment in the non-agriculture sector, 31 OIC countries witnessed an improvement where women employees are less vulnerable when compared to the

1990s. The average proportion of women in parliaments has nearly doubled and 46 OIC countries achieved to record an increase in the number of women representatives at their parliaments. Despite these significant gains made in reducing gender disparity and improving opportunity and wellbeing for women, women and girls continue to face challenges in several OIC countries from staying out of education to lack of job opportunities.

MDG4: Reduce child mortality OIC member countries as a group have witnessed substantial decline in preventable child mortality over the past quarter of a century. Despite the impressive performance over the years, decline in child mortality was insufficient to enable the OIC member countries as a group to achieve the targets of MDG4.

MDG5: Improve maternal health OIC member countries have witnessed significant improvement in maternal health situation with maternal mortality rate (MMR) dropping from 534 to 327 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births between 1990 and 2015. However, despite this progress,

www.oic-oci.org

ECONOMY around 0.15 million women still die from preventable causes related to the pregnancy and childbirth in OIC countries.

MDG6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Over the last 15 years, many developing countries including many OIC countries recorded some significant progress in combating against major communicable diseases especially HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis that are listed as sub-targets under MDG6.

Despite these remarkable gains, many OIC countries failure to reach several sub-targets of MDG6 stems from underdeveloped living conditions due to poverty where still millions of people have to live in environments with lack of sanitation and/or drinking water.

MDG7: Ensure environmental sustainability The OIC member countries have shown a slow, but steady decline in forest area, compared to forest area growth in developed countries. This is critical given the 22.6%

precipitation share of the OIC, and the essential role played by forests as water traps.

Nonetheless, OIC member countries collectively increased the proportion of their population with access to improved drinking water sources from 70% in 1990 to 82% in 2015. Similar progress has been made in providing improved sanitation facilities, where 60% (2015) of the collective OIC population now use improved sanitation facilities, compared to 43% in 1990. There also remains a significant disparity between water and sanitation facility access between urban and rural areas.

MDG8: Develop a global partnership for development The official development assistance to OIC countries has substantially increased over the MDGs era. As for debt burden, only 15 out of 42 OIC countries for which data is available demonstrate having a lower level of debt burden compared to the developing countries average. Nonetheless, most OIC countries achieved some progress over the

MDGs period.

Prospects and Challenges for SDGs Insufficient political will and limited policy dialogue reduced the potential achievements of MDGs in developing countries including OIC members. To this end, under the guidance of the UN, the international community prepared and adopted SDGs with more stakeholder involvement that improved the feeling of ownership. Almost all OIC countries actively contributed to the process of determination phases of SDGs at the national, regional and global level meetings and foras. If OIC countries and OIC General Secretariat can utilize existing mechanisms and OIC institutions within the OIC system to improve political willingness of member countries and scale up their determination to follow up SDGs, it is likely to see increased cooperation among OIC countries as well as with the international community to achieve SDGs that ultimately would lead to improve millions of people’s standards of living.

IsDB Workshop Calls for the Commercialization of Trans-Saharan Road Corridor

Leading experts have called for the speedy completion and commercialization of the Trans-Saharan Road Corridor linking six countries in Africa: Algeria, Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Tunisia. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has already contributed US $454 million to the corridor in the form of 19 operations.

The experts made the call at a workshop organized by the IsDB during the African Investment and Business Forum (Algiers, 3-5 December 2016). The theme of the work-

www.oic-oci.org

shop was “Commercialization of the TransSaharan Road Corridor”.

The workshop was organized in partnership with a host of authorities from the African Forum as well as the Secretariat of the TransSaharan Road Liaison Committee (TRLC) on 4 December.

“The smooth movement of people and goods in IsDB member countries is a top priority for the Bank. By linking these six countries through the Trans-Saharan road corridor, we are providing a platform for

the economic integration of the region. This will help in addressing several development challenges such as poverty alleviation, job creation and easy transfer of goods and services among African member states,” said Dr. Abdulhakim Elwaer, IsDB’s Director for Cooperation and Resource Mobilization.

The workshop highlighted the need for preparation of a Corridor Master/Development Plan for addressing soft and hard aspects and requirements of the corridor, and establishment of a corridor management mechanism with participation of en-route countries, regional organizations and development community.

Participants at the event shared success stories on collaboration at national and regional levels for development of multi-country corridors. The event came up with recommendations for commercial operation of the Algiers-Lagos axis of the Trans-Saharan Corridor after completion of construction works in Arlit-Assamaka section in Niger by the end of 2017.

The workshop also stressed the need for expeditious completion of construction works in the remaining missing links connecting Chad and Mali to the Corridor. This could be realized through cooperation between these countries and development partners.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 61

OCCASIONS OIC Hosts Photo Exhibition on

Images of tortured, bloodied and bruised bodies of the victims of ongoing atrocities in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir were on display at the General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in a Photo Exhibition tagged Kashmiris and their Right of Self Determination.

Pakistan’s Consulate General in Saudi Arabia organized the Photo Exhibition and Seminar hosted by the OIC. Delivering a speech during the exhibition, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Manzoor ul Haq noted that the suffering of the Kashmiris is much more than what was captured in the exhibited pictures. However, due to India’s blockade of international media, the OIC and international Human Rights organisations from having access to the Indian Occupied Kashmir, the Embassy deemed it fit to exhibit the pictures to give the world a window into the brutal atrocities being committed daily in the Occupied Kashmir.

He added that India’s Human Rights violation in the occupied Kashmir continued for the last 69 years, and the severity of the situation has worsened since the killing of the Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani by the Indian security forces on 8 July 2016.

Kashmir

In his remark at the Seminar, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Ambassador Abdullah Alim who is also the Special Envoy of the OIC Secretary General to Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirmed OIC’s principled stand in support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir towards achieving their legitimate right to self-determination in accordance with the UN relevant resolutions.

Ambassador Alim added that he personally led a delegation on a visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and took first hand cognizance of the situation of the Kashmiris living in shelter camps as well as of the developments in the region around the line of control separating the two sides of Kashmir.

Other Pakistani officials who spoke during the seminar expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the OIC’s consistent support and diligent action towards an agreed resolution for the conflict in Kashmir, and for its ongoing interest in the Kashmiri people’s conditions.

The photo exhibition was part of activities to mark Kashmir Black Day, to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people who are being subjected to worst brutalities in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

OIC Organizes Media Training for Staff

on Social Media and Mobile Journalism “OIC places special importance on training and re-training of its staff to enhance their professional skills to meet the demands of their daily jobs in serving and protecting the interest of its member states” said Maha Akeel, Director of OIC’s Information Department.

Participants at the course said they are now more equipped and ready to further enhance the image of the OIC and its institutions in both the conventional and Social Media platforms.

The workshop was held from Sunday November 6 until Thursday, November 10 2016 at the Training Center of the International Is-

62 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

The Information Department of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has organized a training workshop on Mobile Journalism and Social Media for staff from its General Secretariat, Affiliated and Specialized Institutions.

The workshop facilitated by the Thompson Foundation was designed to equip OIC staff with requisite skills on shooting videos on smartphones, Social Media promotions and creating successful media campaigns.

www.oic-oci.org

COUNTRY PROFILE Republic of Benin

Area: 114763 km2 Population: 10.32 million (world Bank 2013) Capital: Porto-Novo Official language: French Currency: West African CFA franc National Day: August 1

Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is one of Africa’s most stable democracies. It is situated in West Africa and is bounded to the east by Nigeria, to the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, and to the west by Togo.

Benin stretches 700km (435 miles) from the Bight of Benin to the Niger River. The coastal strip is sandy with coconut palms.

The northern part of the country distinguishes itself by the combination of vast savannas, landscapes and hills with plenty of waterfalls. Of special interest is the area of Somba with its unique architecture and exceptional traditions and customs.

In the Pendjari wildlife park, also in the North, many animals like elephants, lions, baboons, antelopes, buffaloes and many different types of birds can be observed.

Benin is home to ancient civilizations, which were built round kingdoms based on citystates. The three main kingdoms (created by the Fon people) were those of Allada, founded during the 16th century, that of Abomey in 1625, and that of Porto-Novo, formerly known as Adjacé, then Hogbonou.

These well-structured political entities had functional urban centers.

Attractions: Abomey

Referred to as the “Royal City”, it is the capital of Dan-Home, the ancient Kingdom.

It has one of the most impressive museums of Africa. As one of the West Coast of Africa’s most powerful dynasties, generations

www.oic-oci.org

of kings built a palace there, which formed a magnificent architectural complex. In 1985, the Royal Palace of Abomey was made a UNESCO World Heritage listed site.

Ganvie water village

Africa’s unique floating villages built on stilts.

Located about 12 km north of Cotonou’s Nokwe Lake, it is called the “Venice of Africa.” Built in 1717, all the houses were built in a circle 23m above the water on stakes.

They have bamboo walls and floors and pointed roofs covered with a thick thatch.

Each household has a ladder to the surface of the water, and every household has a wooden bridge to stay connected. There is bustling, vessel-lined water markets, all with strange customs that attract overseas tourists. Motorboats are available for the trips across the lake to the Ganvie.

Park W

The Region W of the river Niger represents an extraordinary Biodiversity Reserve in West Africa, where the Transfrontier Park W is the largest group of protected areas.

The protected area was identified in 1926, but became Regional Park W Ecopas in 1954. This Park covers a territory of over 1,000,000 hectares distributed among the States of Benin (550,000 hectares), Burkina Faso (250,000 hectares), and Niger (220,000 hectares). Despite a considerable human pressure, the potentialities regarding the flora and fauna of this region, as well as the functionality of the ecosystem, are still well

preserved. The landscapes of the National Park and of the Region W of the river Niger are very diversified and distributed around aquatic elements like the rivers, “mares”, temporary lakes, and land elements where herbaceous grasslands, shrubby savannah, and gallery forests alternate.

Culture

Benin’s culture is as rich and diverse as its landscape. Music is of utmost importance in the country. The rhythmic sounds of drumming can be heard at most festivals and religious events. The country is also home to notable musicians, including the internationally acclaimed singer Angelique Kidjo.

Textiles As with most clothing in West Africa, the textiles are vibrant and ornately decorated.

Each cultural group, be it Fon, Yoruba, or Edo, has unique but recognizable attire, and in most tribes, different colors and patterns are worn for different occasions.

Art

Art has been a spiritual and functional healer to the local communities. Brightly coloured tapestries tell the history of Benin and collectors worldwide admire the local bronze crafts. In the erstwhile kingdoms of Bariba and Dahomey, the Kings laid a lot of emphasis on the development of arts and crafts.

Weavers, jewelers, woodcarvers, potters, and iron and brass workers received patronage and the ancient Kingdom of Abomey became a haven for artists and craftsmen.

OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017 63

VIEWPOINT A New Year Boiling with Events

T Maha Mostafa Akeel Chief Editor

Ending the tragic deadly war in Syria, the painful conflict in Yemen and the random chaos in Iraq would be a much more effective way to confront terrorism and cut off its supply of human ammunition

he year 2017 began with the roaring entrance of US President Donald Trump to the world stage and political arena. The unexpected winner, the underdog, the outsider candidate with the nonexistent political experience was sworn in as the 45th president on 20 January; and he immediately began signing executive orders delivering on his campaign promises. The one that got the widest media coverage and reaction in the US and around the world is the one concerning banning travelers and refugees from 7 Muslim-majority countries from entering the US in order to implement an extreme vetting process to prevent terrorists from entering the country.

The year did start with a horrific terrorist act on New Year’s Eve…in Istanbul. Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees who are escaping the horrors of war in Syria. They are victims of war and terrorism; and Turkey is providing them with shelter and a safe haven. Terrorists do not belong to any particular religion, nationality or ethnicity. Even if they claim to commit their unconscionable acts in the name of religion, they are only using religion to justify their acts, and we should not sanction their claims to religion by discriminating against all those who follow that religion and brand them as guilty by association.

Terrorists breed and feed on injustice, corruption, chaos, poverty, ignorance and violence. If we do not address the underlying causes and simply focus on reactionary measures and military might, we will not be able to root out terrorism. Ending the tragic deadly war in Syria, the painful conflict in Yemen and the random chaos in Iraq would be a much more effective way to confront terrorism and cut off its supply of human ammunition. In addition to that, it is necessary to address the “factual” rhetoric, the “social” discourse and the “religious” edicts upon which the ideological leaders of the religious groups depend on to lure and convince the disenfranchised, despondent, angry youth to join their ranks and commit the terrorist acts.

On the other hand, there is also the need to confront the rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiments and policies in the West, and other places like Myanmar and Central African Republic. Statements and policies by politicians in western countries against immigrants, refugees and even citizens who are Muslim act to reinforce and confirm claims by extremists that the West is the enemy of Islam, and would deepen the divide and distrust between community members of different religions. If there are problems of adjustment and integration they should be dealt with policies that assist rather than those that banish.

These events and issues have been the focus of the OIC and continue to be of top consideration. The OIC General Secretariat hosted a conference on the situation in Yemen and another on Syria. It also organized a very important summit in Malaysia on the horrendous human rights abuses in Myanmar against the Rohingya Muslim minority there and the consequent sufferings.

The OIC also held events addressing cyber terrorism, combating anti-Muslim discrimination and the role of the media in combating terrorism, which was one of the resolutions adopted at the eleventh Islamic Conference of Information Ministers held in Jeddah in December 2016. It was a new resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia, reflecting the increased recognition by all member states of the importance of the media in confronting extremist, marginal ideology, especially through social media, which has been the media weapon of choice for terrorist groups due to its reach and impact.

The Information Ministers conference also witnessed the adoption of other interesting resolutions including a media strategy for combating Islamophobia, an international prize for the media and media personnel, and a resolution on empowering women in and through the media with a mandate to establish an OIC Women Media Observatory that would highlight women’s achievements in the member states in various fields as well their issues and concerns.

All this and more – on world affairs, the economy, tourism, education, health, culture, and human rights – is covered in this issue of the OIC Journal.

64 OIC Journal Dec - Feb 2017

www.oic-oci.org

About OIC

The Organisation 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 people of the world.

The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 12th Rajab 1389 Hijra (25 September 1969) 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. Dr. Yousef Ahmed Al-Othaimeen is the 11th Secretary General who assumed the office in November 2016.

The first OIC Charter was adopted by the 3rd ICFM Session held in 1972. The Charter laid down the objectives and principles of the organization and fundamental purposes to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among the Member States. Over the last 40 years, the membership has grown from its founding members of 30 to 57 states. The Charter was amended to keep pace with the developments that have unraveled across the world. The present Charter of the OIC was adopted by the Eleventh Islamic Summit held in Dakar on 13-14 March 2008 to become the pillar of the OIC future Islamic action in line with the requirements of the 21st century.

The Organization has the singular honor to galvanize the Ummah into a unified body and have actively represented the Muslims by espousing all causes close to the hearts of over 1.5 billion Muslims of 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 the Muslims, the organization has taken various steps to remove misperceptions and have strongly advocated elimination of discrimination against the Muslims in all forms and manifestations.

The Member States of the OIC face many challenges in the 21st century and to address those challenges, the third extraordinary session of the Islamic Summit held in Makkah in December 2005, laid down the blue print called the Ten-Year Program of Action. It has successfully concluded with the close of 2015. A successor programme for the next decade (2016-2025) has been adopted.

The new programme OIC-2025 is anchored in the provisions of the OIC Charter and focuses on 18 priority areas with 107 goals. The priority areas include issues of Peace and Security, Palestine and Al-Quds, Poverty Alleviation, Counter-terrorism, Investment and Finance, Food Security, Science and Technology, Climate Change and Sustainability, Moderation, Culture and Interfaith Harmony, Empowerment of Women, Joint Islamic Humanitarian Action, Human Rights and Good Governance, among others.

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 and three permanent committees concerned with science and technology, economy and trade, and information and culture. There are also specialized organs under the banner of the OIC including the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, as well as subsidiary and affiliate organs that 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