OIC Journal - Issue 38

October - December 2017

NumĂŠro Issue No. 38 37

Imposing Restrictions on any State that Transfers its Embassy to Al-Quds

Al-Othaimeen: OIC is Committed to Protecting

Cultural Diversity and Promoting Dialogue

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

OUR MESSAGE IRAQ IS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE RIGHT PATH

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

The process of reconciliation in Iraq will continue in the next conference, but it is challenging and demands great effort

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he criterion for achievement is not the time it takes or the effort exerted, but rather its positive impact on people and the difference it makes between yesterday and today.

If we apply this to the events in Iraq since our actual involvement in 2006, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have come a long way. This started with the drafting of the Makkah Document adopted by Sunni and Shiite clerics in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. This historic document contributed to healing the rift during a sensitive period in Iraq, which managed so far to pass through several dark tunnels. The most recent step was the convention of the Preparatory Elites Meeting for the comprehensive National Reconciliation Conference on 10 December 2017 in cooperation and partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Reconciliation Commission. The time between these two events involved many contacts and consultations with the Iraqi government for the reconciliation project under the auspices of the OIC to see the light and become a reality soon with the convening of the comprehensive National Reconciliation Conference.

The great importance we attach to the upcoming National Reconciliation Conference lies in its comprehensiveness and inclusion of all political spectrum that will specify the broader Iraqi project, which is still developing towards an Iraqi partnership that encompasses the entire social fabric in all its aspects and diversity.

Iraq has went through a difficult period and succeeded in breaking the thorn of terrorism and defeating the anarchists and extremists, and is now closer to the reconstruction in its march towards prosperity and development.

The period of fighting Daesh has led to destruction and devastation in infrastructure and cities and the displacement of citizens. It is important now to focus on building the human being as a priority.

Therefore, we believe that the phase of post-war on terrorism requires a series of reforms and reconciliations, which we feel is especially important with the convening of the Reconstruction Conference for Iraq in the State of Kuwait on 14 February 2018.

The presence of the OIC was important in this Conference, as well as the presence of OIC Member States, in supporting the reconstruction process in Iraq.

It is also important to consider the reasons and circumstances that led to the entry of Daesh to Iraq in June 2014 to come up with ideas and recommendations to help the Iraqi National Reconciliation Conference to develop procedures, whether intellectual, political, economic or social, to address and uproot them and ensure non-recurrence thereof. This would help Iraq overcome this stage quickly and focus on the issue of social justice and citizenship, make Iraqi identity the basis of rights and duties, protect Iraqi society from all forms of extremism, and achieve progress and justice through the mechanisms of good governance.

Hence, we found that it would be beneficial to launch the Elites’ Meeting, which includes thinkers, intellectuals and researchers of different currents. This would lay the sound intellectual foundation and contribute to the political visions and views in the best public interest.

The process of reconciliation in Iraq will continue in the next conference, but it demands effort by the Iraqi government and the National Reconciliation Commission in the presence of the OIC over the coming months through communication, coordination and arrangement. This will be within a specific timeframe that ensures compatibility, eliminates outstanding disagreements, and enables Iraqis to define their new path with unity, strength and determination.

However, the reconciliation process in Iraq has been and continues to be a challenge for the OIC that strives to prove its ability to accomplish it. To date, the OIC has been successful in meeting its promises for 12 years and it is still committed to providing the necessary climate and capabilities for the reconciliation process.

This achievement will be a milestone not only in the history of Iraq but also in the history of the OIC and the record of its achievements as a model and a qualitative leap forward in its diplomatic performance. The OIC will spare no effort in mobilizing support for Iraq’s reconciliation.

The OIC believes that the solution to the Iraqi crisis must be purely Iraqi, which is achievable through the concessions required to avoid the pretexts of any external interference. Citizenship based on equal rights is the key to this solution while sectarian, linguistic, cultural and regional pluralism should be the source of strength for Iraq.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

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OIC Journal Issued by The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Chief Editor & General Supervisor Maha Mostafa Akeel Editor Bashir Sa’ad Abdullahi Layout & Design Mohammed Abdelqader Qalaba Advisory Board Amb. Tareg Bakheet 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.

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OIC Journal October - December 2017

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

Calendar Items January – March 2018 2 - 6 January 2018: Visit to Rohingya refugee camps, Bangladesh 24 - 25 January 2018: Meeting of Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGGE) for the comprehensive review of the Personnel Regulations of the OIC, OIC HQ, Jeddah 29 - 30 January 2018: Workshop on The role of Religion Education in Preventing Violet Extremism and Radicalization, Islamic University of Niger 05-07 February 2018: 10th Session of Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers, Dhaka – Bangladesh 9 February 2018: 30th Meeting of IUIU Governing Council, Main campus Mbale, Uganda 10 February 2018: 30th Anniversary of IUIU, Main campus, Mbale, Uganda 21 - 22 February 2018: The 5th Islamic Conference for Ministers in Charge of Childhood, co-organized with ISESCO, Rabat, Morocco 21-22 February 2018: The Fourth Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers (ICLM), Jeddah - Saudi Arabia 26 February 2018: 2nd Experts Group Meeting on OIC Contact Group on Peace and Conflict Resolution, OIC HQ, Jeddah 6 - 8 March 2018: The 47th Session of the Permanent Financial Committee (PFC), OIC HQ, Jeddah 08 March 2018: SESRIC Meeting with the Delegates of National Statistical Offices of OIC Member Countries, New York – USA 8 - 9 March 2018: Preparatory Workshop to enrich the framework of the draft OIC Strategy for Family empowerment, ISESCO Headquarters 26 - 27 March 2018: Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG) meeting to discuss and finalize the OIC Declaration on human Rights, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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CONTENTS Palestine File: 6: OIC Secretary General Welcomes Palestinian Reconciliation Agreement

World Affairs: 12:

OIC Calls for Economic and Diplomatic Measures against Myanmar

OIC News: 22: First Conferenc in the Field of Mediation

Islamic Summit calls for internationalisation of the peace process

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OIC and Iraqi Government Hold “Elite Conference” for National Reconciliation

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Human Rights: 30: OIC Secretary General Stresses Media’s Role in Curbing Hate Speech

Culture: 32: Measures to Save Remaining Islamic Cultural Heritage 34: Khartoum Declaration: Fostering Cooperation for Sustainablle Cultural Development

Islamophobia: 42: OIC-KAICIID Conference in Bangkok 43: Conflict in the Central African Republic: An Action Plan for Peace

Media: 45: Regional Workshop to Positive Representation of Muslim Women in the Media 46: The Islamic International News Agency (IINA) Becomes Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) OIC Culture Week

Environment:

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49: Al-Othaimeen: Environmental Protection Plays Central Role

Health: 54: Launching of Training Manual on Polio Eradication, Mother & Child Health and Immunization

Economy: 58: Economies of Member States Grow 4%

Opinion Articles 11: The ESCWA again 15: Rohingya Tragedy… Legal Dimension of the Issue 40: Azerbaijan›s contribution to the Islamic Solidarity 44: The Two Faces of Hatred

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OIC is Tackling the Challenges of Reporting on Terrorist Events

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OIC Launches Health Portal during the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers

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IN FOCUS

US Decision on Al-Quds Islamic Summit calls for internationalisation of the peace process

And imposing restrictions on any state that transfers its embassy to Jerusalem The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Extraordinary Islamic Summit on Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) held in Istanbul, Republic Of Turkey on 13 December 2017 called on the United States of America to revoke its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In its final communiqué, the Summit affirmed its condemnation and rejection of the decision and the US President Donald Trump’s announcement to relocate the American embassy to the city.

The Islamic leaders and heads of state held the US administration fully responsible for any repercussions of it refusing to disavow this unlawful decision, taking it as a clear desertion by the US administration of its role as peace broker. The Summit also dismissed the decision as a gift to Israel for its continuous renouncement of agreements and blatant breach of international legitimacy.

The summit also call on the OIC member states to impose political and economic restrictions on states, officials, parliaments, companies, and individuals recognizing Israeli annexation of Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusa-

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lem), or engaging in any form with measures aimed at perpetuating Israeli colonization of the occupied Palestinian territories.

On the need to internationalize peace, the communiqué called on international actors to promote a multilateral political process, to resume an internationally sponsored, credible process to achieve lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

Speaking at the summit, OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen stated that the extraordinary summit bears acute significance mainly as to the centrality of the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds for the entire Muslim Ummah, considering the US administration’s unilateral decision a downright aggression on the city’s sacrosanct identity and Arab character.

He further said the OIC uncompromisingly rejects the US move as an act, which constitutes a clear violation of international law, deals a heavy blow to international relations and runs counter to the spirit of the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions. By taking this move, Al-Othaimeen added, the US is breaking the international

OIC Journal October - December 2017

consensus regarding the political, legal and historical status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

The Organization called on the Arab and Muslim world to join efforts, regionally and worldwide, to harness all the diplomatic means available to counter such measures and face up to the US unilateral decision rejected by most of the world countries.

It is high time, amid current attempts to sap international legitimacy, the State of Palestine enjoys full recognition by all, the Secretary General pointed out.

“The OIC calls again on those states that have not as yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so promptly such as to consolidate the foundations of the two-state solution, for justice and international legitimacy to prevail.”

Addressing the OIC foreign ministers gathering at the preparatory meeting to the extraordinary Islamic Summit, the Secretary General invited the international community to back up the Palestinian reconciliation efforts and to enable the Palestinian consensus government to exercise its role and fulfill its commitments towards the Palestin-

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IN FOCUS ian people and for the reconstitution of the Gaza strip. He also welcomed the positive outcome of the Palestinian national reconciliation.

The leaders at the Summit also renewed their principled support for the Palestinian people in their pursuit to attain their inalienable national rights, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent and sovereign Palestinian State on the borders of 4 June 1967, with Al-Quds AlSharif as its capital.

The Summit reaffirmed the adherence of the OIC to all resolutions adopted by the regular and extraordinary sessions of the Islamic Summit on the Cause of Palestine and the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, in particular the Extraordinary Summit in Jakarta, including the affirmation that a comprehensive and just peace will be achieved only by ending the occupation and establishing the independent State of Palestine that has full sovereignty on the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its eternal capital.

The Istanbul Summit also considered that this dangerous declaration, which aims to change the legal status of the City of AlQuds Al-Sharif, is null and void and lacks any legitimacy, as being a serious violation of the international law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention in particular, and all relevant resolutions of international legitimacy, particularly the UN Security Council resolutions No. 478 (1980) and 2334 (2016), the foundations of the peace process that stipulate the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif as a final status issue, the agreements signed and the undertakings made in this regard by the United States of America, which requires the immediate reversal of this decision.

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The Heads of States and Governments of the OIC Member States therefore thanked regional institutions for their positive stand in favor of the State of Palestine and the status of Al-Quds; and mandate the General Secretariat to mobilize support for the cause of Palestine from all regional organizations. The meeting therefore declared East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine and invite all countries to recognize the State of Palestine and East Jerusalem as its occupied capital.

The Islamic leaders and heads of state also asserted their continued commitment to protecting the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, its historic status, its cultural mission, and its legal status, and to take all necessary measures to put an end to the violations committed by the brutal Israeli occupation and any party that supports the occupation and its colonial and racist policies.

The OIC leaders welcome the international consensus rejecting the declaration of the US Administration, which violates all resolutions of international legitimacy, because of its serious repercussions on the security and stability in the region and the world; and regard this international consensus as a message of strong support for the rights of the Palestinian people and their just Cause and right to their land, notably the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

The Summit called on all States to continue to fully implement UNSCR 478 of 1980 and in this regard urge all States to refrain from supporting the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the so-called capital of Israel and not to relocate their Diplomatic Missions to Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

They equally called on the UN Security

Council to assume its responsibilities immediately and reaffirm the legal status of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and to end the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine.

The meeting strongly urged all Member States, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations in the Member States to increase their contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) so as to ease the ongoing financial crises, exacerbated by the current humanitarian situation on the ground, and to support the Agency’s valuable work in assisting the Palestine refugees.

The Communique also called on the Member States and relevant OIC bodies to continue to provide all forms of economic, social, technical and material support and assistance to the Palestinian people and the State of Palestine including promotion and facilitation of trade with Palestine, developing capacity building programs and enhancing financial and economic assistance to build up a strong and independent Palestinian national economy and to strengthen the economic and social development of Palestine, including the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, as its capital.

The meeting therefore requested the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to support economic and social development endeavors in Quds Al-Sharif and other occupied territories through the “Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development” by prioritizing Palestine’s projects and formulating special and flexible mechanisms and procedures for them.

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PALESTINE FILE

OIC Secretary General Welcomes Palestinian Reconciliation Agreement

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he Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, welcomed the Palestinian reconciliation agreement reached by Fatah and Hamas movements, considering it a vital step that would contribute to the realization of the aspirations of the Palestinian people and enable them to face the serious challenges imposed by the Israeli occupation.

The Secretary General added that Palestinian reconciliation is necessary in order to protect the supreme Palestinian interests and build on the recent political achievements of the Palestinian people. Al-Othaimeen confirmed the OIC’s support for the ongoing efforts to enable the Palestinian government to perform its role and discharge its responsibilities of responding to the needs of the Palestinian people.

He also commended the Arab Republic of Egypt for sponsoring the important achievement and for its continued efforts to achieve national reconciliation, and expressed hope that it would culminate into an effective political partnership within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in order to pursue endeavors to end Israeli occupation and establish the Palestinian State with Al-Quds as its capital.

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Meanwhile, Al-Othaimeen confirmed the OIC’s continued readiness to contribute to supporting any steps that would bolster Palestinian national unity, calling on the international community to support the efforts to reach the Palestinian national reconciliation and provide means for its success, given its role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Rival Palestinian movements Hamas and Fatah signed the reconciliation deal after Hamas agreed to hand over administrative control of Gaza, including the key Rafah border crossing.

Hamas’s agreement to transfer administrative powers in Gaza to a Fatah-backed government marked a major reversal.

“The legitimate government, the government of consensus, will return according to its responsibilities and according to the law,” Fatah delegation chief Azzam AlAhmed said at the signing ceremony in Cairo.

He said the unity government would “run all institutions without exception,” including all border crossings with Israel and in Rafah, Gaza’s only access point with Egypt.

Senior Hamas member Saleh al-Arouri told a Cairo news conference that Hamas was determined to end the division between it

OIC Journal October - December 2017

and Fatah, saying they had “no choice but to continue to advance the unity of [the Palestinian people] and reach our hopes and aspirations.”

He thanked Egypt for its role in facilitating the agreement.

The agreement calls for Abbas’s presidential guard to assume responsibility of the Rafah crossing, and full handover of administrative control of Gaza to the unity government.

In exchange, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is expected to lift restrictions on electricity supply to Gaza.

Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets across Gaza in celebration of the unity pact, with loudspeakers on open cars blasting national songs, youths dancing and hugging and many waving Palestine and Egyptian flags.

Egypt helped mediate several previous attempts to reconcile the two movements and form a power-sharing unity government in Gaza and the West Bank, where Abbas and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) are based.

The West Bank and the Gaza Strip have remained politically and administratively divided since 2007.

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PALESTINE FILE 100th Anniversary of Belfour Declaration:

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OIC Calls for Full Recognition of the State of Palestine

he second of November 2017 mark the first one hundredth anniversary of the issue of Arthur Balfour’s promise, then Foreign Minister of Britain, under which he committed to the creation of “a national home for the Jews on the land of Palestine’ a promise made by one who is not a rightful owner to someone who has no legitimate right (to the promised object).

It was a promise that formed the concrete start of the historical injustice whose tragic consequences are still endured today by the Palestinian people, victims of a still ongoing decades-long occupation, with its attendant oppression, forcible displacement, ethnic cleansing and denial of their legitimate rights.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reaffirms its indignation, as expressed earlier through the resolution issued by its latest conference of Foreign Ministers held in Abidjan, Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, on 10-11 July 2017, in the face of the British Government’s intention to organize a celebration to mark the centenary of the said Balfour promise, which seriously prejudiced the Palestinian people’s rights. The OIC invites the British Government to adopt rather positive steps based on the historical, judicial, political and ethical responsibility it shoulders side by side with the international community to end the Israeli occupation, to fully recognize the State of Palestine and to accord justice to the Palestinian people and to help them recover their legitimate national rights.

On this occasion, the OIC reiterates its firm stand in support of the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and to the establishment of their own independent state within the borders of 1967 with Al Quds / Jerusalem as its capital as well as the refugees’ right to return to their homeland under UN resolution 194.

The OIC also renews its commitment to aid the international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and fair justice, under the relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace initiative. The OIC further calls on the international community to shoulder its responsibility as to the adoption of effective

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measures to compel Israel, the occupying power, to uphold its commitments under international law and put an end to its illegal policies, practices and expansionist plans on the territories of the occupied Palestine State which plans are undermining to the achievement of a just peace based on the Two-State vision.

The OIC also paid a particular tribute and sincere marks of respect and admiration to the resisting Palestinian people with their steadfast attachment to their homeland and their abiding defense of their territories and sanctities in the face of the Israeli occupant’s policies.

The OIC holds Israel, the occupying power, fully responsible for the safety of all the holy places falling under its unjust occupation, pointing out that the international covenants and agreements, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibit aggression by the occupying power on houses of worship and provide that free access to these places should be ensured. These international instruments also prevent the occupying power to take such measures as may alter the geographic and demographic status of historical and holy places.

Faithful to its main cause of formation, and amid continuing Israeli aggression against the holy city of Al-Quds, the OIC reaffirms

its rejection of any attempt to undermine the Palestinian sovereignty and compromise the Palestinian presence in Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It also calls on the international community to force Israel to abide by the principles and resolutions sanctioned by the international law and the international legitimacy, and to end its occupation of all the territory (to the 1967 borders) of the Palestinian state, granted admission to the UN on 29 November 2012. The OIC also calls for a cessation of the ongoing Israeli violations and judaization plans, especially Israel’s attempts to harm the Islamic and Christian holy places in Al-Quds, on top of which is the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque.

On the 100th anniversary, the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas noted that, “the Balfour declaration is not something to be celebrated – certainly not while one of the peoples affected continues to suffer such injustice. The creation of a homeland for one people resulted in the dispossession and continuing persecution of another – now a deep imbalance between occupier and occupied. The balance must be redressed, and Britain bears a great deal of responsibility in leading the way. Celebrations must wait for the day when everyone in this land has freedom, dignity and equality.”

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PALESTINE FILE An International Conference in Kuwait Focuses on the Suffering of the Palestinian Child Kuwait Declaration:

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t the invitation of the State of Kuwait and the League of Arab States, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Youssef A. Othaimeen, took part in the international conference on the suffering of the Palestinian child amid Israeli occupying power’s regular breaching of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Convened on 12 November 2017 in Kuwait, the conference was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, and the attendance of H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine and LAS Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Agenda items of the conference featured Palestinian child’s status in light of international law and the CRC, with a focus on the role of the international community and civil society in promoting and preserving Palestinian children’s rights, and other related issues.

President Abbas in his address, shed light on the tragic conditions of Palestinian children who live under the brutal Israeli occupation.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmad Abul-Gheit also delivered a speech condemning the Israeli occupation which denies Palestinian children their basic inalienable rights.

“Just like other children across the world, Palestinian children want to live a normal life, have a bright future and enjoy basic childhood rights”, he said.

Citing international reports, he said that up to 700 Palestinian children, aged between

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12 and 17, are facing trial at Israeli military courts.

At the conference, the OIC which accords top priority to the Palestinian cause at all political and social levels demonstrates unwavering support to the defense of the Palestinian Child and his rights as established under international covenants, as well as to the quest for mechanisms to ensure the protection of the Palestinian child against the inhumane exactions at the hands of the Israeli occupant.

The conference addressed five major themes: the Palestinian Child’s conditions from the perspective of international law and the human rights agreements, the role of the international community and civil society institutions in shoring up the Palestinian Child’s rights and ensuring their observance, the appalling educational, physical and psychological conditions endured by the jailed Palestinian children and the other persons languishing in the Israeli occupant’s dungeons, the required legal protection for the Palestinian children under occupation and the necessary mechanisms for their activation, and the appropriate tools to ensure the development and consolidation of the Palestinian child’s capacities and educational, psychological and cultural nurturance.

On the margin of the conference, the OIC Secretary General met with the Palestine President, Mr. Mahmood Abbas, and exchanged views with him on the Palestinian situation, the latest developments and the national reconciliation, in addition to the Palestinian approaches at the political level.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

The participants at the International Conference on the «Suffering of the Palestinian Children under Israel›s violation (the occupying Power) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child,» issued Kuwait Declaration at the end of the conference.

The declaration recognized that Palestinian children, like all children of the entire world, are entitled to fundamental rights that constitute a set of universally agreed non-negotiable standards; they are however living under exceptional circumstances due to Israeli occupation of their territories and properties.

The meeting considered the continued illegal settlements expansion, the construction of the Wall in the West Bank, the confiscation of lands and the destruction of Palestinians’ homes and their livelihoods as a flagrant and continued violation of the rights of Palestinian children and their families.

This the meeting say, fuel the circle of humiliation and undermine prospects for a secure and stable future for them.

The conference also expressed deep concern, particularly over the continued suffering of Palestinian children as victims of Israeli occupation, which exposes them to violence, danger, torture, prejudiced treatment, discrimination and forced displacement.

The Kuwait Declaration therefore called on the State parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to bear their responsibility to ensure Israel›s adherence to the protection and promotion of the rights of the Palestinian child without any discrimination.

The participants requested the international media to highlight the rights of Palestinian child and the grave Israeli violations committed in this regard. They also urged the international community to provide education opportunities, health and protection to the Palestinian children and to harness potentials through providing scholarships to Palestinian children seeking to pursue their higher education in areas of science and technology.

The declaration called on the United Nations Secretary-General to include Israel (the occupying Power) on the United Nations list of entities, bodies and States that violate the rights of children in armed conflicts.

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PALESTINE FILE ‫‏‬Economic Recession Suffocates Gaza Strip due to Israel’s Blockade Gaza (dpa) Deep recession overshadows Gaza Strip’s markets and touristic facilities in the last few days of 2017 and beginning of a new year in the midst of economic difficulties, the worst of its kind in history as described by local specialists.

In the course of his work for 17 years, Firas Akilah who runs a local restaurant in central Gaza says that he never witnessed such deterioration in terms of trade and aggravation of people’s poverty and hardship.

Akilah, in his late forties, had complained that even low-cost meals are no longer in high demand in his restaurant where New Year’s Eve looked like any other day without huge numbers of buyers as expected by its owners.

Akilah noted that he announced tempting offers for family meals in the last few days of 2017 but the turnout was very low. It was not a better case for gift shop owners and trade shows during such occasions.

Rif’at Al-Khadari, a gift shop owner in Omar Almokhtar Commercial Street in central Gaza said the sales activity was very limited to young buyers, adding, that people are looking for their life essentials while public events had become the least of their concerns due to the bad economic situation.

Economic experts say that Israel has been intensifying embargo restrictions on Gaza Strip for the past ten years and that had led to the continuous stumble of its reconstruction, making the year of 2017 the worst economically. An official at the chamber of commerce and industry of Gaza Strip, Maher Altaba, says that Israel has been following these policies and punitive measures against Gaza by adding more goods and commodities to the prohibited list in 2017.

Altaba also notes that Israel still prevents entry of many good, commodities, raw materials, equipment, machinery, machines and spare parts to Gaza Strip and restricts entry of construction materials. He also explains that the Israel forces arrested and detained dozens of traders and businessmen while traveling through the Erez Crossing with Gaza Strip. More than 3000 traders and businessmen lost their permits.

The year 2017 witnessed unprecedented rise in unemployment rates, which reached 46.6% in the third quarter of the year according to the Palestinian central bureau of

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statistics. The World Bank says that unemployment rates in Gaza is the highest in the world in respect of population density.

Local officials blame the Israeli forces for the deterioration of the economic conditions in Gaza and the stumble of reconstruction processes after the latest Israeli attack in mid-2007 and the continuous Israel embargo and the entry of building materials through the UN mechanism.

Engineer Saeed Ammar who is the Deputy Minister at the ministry of public works and housing says that the total amount of cement that entered the private sector for the reconstruction of Gaza Strip after the Israeli attack till now is no more than two million tons which is not even 30% of the needed amount for this period.

Ammar also explains that Gaza Strip needs six million tons during this period to meet the ordinary needs, whereas there is still a need for 38% of cement for reconstruction of houses that were destroyed during the Israeli attack. This affected the reconstruction of residential units of 5,755 until now out of 11000 residential units that were completely destroyed according to Ammar.

Local organizations estimate the number of people who are still homeless due to the Israeli attack are more than 4,500 family, whereas there is still a gap in funding more than 3800 residential units and more than 56000 residential units that are partially damaged. The budget allocated for reconstruction of the economic sector is no more than 25 million dollars which equals to 16.5% of the total damage in the eco-

nomic sector.

The economic organizations that were attacked by Israel in all sectors were 5153 organizations and the extent of the damage is worth more than 152 million dollars.

The given information affects negatively the local construction companies in Gaza in an unprecedented rise in unemployment, poverty and decrease in all economic activities.

The chief of contractors Alaa Al-Araj says that the profit of construction companies in 2017 barely covers the operational expenses due to the terrible recession in the construction sector under difficult economic circumstances and restrictions on the entry of building materials to Gaza.

Al-‘Araj explains that what makes the economic situation more difficult is the burden of the internal division between Palestinians due to double-taxation and non-payment of constructors taxation refunds as compared to their counterparts in the West bank. AlA‘raj also notes that during the past two years there were also amounts of money that were not refunded, which led 50% of the local construction companies leave the market due to the inability to cover the liabilities and its great financial loss.

The latest reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah in the middle of last October under Egyptian auspices to enable the Palestinian authority to assume its duties in Gaza Strip strengthened aspirations in the Gaza Strip especially among private companies to resume their activities.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

9

PALESTINE FILE Al-Ohaimeen: UN Resolution on Al-Quds is a Reflection of

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International Concensus to Support Palestinian Rights

he Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomes the historic resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem) on Thursday 21 December 2017.

It described the resolution as a reflection of international consensus to support and affirm the national rights of the Palestinian people to the city and a rejection of any illegal attempt that could undermine the historical, legal and political status of Al-Quds as part of the occupied Palestinian territory.

The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly during a rare emergency meeting to ask nations not to establish diplomatic missions in the historic city of Jerusalem, as delegates warned that the recent decision by the United States to do so risked igniting a religious war across the already turbulent Middle East and even beyond.

By a recorded vote of 128 in favour to 9 against (Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Togo, United States), with 35 abstentions, the Assembly adopted the resolution “Status of Jerusalem”, by which it declared “null and void” any actions intended to alter Jerusalem’s character, status or demographic composition.

Calling on all States to refrain from estab-

lishing embassies in the Holy City, it also demanded that they comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions and work to reverse the “negative trends” imperiling a twoState resolution of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

The OIC Secretary General, Dr Yousef A. AlOthaimeen, appreciated the principled positions of the overwhelming majority of the world’s countries that stood on the side of the truth and rule of international law, and united to achieve just and comprehensive peace pursuant to the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions.

He also reiterated the need for all states to respect and abide by the resolutions adopted by the Security Council and the General Assembly on the occupied city of Al-Quds .

“We meet today not because of any animosity to the United States of America,” insisted Riad AlMalki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine. Instead, the emergency session had been called to make the voice of the vast majority of the international community — and that of people around the world — heard on the question of Jerusalem/AlQuds AlSharif. He described the 6 December decision by the United States to recognize the city as Israel’s capital, and to move its embassy there, as an

aggressive and dangerous move, cautioning that it could inflame tensions and lead to a religious war that “has no boundaries”.

He went on to state that the decision would have no impact on the Holy City’s status, but it nevertheless compromised the role of the United States in the peace process.

Moreover, it did nothing but serve the forces of extremism around the world, he said, pointing out that even the closest allies of the United States could not turn a blind eye to its actions. The Assembly met in the wake of the Security Council’s failure to adopt a similar draft resolution, even as 14 of its 15 members had voted in its favour, with US using its veto to vote against the resolution. “The veto will not stop us,” he declared in that regard, underlining that AlQuds “will not fall to any siege, monopolization or domination”.

Earlier the OIC has stressed that the UN Security Council’s failure to adopt the resolution on the occupied city of Al Quds/Jerusalem at its session held on 18 December, 2017, would undermine the peace process and encourage the Israeli occupation power to press on with its defiant violation and its colonialist and Apartheid-like policies.

OIC Commemorates International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

The General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at its headquarters in Jeddah, commemorated on Thursday, 7 December 2017, the “International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People”, which falls on the 29th of November each year.

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary General, indicated that that day comes as a firm and constant commitment to support the struggle of the Palestinian people and their efforts to regain their full legitimate national rights.

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Al-Othaimeen reiterated the OIC’s strong condemnation of the declaration of the US Administration to recognize the City of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel and move its embassy to it, stressing that the OIC strongly deplores any steps or actions that contribute to changing the legal and historical status of the City of Al-Quds.

“This decision violates the rights of the Palestinian people and the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly on the Palestinian Cause. It undermines the efforts to push the peace process forward, the chances to achieve the two-state solution, and endangers stability in the region and the world,” stated Al-Othaimeen.

On the other hand, the OIC Secretary General welcomed the positive developments concerning Palestinian national reconciliation, including the assumption by the Palestinian Reconciliation Government of its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip.

On his part, Dr. Maher Karaki, Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the OIC, thanked the OIC General Secretariat for organizing the exhibition of Palestinian photos and folklore on the sidelines of highlighting the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

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OPINION The ESCWA again

I Ph.D Shaher Awawdeh,

the report indicates a steep and alarming deterioration of the situation on the ground that has led to a human rights crisis among the Palestinian population living under occupation

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n the second half of March 2017, Rima Khalaf, the UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) resigned over what she described as the pressure to withdraw an ESCWA report entitled “Israeli Practices towards the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid”, which found “beyond a reasonable doubt that Israel is guilty of policies and practices that constitute the crimes of apartheid” as defined in international law. In a press conference, she said “I resigned because it is my duty not to conceal a clear crime, and I stand by all the conclusions of the report”.

A few months later, ESCWA published its annual report on the “Economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people”. The report, for sure, does not, and cannot provide a balance sheet for Israeli violations over the past half century, as such violations are unspeakably horrendous and could not be recorded or compiled in one report regardless of its size. While the current report does not also tackle the issue of apartheid per se, it does attest, however, to a systematic pattern of human rights violations and violations of international law and international humanitarian law as a result of the illegal, oppressive and destructive Israeli policies and measures. With facts, verified by numbers and statistics, the report indicates a steep and alarming deterioration of the situation on the ground that has led to a human rights crisis among the Palestinian population living under occupation.

In fact, every aspect of the Palestinian people’s life is infringed upon and each one of their human rights continues to be violated as Israel persists with further entrenching its five-decades long occupation.

The abovementioned ESCWA report correctly stated that Israel employs discriminatory policies and practices, excessive use of force and mobility restrictions, including the blockade on Gaza, settlement expansion, property destruction and exploitation of natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The impact of these policies on the Palestinian people, society and economy, as the report correctly states, “is multilayered and has accumulated over the decades of occupation.”

While this assessment is 100 percent true, it represents only a fraction of the violations that Israel, its military forces and violent settlers continue to perpetuate against the Palestinian people, their land and property, with total impunity, as the international community continues to fail to hold Israel accountable in accordance with the law. At the same time, the socio-economic, humanitarian and human devastation caused by this occupation for over a half century has gravely affected the living conditions of the Palestinian people, compounding socio-economic hardships. This has also been reiterated in the Note of the United Nations Secretary General on the report “The cumulative impact of such policies and practices is not confined to violations of international law, including the rights of the population under occupation; it also exacerbates the social and economic conditions of that population”. Such policies and practices severely challenged any efforts towards sustainable development, despite the assistance provided to the Palestinian people by the international community over the years.

Despite several calls by the international community to halt its illegal policies and measures, and despite the fact that colonial settlements pose the largest obstacle to the realization of the two-State solution, Israel has not only continued, but has intensified, its illegal actions, which among other things, includes its never-ending colonial settlement enterprise in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Not a day has passed in which Israel has not expanded or built new settlement units in already existing settlements or halted its building of related infrastructure, such as Israeli-only bypass roads, on occupied Palestinian land.

Even conservative figures show that Israeli settlement construction has increased by 85% in 2017, when compared to 2016. More than 56 settlement plans have been approved by the Israeli government since January 2017 allowing the construction of more than 8000 colonial settlement units across the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem. Much worse, Israel granted municipal structure with urban planning power to around 400 Israeli settlers illegally scattered amongst 300,000 Palestinian in the city of Hebron/Al-khaleel, where they enjoy Israeli-only streets and transportation.

Despite all that, only carrots and not sticks are used with Israel. Probably the international community has no intention to use the stick, and prefers to ignore the recommendation of the Talmudic Book of Proverbs 13:24, “He who loves his child is careful to discipline him”. Silence of the international community continues to be interpreted by Israel as consent to its illegal policies, and has encouraged it to do more of the same.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

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WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Calls for Economic and Diplomatic Measures against Myanmar

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he Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expresses alarm at the findings of the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) rapid response mission to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 13-24 September 2017, which confirm that ethnic cleansing is taking place against the Rohingya minority community in Myanmar.

The UN report states that brutal attacks against Rohingya in northern Rakhine State have been well-organised, coordinated and systematic, with the intent of not only driving the population out of Myanmar but preventing them from returning to their homes. The report further verifies that Myanmar security forces, in concert with armed Rakhine Buddhists, carried out human rights violations committed against the Rohingya population.

This confirms the concerns of the OIC that there is an organized campaign taking palace against the Rohingya minority community.

The OIC is deeply disappointed that the Myanmar government maintains its policy of blaming the victim by continuing to assert that the Rohingya are burning down their own homes and are responsible for the violence against their own people while denying the role of security forces and militia in the attacks against civilians.

In light of this intransigent position and the damning UN report, the OIC calls upon the international community to immediately revaluate diplomatic and economic ties with Myanmar, begin implementation of trade restrictions on products and services and prepare targeted sanctions against individual leaders of the government and security forces.

These actions may be taken in proportion to the responses by the government to resolve the situation.

The suffering inflicted upon the Rohingya is one of the worst humanitarian tragedies in modern history. The international community must show its resolve to bring an end

12 OIC Journal October - December 2017

to this human catastrophe.

UN adopts OIC Sponsored Resolution on Myanmar

Meanwhile, the United Nations has successfully adopted an OIC sponsored resolution against Myanmar, which condemned the military operations in Rakhine state against the Rohingya Muslim minority. The resolution, which was, adopted in the General Assembly’s Third Committee by 122 votes on Sunday, 24 December 2017, was the result of extensive international support due to the cooperation achieved by the OIC with many States. The text of the resolution was the result of intensive coordination between OIC member countries, particularly Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Turkey.

The Resolution calls for an end to the ongoing military operations, allow full and unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance by humanitarian actors; ensure the voluntary and sustainable return,

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WORLD AFFAIRS in safety, security and dignity of all internally displaced persons, refugee; ensure full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons belonging to the Rohingya community, to end all restrictions on their movements, to ensure full access to health and medical services without any discrimination.

The Resolution also called on the Government of Myanmar to fully implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, to allow reconciliation among all other communities living in Rakhine State and to commence a process of inclusive development meaningful for all communities; to grant full citizenship rights, in keeping with a transparent due process, to Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State, including by reviewing the 1982 Citizenship Law. The Secretary General of OIC Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen thanked Member States and the international community for their support for the resolution and commitment to alleviating the plight of the Rohingya community.

The OIC also welcome the decision by the UN General Assembly to call upon UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint a Special Envoy to Myanmar.

The decision came as a result of the OIC sponsored resolution, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly.

Rohingya Repatriation Working Group

On the repatriation of Rohingya, the OIC announced that it took note of the agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh to set up a working group for the repatriation of Rohingya Refugees.

The OIC stressed that it strongly believes that Rohingya refugees must return in safety and dignity to their original places of residence and that the Myanmar Government must take concrete steps to address the root causes of tensions in Rakhine State.

The OIC expressed hope that the working group will be a positive development and encourage further actions that will lead to addressing the discrimination against the Rohingya and longstanding challenges to their social and economic conditions.

The organization also welcomed the visit of Pope Francis to Myanmar and his reaffirmation of support to peacebuilding and national reconciliation.

The OIC appreciated the call by the Pope for the Myanmar authorities to have “respect for each ethnic group” and his appeal to the country that “religious differences need not be a source of division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nation-building.”

The OIC reiterates its appreciation to the Government of Bangladesh for its efforts to provide for the large influx of Rohingya refugees in the country and reiterates the call upon member states to support Bangladesh in these humanitarian endeavors.

OIC Secretary General Seeks Partnership with CISSA on Counterterrorism The Secretary General of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, has called for active collaboration between OIC and Conference of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services in Africa (CISSA) in order to address rising wave of armed terrorism, religious extremism, drug and human trafficking, and transboundary crimes.

The call was contained in the Secretary General’s statement before the 14th Session of CISSA, held in Khartoum, Republic of Sudan on 28-29 September 2017. In the statement, which was read on his behalf by Amb. Hameed Opeloyeru, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen underscored the significance, which OIC attached to the

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proceedings of CISSA, considering the fact that the OIC had since 1994 and 1999 respectively elaborated the OIC Code of Conduct on Combatting International Terrorism and adopted a Convention on Combatting International Terrorism.

The Secretary General equally urged 23 OIC Member States, which enjoy membership of CISSA, to spearhead active collaboration between OIC and CISSA in such areas as exchange of data and information, investigation, exchange of expertise and capacity development, and issues relating to judicial cooperation, rogatory commission, extradition of criminals, exchange of evidence and mutual assistance on seizure of proceeds of crime.

The 14th Session of CISSA was declared

open by H.E. President of the Republic of Sudan Omar Hassan Ahmad El-Bashir and was attended by international personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former United Nations and Arab League Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and the Secretary General of CEN-SAD Ibrahim Sani Abani.

About 40 African chiefs of intelligence and consultants and experts from African countries attended the conference.

The CISSA was established in 2005, to effectively address the security challenges confronting the continent. It comprises 51 African intelligence bodies.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

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WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Secretary General Calls for Dialogue, Calm and Restraint in Togo

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef A Al-Othaimeen has called for calm and restraint in the continuing street protests and escalation of violent confrontations between the government and the opposition in Togo, which has already claimed a number of casualties in addition to scores of those injured.

Dr Othaimeen who expressed his deep concern at the deteriorating situation across the country, deplored the use of violence to resolve political differences. He urged the leaders on both sides as well as all stakeholders in Togo to avoid the path of intransigence and resort to a constructive and inclusive dialogue with a view to resolving the political crisis in the country. He reminded them on their collective obligation

to preserve the peace and stability of their country.

The Secretary General, while reaffirming the solidarity of the OIC with Togo, stated the readiness of the organization to contribute in any way to the resumption of dialogue between the parties in order to find a negotiated and durable settlement of the dispute.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets since late August calling for the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe.

The coalition of 14 parties leading the protest want the Constitution changed so that presidents can only serve two five-year terms of office and the introduction of a two-round voting system.

The coalition is also calling for the introduction of diaspora voting, launch of an independent inquiry into the deaths of protesters and the delivery of justice, the immediate release of political detainees and the cessation of arrests and persecution.

OIC Condemns Unilateral Declaration of Independence in Cameroon The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, expressed his deep concern and preoccupation regarding the development of security events in the region of Bamenda and Douala in Cameroon, in the wake of the current events in South-West and North-West of Cameroon and firmly condemned the symbolic declaration of independence of the country’s Anglophone side.

The OIC Secretary General launched an appeal to the concerned officials in the country’s South-West and North-West to abide by reason and restraint and called for prevalence to be given to a diligent quest for peace and social harmony. He also drew attention to the fact that the country’s stability is an asset that benefits all the citizens and that a spirit of responsibility should accordingly be the guiding beacon for all under such circumstances.

Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen urged the country’s higher authorities to maintain necessary and direct contacts with the An-

glophone community and to spare no effort towards evolving adequate solutions that would put a conclusive end to the crises.

The Secretary General expressed, at the end of his message, his sincere condolences to the grieving families that have sustained deaths among them as a result of these events. He further expressed the OIC’s support for all the initiatives taken by the Cameroon Government towards national reconciliation and indicated that the country’s territorial integrity and stability form the top priority and necessity for its peace and development.

The Cameroon government has deployed thousands of troops to the Anglophone northwest and southwest of the country in an attempt to stop separatist groups from declaring the independence.

Authorities also announced temporary restrictions on travel into neighbouring Nigeria in the wake of violent protests, sparked by ongoing complaints of economic and political discrimination and demands for more Anglophone rights in the predomi-

14 OIC Journal October - December 2017

nately Francophone country.

Schools have been closed in the Englishspeaking northwest and southwest since November, when lawyers and teachers called for a strike to stop what they believe is the overuse of the French language.

Leaders of the strike were arrested, but pressure groups have been calling for their immediate and unconditional release. Fiftyfive of the 75 protesters were released, and charges against them were dropped.

Under the banner of the so-called Ambazonia republic, separatists are pushing a breakaway of the Anglophone regions (northwest and southwest) from Frenchmajority Cameroon.

The government has insisted that the region remains secured and has declared the separatists terrorists.

While the troubled regions faced a ban of gatherings of more than four people, restriction of movement and internet shutdown, demonstrations were organized in other parts of the country to call for unity.

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OPINION Rohingya Tragedy…

Legal Dimension of the Issue

Dr. Yacoub Aloueimine Department of Legal Affairs of the OIC General Secretariat

History proves that descendants of Rohingya ethnicity settled the land of Rakhine, where their forefathers had been born before the establishment of the state of Myanmar or Burma in 1948

The tragedy of the Rohingya originally is a legal issue, if not resolved, will continue in series of events the last of which is what began on August 2017 and resulted in killings, torture, and rape.

The legal root causes of the crisis goes back to the declaration of 1982 law, which abolished the 1948 law on citizenship and set arbitrary and selective criteria according to which citizenship was divided into three categories: full citizenship, associated citizenship and naturalized citizenship. The law determined 128 groups and ethnicities that have the right to receive these categories of citizenship and established an unfair and non-transparent central commission to set standards and consider applications for granting citizenships. In these terms, the law of 1982 excluded the rights to citizenship for all those who had been named immigrants after the British colonial invasion of the country in 1832. Based on a misreading of the region’s history claiming that the Rohingya are not indigenous of the region and are descendants of the warriors and invaders who invaded the region at the end of the nineteenth century, the law excluded this minority from the right to citizenship and the rights associated with it. According to experts the law was established for the purpose of leaving the Rohingya “stateless” in a blatant violation of the principles of international human rights law.

As it is known to legislators that the right to acquire citizenship is based on one of two criteria, the right of blood (Jus sangiunis) and the right of land (Jus soli), the correct application of the two criteria contradicts the 1982 law on the Rohingya minority. History proves that descendants of Rohingya ethnicity settled the land of Rakhine, where their forefathers had been born before the establishment of the state of Myanmar or Burma in 1948, thus automatically satisfy both standards of the right to blood and the right to the land.

The unjust law of 1982 constitutes the legislative framework for turning the Rohingya minority into “stateless” people and denying them civil, political and economic rights, and even the right to security and life. Given this situation, reports of international organizations, including the United Nations Office for Human Rights and Human Rights Watch Organization, confirm the exposure of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine province to mass murder, rape, severe beatings and burning of entire villages and Rohingya displacement. The report of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who was appointed by the State Counselor of Myanmar as Head of a Commission of Inquiry, also pointed out serious abuses against the Rohingya Muslims.

From the perspective of legal adaptation of the crimes, such acts committed by people in the army and government or by collusion and protection of those people against a religious and ethnic minority, constitute punishable crimes under international conventions and treaties.

On the basis of this legal adaptation, the international jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for follow-up of crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity, is convened in accordance with article 13 of the Rome Statute, either by referral from a State party or by the Security Council acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations to the Prosecutor of the Court, or if the Prosecutor has himself or herself initiated an investigation into one of the crimes. Since Myanmar is not a party to the Rome Statute, the first method of referring those involved in crimes against the Rohingya minority is not possible. The case of referral by the Security Council remains possible, and it could take place with the United Nations reports confirming collective genocide crimes against the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine province. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also could urge the UN Security Council to tackle the issue. In addition to the power to refer the case to the Criminal Court, the Security Council also has the power to establish a special criminal court to examine the crimes if it deems it necessary.

However, the third option of referral to the Court remains more feasible by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on his or her own initiative to open an investigation into the matter on the basis of information which he or she receives from documented sources or personally get to know from any sources such as governments, governmental and non-governmental organizations or the victims themselves, as stipulated by article 15 of the Rome Statute.

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OIC Journal October - December 2017

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WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Expresses Reservation on the UN Report on Child Right Violation in Yemen The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its reservation on the United Nations’ report on children in Yemen due to the inaccurate information it included, which were based on misleading sources. The Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, stated that the OIC was hoping the report would fairly indicate the causes that led the forces of the Arab Coalition in Yemen to intervene following the coup by Saleh-Houthi militias against the legitimate authority in Yemen, including the militias’ threat to peace and security in the region, their heinous crimes against civilians and children and their use as human shields, in clear violation of international and humanitarian laws.

The Secretary General praised the strong

keenness of the States parties to the Arab Coalition, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to preserve the safety of Yemeni civilians, including children, while seeking to restore legitimacy and fight terrorism in

Yemen. These countries also contribute the most to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people, as reflected in the recent high-level meeting on the provision of humanitarian assistance to Yemen, held on the sidelines of the current session of the UN General Assembly. Al-Othaimeen added that the States of the coalition are exerting commendable efforts to support the peace process led by the UN Special Envoy with a view to reaching a political settlement based on the GCC Initiative, the National Dialogue Outputs and UN resolution 2216. Al-Othaimeen emphasized the need to commit to objective methodology in preparing such reports for the sake of preserving the credibility of the UN.

Seventh Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII) The OIC General-Secretariat participated at the Seventh Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII), held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 14-15 November 2017 under the theme “Deepening Connectivity and Expanding Trade through Investment in Infrastructure and Improving Synergy”.

The Conference was attended by 35 Countries, including 16 OIC Member States, as well as 30 International and Regional Organizations. The representative of the Islamic Development Bank also attended the Con-

ference.

H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Sarvar Danish, the Second Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and H.E. Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan delivered their Statements during the Opening Ceremony of the Conference.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of

Georgia and the Minister of State of India also delivered their statements during the Opening ceremony.

The Conference reviewed the current status of the on-going projects namely, TAPI Pipeline, CASA-1000, TAP-500, Afghanistan Rail Network, Regional Trade, Customs, and Border Management Corporation, Digital Silk Road, Regional Agro-Food Industry Development, among others. The Conference called all partners to actively expedite the implementation of the said projects as well as other new projects.

OIC Congratulates Kyrgyz Republic for Holding a Peaceful Presidential Election The OIC Secretary General Dr Youssef AlOthaimeen has congratulated the people of the Kyrgyz Republic for holding a peaceful presidential election on 15th October throughout the country. He expressed satisfaction with the maturity of the electorate that trooped out enthusiastically to vote in an orderly, disciplined and peaceful manner.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen who commended the reform of the Kyrgyz electoral system including the introduction of modern technology and electronic voting, which have enhanced integrity and transparency in the electoral process, urged the Central Commission on Elections to continue to maintain openness.

He called on the candidates and their supporters to respect the will of the electorate

and to only resort to constitutional means in case of any dispute.

While reaffirming the determination of the OIC to continue to support democracy building in its Member States as contained its Charter and the OIC:2025 Program, the Secretary General stressed the importance of this landmark election which is set to pave way for the first orderly transfer of power in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Former Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov won the presidential election, according to preliminary official data, as his defeated rival called for unity in the central Asian republic.

Jeenbekov, who’s backed by outgoing President Almazbek Atambayev’s Social Demo-

16 OIC Journal October - December 2017

cratic party, received 54.3 percent of the about 1.7 million votes cast, making a runoff unnecessary.

Businessman Omurbek Babanov, who heads the opposition Respublika party, was second with 33.4 percent. Turnout was 56 percent of 3 million eligible voters.

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WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Commends Saudi Arabia’s Readiness to Host “Russia-Muslim World” Meeting The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) followed with great interest the historic visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, to the Russian Federation and highly commends his directives to host the next meeting of “Russia-Muslim World” group aimed at reinforcing rapprochement and establishing fora for dialogue and discussion between Muslim countries and the Russian Federation on various current issues, chief of which are counter terrorism, fighting extremism and the situation in the Middle East.

In this regard, the OIC expresses full support for this invaluable royal initiative given the current critical stage and the need to promote and develop the remarkable relations between the Muslim world and the Russian Federation, an observer state of the OIC. The OIC reaffirms the importance it attaches to the annual periodic consultations with the Russian side, which enjoys long-

standing historical friendship and partnership ties with Member States, and given the significant percentage of Muslims in the Russian Federation. The OIC expresses satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation with

the Russian Federation and with the recent high-level visits and engagement, which demonstrate the keenness of both sides to give a strong impetus to their relations for their mutual interest.

OIC Secretary General Expresses Satisfaction at the Convening of a Regional Conference on Security Situation in Sahel and West Africa The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al Othaimeen expressed his satisfaction at the convening of the regional conference on the security situation in the Sahel and in West Africa, which was held in Bamako on 14 October 2017. He extended his congratulations to ECOWAS and to the Malian Government for hosting the conference which witnessed a large regional and international participation.

Dr. Othaimeen noted that the security chal-

lenge linked to terrorism was turning into a real major concern and obstacle with seriously adverse effects on development in Africa in general and more particularly in the Sahel region. In this context, he called on ECOWAS as well as on all the States in the Sahel and West Africa to coordinate their efforts at all levels in order to eradicate the phenomenon of terrorism.

The OIC Secretary General reiterated the OIC’s firm stance against violence and terrorism in all its forms, regardless of its ori-

gin. Lastly, he also encouraged ECOWAS to pursue its establishment of a follow-up committee for the implementation of the plan of action, and asserted the OIC’s unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at combating terrorism.

It is worth noting that the Secretary General’s representative participated in the said conference and voiced firm stand in support of peace, security, stability and development in the Member States of the region.

OIC Secretary General Welcomes US Lifting Sanctions against Sudan The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Youssef A. Al-Othaimeen, expressed satisfaction and welcomed the US administration’s decision, on Friday 6 October 2017, to revoke the two-decades-long sanctions imposed on Sudan. He pointed out that this wise decision contributes greatly to achieving peace, security, stability and economic development in Sudan, constitutes a relief for the Sudanese people who suffered immensely from these unilateral sanctions, and is a major boost for the full normalization of bilateral relations between the US and Sudan.

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OIC Journal October - December 2017

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WORLD AFFAIRS Alfalah Refugees Camp in Tripoli…

Seven Years and the Struggle Increases Each Winter

Tripoli – (dpa) Nothing much has changed in the refugees’ camps in Tawergha in Tripoli, Libya, and other cities since they were established seven years ago. Tin houses in “Alfalah camp” are still aligned in the same place.

The gloom of the place is still visible and it has become even worse. Piles of garbage are decomposing and the unhealthily sanitary sewage too. All these noticeable deteriorations are because of the extreme cold and rain this year, which were a disaster for refugees.

More than 270 families live between fragile walls and roofs, which were previously built as temporary housing for foreign construction workers. Some of these houses could not withstand the rain and the heavy winds witnessed in west of Libya. The narrow alleys are packed with families and children who fled their cities during the Libyan revolution that led to the fall of the former regime and to various conflicts between cities and neighboring tribes, mostly on the west of the country, including the cities of Misurata and Tawergha about 250 kilometers east of Tripoli.

The armed conflict led to the displacement of all the residents of Tawergha and the distribution of more than 25,000 displaced people to camps in the cities of Tripoli, Benghazi, Bani Walid, Tarhona, Ajdabiya and other different areas. Ironically, behind the dilapidated camp, high-rises and modern buildings were being completed but

were stalled after the events. The modern apartments are empty whereas the small aligned rooms at the camps are packed.

“The cold penetrates into my bones through my shoes, which is getting wet at home, and is getting wetter along with my clothes at school. We are fed up with all the hardships and destitution, and we do not want to stay in the camp anymore. It is true that my memory does not recall much of my city, it has been seven years since I left

Um Wanis is wondering about the fate of her son whom she was informed of his death during the attack on Tawergha it when I was a kid, but I simply want to go back there,” says Salima, one of the excellent students at the camp school, which has been shut down temporary as it was flooded with water. It is the one and only school at the camp, it has only few classes for elementary and middle classes separated by a narrow yard that cannot even accommodate a volleyball court.

Not far away from the school, inside a bleak room, Um Wanis is wondering about the fate of her son whom she was informed of his death during the attack on Tawergha

18 OIC Journal October - December 2017

seven years ago but no one has proved it yet. The patient 70-year-old woman said: “I want two things in this life, first, I would like to know the fate of my son Wanis and second I would like to go back to Tawerghra even if I stayed under an olive tree.

She said crying: “my son was not a soldier with Kaddafi to be imprisoned or killed, and with all our attempts we have not been sure yet of his fate. We thought that he followed us when we fled the hell of war as everyone did.”

At the edge of the camp sits Akram contemplating the conditions of a room he was preparing for his marriage. Rain penetrated its fragile roof, which was made of worn tin and fabric, and the droplets of water penetrated the brick wall to form a water swamp on the ground, indicating the room’s unsuitability for living.

“My fiancé and I have been waiting for this room for three years, and because of the rain, it will take time and money, which I don’t have, to complete its restoration. I am a military man and I do other jobs to support my parents and six brothers living in another room in the camp, All I and my partner wanted is some privacy, and a married life inside a room that we do not even think it is suitable for sheep, let alone humans, yet we accepted it before it drowned.”

This is just the tip of the iceberg for thousands of people displaced from the city of Tawergha, a continuing tragedy in the minds of Libyans, a bleeding injury when talking about reunification and comprehensive reconciliation in Libya. After the return of most of displaced peoples from areas of “Mashashia”, “Kalka”, “Zintan” and “Rashufana” into their homes, the solution to the issue of the “Tawergha” refugees was difficult for all successive governments after the revolution.

One of Tawergha’s official responsible for the file on people’s return named Mohamed Radwan, said that “we had long talks with the concerned parties in charge of people’s return from Misurata, and we finally reached a comprehensive agreement by both parties that would lead to their return,” but he said other parties stood in the way.

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WORLD AFFAIRS OIC Takes Part in the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa At the invitation of HE. Mr Sidiki Kaba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, the OIC participated on 13-14 November 2017, in the annual Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa convened in Dakar, Senegal.

The Forum, which was held under the high patronage of HE. Mr. Macky Sall, the President of the Republic of Senegal, was attended by some other African leaders, the President of the African Union, heads of sub-regional African organizations, senior security officials, diplomats, academics, researchers and international partners of Africa. Ambassador Yahaya Lawal represented the OIC Secretary General at the occasion.

The 4th Edition of the Forum reviewed a broad spectrum of the security challenges confronting the continent including the

menace of terrorism, conflict situations, manifestations of insecurity and criminality, cyber security, illegal migration, peacekeeping operations, security sector reform, humanitarian, economic and development crises and underscored the need for comprehensive and integrated responses to address them.

The forum emphasized the need for Africa to rely first on itself to ensure its security before appealing to the international community.

“We must commit ourselves to solving our problems before resorting to foreign aid. I do not believe that Africa’s defense will come from outside. I do not believe it.

Africa must first take charge of its security and our partners will come in support,” said President Sall.

The Prime Minister of Chad, Albert Pahimi Padacké, highlighted the efforts made by his country to help its neighbors, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon, to fight against Bokko Haram, which is rampant in the Lake Chad Basin.

OIC Welcomes Official Investigation on Human Trafficking Cases in Libya The OIC General Secretariat welcomes the statement made by the Presidential Council of the National Entente Government announcing the opening of an official investigation into media reports pointing out the existence of cases of slave trade in some Libyan areas.

The Secretary General, Dr. Youssef A. AlOthaimen reaffirmed the importance of stopping such criminal and inhuman practices perpetrated on illegal migrants, if investigations prove such allegations. He stressed the necessity to bring the perpetrators and their accomplices before justice.

He also called on the Libyan authorities to take further efforts to protect immigrants

against any practice or violation on the Libyan territory.

Moreover, Dr. Al-Othaimeen invited the International community to intensify its efforts in order to face the criminal gangs operating in the field of human trafficking,

which is an obvious violation of International and Humanitarian Laws. Finally, he underlined the necessity to provide Libya with all forms of support in facing immigrants flow on its territory.

Libyan authorities have earlier announced that they’ve launched a formal investigation into slave auctions in the country following media reports.

The government’s announcement also indicate that priorities of the investigation are not only to convict those responsible for the inhumane acts, but also to identify the location of those who have been sold in order to bring them to safety and return them to their countries of origin.

OIC-ICRC Call for More Respect for International Humanitarian Law Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary-General met with Mr Dominik Stillhart, the Director of Operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in the General Secretariat, in Jeddah on 31 October 2017, to explore potential areas of cooperation on the humanitarian front including operational and policy issues and to address challenges facing a number of OIC Member States where two thirds of the ICRC operations are dedicated.

A meeting of Senior Officials from the Or-

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ganisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and ICRC was also held on 31 October 2017 at the OIC General Secretariat led by Ambassador Hesham Youssef, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural & Social Affairs at the OIC, while Mr Dominik Stillhart, ICRC’s Director of Operations, led the ICRC’s delegation.

During the meeting, the ICRC delegation gave a broad overview of the ICRC’s operations with a focus on OIC interests especially the situation in Myanmar, Syria, Palestine,

Yemen, Iraq, Libya, Lake Chad, Somalia, Mali and the Sahel region.

On his part, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural & Social Affairs, focused on the activities of the OIC on the humanitarian front.

Both sides stressed the need for respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and the need to provide support to the victims of conflicts especially in the areas of access to health, education, and the needs of women and children during armed conflicts.

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WORLD AFFAIRS

Al Othaimeen: Islamic Coalition Laid Out the Broad Lines

for Counter Terrorism

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen took part in the proceedings of the first meeting of the ministerial meeting of the Islamic Military Coalition Against Terrorism which was hosted in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 26 November 2017, under the theme of “Allied Against Terrorism”.

The Secretary General hailed the results achieved by the meeting which was inaugurated by H.R.H. Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chair-

man of the meeting. The Secretary General also lauded the substance of the overall strategy of the coalition and the governmental mechanisms regulating its future operations, activities and undertakings in the war on terrorism. He further noted that this strategy has laid out the broad-lines of the battle against terrorism and extremism by all means and in all fields: intellectual, media, military and financial, to uproot terrorism and drain its funding sources.

The Secretary General reaffirmed that OIC stood firmly in support of all measures the Coalition may take in its war on terror and in its drive to root out this scourge and elim-

inate its causes. The Secretary General also expressed his full confidence in the success of the Islamic Coalition in its future tasks and initiatives particularly with its action being led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has earned the trust of the Islamic world and achieved a high standing in the international arena.

In opening remarks, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman said the alliance would «work together to support the military, financial, intelligence and political efforts of every member state» to battle terrorism and extremist ideology.

At Baku Conference on Afghanistan: OIC Reiterates Commitment to Support Afghanistan The Seventh Ministerial Conference of the “Heart of Asia” – Istanbul Process was held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan on 1 December 2017 under the theme “Security and Economic Connectivity towards a Strengthened Heart of Asia.

Ambassador Abdullah Abdurrahman Alim, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, headed the delegation of the OIC General Secretariat to the Conference.

In his speech addressed to the Conference, Ambassador Alim indicated that the OIC remains committed to support Afghani-

stan and the stability in this OIC Member State. He urged all stakeholders to identify concrete projects on Afghanistan as well as credible but practical implementation and funding mechanisms in a timely fashion.

The Conference was attended by 31 Countries, including 13 OIC Member States, as well as 12 International and Regional Organizations.

H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and H.E. Mr. Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan delivered their inauguration re-

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marks at the Opening of the Conference.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov and the Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan H.E. Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani also made their Statements at the Opening Session.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called the conference a key regional platform to strengthen political ties and boost regional cooperation for the stability and connectivity in the Heart of Asia region.

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WORLD AFFAIRS Islamic Military Coalition Establishes Four Domains to Counter Terrorism and Extremism

The Islamic Military Coalition to Counter Terrorism (IMCTC), which is formed of 41 states, has achieved a tremendous success within two years of hard work, since it was announced by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman in December 2015, to unite the efforts of Islamic countries to counter extremism and terrorism.

Terrorism nowadays is considered a critical issue that receives considerable attention in many countries worldwide and causes all human communities to suffer alike.

The Coalition’s defense ministers held their first meeting in Riyadh under the theme “Allied against Terrorism,” with the participation of the diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom.

The meeting marks the official launch of the IMCTC and strengthens the cooperation and integration of member countries in the Coalition.

IMCTC has established the Counter Terrorism Center as its operational arm. The Center’s mission is to build up the member country’s Counter Terrorism capacity, exchange global best practice on specific IMCTC initiatives and create coordinated and thus more impactful efforts.

Four Domains The coalition has launched various fundamental initiatives to advance future ac-

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tivities across four domains of intellectual, media, countering terrorism financing and military.

The intellectual aspect is concerned with preserving the message of Islam as a universal one while promoting the values of moderation, tolerance and the preparation of purposeful messages to counter extremist ideology.

The media aspect is concerned with producing digital and informative media content to refute the rhetoric and claims of terrorist and extremist organizations.

The third aspect focuses on combating terrorism financing, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders in the member states as well as developing legal, regulatory and operational frameworks, and facilitating the exchange of information to strengthen the fight against terrorism financing.

In the military sphere, the IMCTC will assist in coordinating efforts, resources and planning, besides facilitating military information exchange and contributing to facilitating military capability building in member states to combat terrorism. Ideology, Communications, Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF), and Military.

These four domains are taken as the general scope within which the Coalition will achieve its goals in the war against terror-

ism, counter various terrorist and violent extremist ideologies and launch awareness efforts to promote a consistent message that reaffirms the principles of tolerance. It will also establish regional and international partnerships to strengthen collaboration.

Indeed, the war against terrorism requires collective, integrated efforts and consistent work on different levels to undermine future terrorist threats and limit their impact.

IMCTC seeks to achieve its strategic vision by working collaboratively alongside member countries, supporting nations and partners in the present and the future.

Chiefs of Staff from Islamic countries met in Riyadh in March 2016, and affirmed “their determination to intensify efforts in fighting terrorism through joint work according to their capabilities, based on the desire of each member country to participate in operations within the IMCTC framework as per its policies and procedures, and without compromising the sovereignty of the Coalition member countries.”

The coalition draws its legitimacy by the participation of the majority of Muslim countries. It also enjoys the support and respect of the international community and seeks to employ local culture to combat terrorism by formulating regional and local solutions.

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OIC NEWS First Conference on Strengthening the Role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

in the Field of Mediation has been developing mechanisms to effectively address important issues regarding peace, security, conflict prevention, mediation and peaceful settlement of conflicts.

Amb. Alem added that OIC has established the Council of Elders, the highest level within the components of the conflict resolution mechanism, in addition to one of the other main arms of this mechanism, namely the Special Envoys of the Secretary-General.

The Unit of Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution was established by the Organization at the General Secretariat, in order to develop the operating mechanism of the Peace Architecture in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The conference consisted of three sessions, the first entitled «Perspectives on the Role of Regional Organizations in Mediation» and the second “Strengthening the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the field of mediation «, while the third session came under the theme: «Components of the Roadmap for the OIC Role in the Field of Mediation”.

Turkey, in its capacity as the Chair of the Summit and the Executive Committee of the OIC, decided to convene the conference to contribute to the capacity building efforts within the OIC on mediation.

T

he General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) took part in the first conference of the OIC member States on mediation under the theme «Promotion of mediation: role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation», held in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey on November 21, 2017.

The opening session began with a speech of the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs, Amb. Abdullah Alem who stressed that OIC

OIC has been developing mechanisms to effectively address important issues regarding peace, security, conflict prevention, mediation and peaceful settlement of conflicts.

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H.E. Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey in his inaugural speech to the Conference referred to the SESRIC Report of February 2017, entitled “Humanitarian Crises in OIC Countries” to set the scene.

He underlined the importance of mediation as a cost-effective instrument with extensive benefits and expressed the strong support of Turkey, as the Chair of the Summit, to the significant steps taken by the OIC for more effective and wider use of mediation.

Consequently, he called upon the OIC and all its Member States to play a more visible and active role in mediation efforts and help build awareness and capacity.

The one-day event deliberated on inter alia, OIC’s role in mediation as enshrined in the Charter and by-laws, contemporary conflict situations confronting the Member States, political and economic dynamics of the conflicts, humanitarian dimension of conflicts in the Member States, challenges in fostering inter-cultural and inter-religious harmony, conflict situations in countries with Muslim minorities, and challenges in preventive diplomacy. The Conference also deliberated on the newly established OIC Contact Group on Peace and Conflict Resolution and the initiative of Turkey and Kazakhstan on Islamic Rapprochement. The event also to set guidelines for further enhancing OIC’s role in mediation.

As the largest international organization after the UN in geographical outreach and population, the OIC has a huge potential and a genuine comparative advantage in that field. However, it is necessary to further enhance its capacity on mediation. The Conference brought together around 100 participants, including senior officials from OIC Member States, the OIC General Secretariat and other international organizations as well as academics, to discuss for the first time the ways to enhance interaction, understanding and cooperation with a view to improving the effectiveness of mediation efforts in the OIC area.

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OIC NEWS Al-Othaimeen Meets with Saudi and Moroccan Foreign Ministers The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al Othaimeen, met with H.E. Mr. Adel Al Jubeir, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Riyadh, on 16 October 2017. The two parties reviewed issues of common interest at the regional and international levels and ways to promote Islamic action under the OIC umbrella.

The Secretary General extended his thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its consistent support to the OIC’s action and projects. Al Othaimeen also apprised Mr. Al Jubeir of the OIC’s latest developments and activities at the political, economic, humanitarian, social and cultural levels.

The Secretary General also held a working session with H.E. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco, on Wednesday 25 October 2017 at the headquarters of the Ministry in the capital Rabat.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed mutual relations between the OIC and the Kingdom of Morocco in various domains and ways to promote mechanisms of joint Islamic action at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

The two sides also emphasized the importance of realizing the principles of Islamic solidarity and intra-OIC cooperation in line with the provisions of the OIC Charter, in a way that would have a positive impact on the reality of Muslim peoples and contrib-

ute to resolving conflicts through a consultative approach that shuns enmity and promotes Islamic harmony and unity.

The meeting discussed the challenges facing the Palestinian cause and Israeli unilateral measures aimed at altering the identity of Al-Quds and its holy sites. The Secretary General praised, in this regard, the commendable efforts exerted by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Chairman of Al-Quds Committee, in supporting Al-Quds and its residents.

ISF Extends Financial Assistance to Support many Institutions in Member States Pursuant to the resolutions of the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) in its 61st session, Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), ordered the disbursement of financial aids extended by the ISF to many charity organizations, institutions and associations in member states and in countries with Muslim communities. This assistance included aids to universities, relief and development institutions and the sectors of health education, women and children.

This assistance comes in the context of the

support provided by the OIC, represented by the ISF, to the efforts to realize inclusive sustainable human development and economic prosperity of the peoples of member states, and to uplift the level of Muslims around the world in those sectors, and develop their capacities in various socio-economic, educational and cultural fields.

The Secretary General also announced the appropriation of financial assistance for September 2017 of $750 thousand to execute some social, economic, educational, cultural and health projects in several OIC Member States.

The Secretary General explained that this assistance comes in the framework of implementing the resolutions of the 60th and 61st sessions of the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund and an expression of the Fund’s identification with the needs of beneficiaries in Member States.

Al-Othaimeen added that this assistance is within the framework of the attention paid by the OIC, through the Islamic Solidarity Fund, to achieving human development and improving the capacity of Muslims in the world

OIC and GCC Discuss Joint Cooperation

A high-level delegation from the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), led by Ambassador Abdallah Abdulrahman Alem, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, took part in the first meeting of the high-level joint

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commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) held at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh on 23 October 2017.

The meeting discussed aspects of coopera-

tion between the two sides on political issues, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause; as well as other political issues featuring on the agenda of the two organizations. The two sides reviewed their cooperation in the domain of economic integration among member states and the humanitarian situation in the Muslim world, and discussed means to alleviate the suffering of those affected by various disasters and crises.

The meeting also considered joint coordination to fight terrorism and extremist thought.

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OIC NEWS Al-Othaimeen: No Regional Balance Without Resolving the Palestinian Issue in the region, in addition to the conditions of Muslim communities in Europe and the issue of combating terrorism and extremism.

Peaceful Settlement Efforts in Libya

D

uring his participation in the Plenary Session (Beyond the Crisis: Towards a New Regional Balance) of the 3rd Edition of the Mediterranean Dialogues Conference (Rome 2017) held in Rome on 30 November 2017, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen stressed that the Palestinian cause remains the biggest challenge and that without its settlement, it would be impossible to talk of regional balance and of a new regional system bringing about peace, security and stability.

Al-Othaimeen also stated that one of today’s most daunting challenges in the region is the spread of terrorism and violent extremism, stating that countering terrorism and violent extremism takes much more than security solutions, despite their importance, but the root causes of the phenomenon must be addressed and a counter narrative developed. He commended the continued efforts exerted by many Member States in the area of counter-terrorism, chief of which was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s recent initiative to establish a military coalition with a view to consolidating Islamic countries’ efforts in countering terrorism.

He said that the first meeting of the defense ministers of the Islamic Military Coalition on counter terrorism held in Riyadh adopted mechanisms for a comprehensive confrontation of terrorism on all fronts: intellectual, media, financial and military.

Al-Othaimeen stated that proceeding from the fact that most of the countries in the MENA region are members of the OIC, en-

suring the security and stability of these countries remains, therefore, one of the OIC’s major priorities. He reaffirmed that the OIC is committed to fulfilling its part in addressing security challenges and cooperating with the international community to establish peace and security, achieve prosperity for peoples and build a more stable future for the region.

Palestinian cause remains the biggest challenge and that without its settlement, it would be impossible to talk of regional balance and of a new regional system bringing about peace, security and stability.

On the conference, the OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen and H.E. Mr. Venosnos Amendola, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, signed a ‘Declaration of Intent’ for cooperation on Friday December 1, 2017.

The cooperation between OIC and Italy will focus inter alia on youth and interfaith dialogue in particular.

Both parties exchanged views on various regional and international issues of common interest. The meeting discussed developments in Palestine and the armed conflicts

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The Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen also met with the UN Special Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salameh on the sidelines of the MED in Rome.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on issues of common interest. The Secretary General listened to an explanation by Dr. Salama on the latest developments in Libya and the UN efforts to settle the dispute. Dr. Al-Othaimeen affirmed the OIC’s full support for the reconstruction of Libya and the restoration of its stability, security and unity, as well as its support for comprehensive national reconciliation in the country, through the promotion of the Libyan national dialogue, with a view to reaching a comprehensive peace settlement.

The Secretary General similarly met with the ambassadors of the OIC Member States in Rome on the occasion of his participation in the MED Conference. Al-Othaimeen stressed that his participation as a speaker in the Mediterranean Dialogues was an opportunity to highlight the contemporary trans-border challenges facing the international community.

Al-Othaimeen added that the OIC adopts a principled position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomsoever and wherever and rejects all attempts to attribute it to any country, race, religion, culture or nationality. The OIC also believes that violent extremism cannot be tackled by security or military means alone and that due attention, analysis and concrete plans of action must address the multifaceted dimensions of this phenomenon.

He mentioned in the same vein the efforts of the OIC Messaging Center (Voice of Wisdom) to counter the extremist narrative and the efforts of the Islamophobia Observatory to combat this serious phenomenon.

During the meeting, the Secretary General reviewed the OIC’s efforts to support and defend the interests of Muslim Minorities living in different countries in Europe.

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OIC NEWS Kuwaiti Prime Minister Receives OIC Secretary General H.E. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti Prime Minister, received on 13th November 2017 Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed AlOthaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Kuwait on the sidelines of the International Conference on the Suffering of the Palestinian Child.

Al-Othaimeen thanked the State of Kuwait

for hosting the Conference and for supporting the Palestinian Cause emphasizing the centrality of the Palestinian Cause to the OIC, which accords it the top priority.

He asserted that the OIC fully supports the recommendations of the International Conference on the Suffering of the Palestinian Child.

OIC Secretary General Receives Canadian Special Envoy to the OIC Mr. Masud Husain, Canadian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates presented, today, 29 October 2017, to Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen, the OIC Secretary General, his Letter of Credence accrediting him as the Special Envoy of Canada to the OIC. The presentation of credential was followed by a discussion where both sides had useful and extensive exchange of views on various issues of common interest. Ambassador

Husain expressed his country’s interest to engage with the OIC. The Secretary General commended Canada for its multiculturalism and diversity. He thanked the Ambassador for his country’s interest in the activities of the OIC and mentioned that Canada and OIC have many shared issues. He reiterated OIC’s readiness to work together for common benefits. He hoped that Canada-OIC relations would

further be strengthened in the coming days.

During his visit to the OIC Headquarters, Amb. Husain also met with Assistant Secretaries General for Science & Technology Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, Director General of the Cabinet, officials at the Political Affairs Department and Dialogue and Outreach Department. They discussed ways and means to consolidate bilateral relations through concrete cooperation

Al-Othaimeen Meets Ministers from Bangladesh and Senegal The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen received, on 30 October 2017, H. E. Mr. Shahjahan Khan MP, Minister of Shipping and H. E. Mr. Shahriar Alam MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the OIC General Secretariat.

During the meeting, the Ministers exchanged views on various important issues including the situation of forcibly displaced Rohingya population who took shelter in Bangladesh and to seek OIC support for Bangladesh in her re-election bid to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen commended Bangladesh for its humane action hosting a large number of Rohingya refugees and assured of OIC’s support to Bangladesh in all its endeavors aimed at alleviating the sufferings of this displaced ethnic minority.

The OIC Secretary General also received in his office on 31st October 2017, H.E. the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Sidiki Kaba along with his accompanying delegation.

The Foreign Minister of Senegal expressed his appreciation for the OIC’s support in favour of Senegal’s election to a seat at the UN Human Rights Council. He also empha-

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sized his country’s backup to the OIC in all spheres of its action.

On his part, the Secretary General expressed his thanks to Senegal for its support to the OIC and to the causes of the Islamic Ummah, foremost of which the cause of Palestine. He further paid tribute to Senegal’s President, H.E. Macky Sall, Chairman of the OIC Standing Committee on Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC) for his consistent support. The two parties discussed arrangements for COMIAC’s next ordinary meeting next year and the announcement

of the International Media Award launched

by President Macky Sall.

The meeting also addressed the security situation in some African states and both parties laid stress on the need to stand up to the terrorist groups, to work towards the reestablishment of peace and security, to promote inter-faith dialogue and discourage amalgams between terrorism and religion and to call for “tolerance and mutual respect. The two parties underlined the importance of developing trade and economic relations between the OIC Member States.

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OIC NEWS OIC and Iraqi Government Hold “Elite Conference” for National Reconciliation

I

raq is taking its first practical steps toward national reconciliation by holding on 1112 December 2017 a conference of Iraqi elites in preparation for a nationwide conference aimed at national reconciliation for all Iraqis.

In his speech before the “Elite Conference”, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen, said he was confident participants would adopt important recommendations to enhance the ability of the people and leadership of Iraq to strengthen democracy and state institutions, restore peace and fight terrorism, while complying with the spirit of the Makkah historic document of 2006, which was initiated by the OIC and signed by a constellation of prominent Sunni and Shia scholars.

Co-organized by the OIC, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry and the Iraqi Reconciliation Committee, the Elite Conference constituted a first concrete step toward entrenching national reconciliation, in which the OIC is playing a major role. The process for reconciliation will engage the Iraqi government and national political stakeholders in nationwide consultations to identify areas for greater synergy and allow for necessary preparations and discussions, to deliver practical results during the National Reconciliation Conference.

Congratulating the Iraqi government, people and army on the decisive victory scored

over the terrorist groups of Daesh, Dr AlOthaimeen underlined that Iraq is ushering in a new phase in its people’s path toward national reconciliation, enhanced security, stability, and reconstruction of liberated provinces. In this regard, the OIC Secretary General stressed that, due attention should be given to accelerating displaced persons’ return to their towns and villages.

He went on, “the Organization believes that the solution to the Iraqi crisis must be decided by Iraqis themselves, free from any external interference, which involves making concessions.” When rooted in equal individual rights, citizenship is a key part to the solution, Al-Othaimeen pointed out, underlying that Iraqis should make their sectarian, linguistic, cultural and regional diversity a source of harmony and strength, not discord and weakness. “For all these reasons, the Organization remains at an equal distance from all parties and blocs in Iraq, seeking the wider interest of Iraq and its people,” he emphasized.

“Everyone is looking forward to the day when there will be full, lasting national reconciliation in Iraq,” Dr Al-Othaimeen enthused, explaining that the country remains central to the stability of the entire Arab and Muslim world.

For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari stressed the key role played by the OIC and its Secretary General in the process for Iraqi national reconciliation.

26 OIC Journal October - December 2017

He argued that Iraq’s middle class elite have a major part to play in decision making to help revive and develop all Iraqi communities. There are good signs national reconciliation is underway, he underscored, noting that there will still be a need to consolidate it.

The Iraqi people are living in peaceful coexistence, Dr Al-Jaafari underlined, explaining that the country has 26.1% of mixed Sunni and Shia couples, that every four Iraqis are born to either a Sunni or a Shia father or mother, and that all these families live in harmony with their fellow Christians and Yazidis.

As part of the preparation for the Elite Conference, a delegation from the General Secretariat of the OIC held an official session of consultations with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq and the Reconciliation Committee of the Iraqi Prime Ministry on Tuesday 6 November 2017 at the headquarters of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry in Baghdad.

OIC Secretary General Dr Youssef Al-Othaimeen, also on 16 November 2017 sent a letter to Iraqi Foreign Minister Mr Ibrahim Al-Jaafari, delivered by the Director of the OIC Office in Baghdad, Ambassador Saleh Al-Shaeri.

As well as offering full support to Iraq to preserve its unity, security, stability and territorial integrity, the letter stressed the Organization’s commitment to contributing to national reconciliation and rebuilding liberated areas in Iraq. Also highlighted is the OIC’s continued effort to coordinate with the Iraqi authorities on arrangements to hold the Iraqi national reconciliation conference (Makkah 2).

For his part, the Iraqi foreign minister expressed appreciation for the OIC’s supportive efforts.

The Director of OIC Baghdad-office, Dr Saleh Al-Shaeri, updated the Iraqi foreign minister on the ongoing preparations for the national reconciliation meeting. The Iraqi official expressed satisfaction at the steps taken to this end.

It is worth noting that OIC had organised the Makkah 1 Conference on Iraqi National Reconciliation, which included sheikhs and religious scholars representing the different spectrums of the Iraqi people in 2006.

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OIC NEWS Al-othaimeen: Coordination between OIC Institutions is Key to Success of OIC 2025 PoA The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, stressed that existing coordination between affiliate institutions gives the momentum needed to progress towards the objectives of the OIC-2025 Programme of Action, adopted at the 13th Islamic Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2016.

Speaking at the third annual coordination

meeting of OIC institutions, convened at the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank, on 3-4 December 2017, the Secretary General described the previous ACMOI meeting as substantially successful. He pointed out that, “The combined effort of OIC institutions was essential to the fruitful conclusion of the 44th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in the

Ivorian capital of Abidjan, and the OIC First Islamic Science and Technology Summit in Astana.”

Further, the Secretary General said he is confident the new ACMOI activity matrix, approved by the CFM in its latest session, will be instrumental in serving the interests of the Member States.

New Permanent Representatives of Saudi Arabia and Egypt Present their Credentials The new Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Zouhair Al-Idrissi, presented his credentials to OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef AlOthaimeen on 27 November.

The Saudi representative asserted his country’s commitment to shoring up OIC activities and programmes, and expressed keen interest to work closely with the General Secretariat for the benefit of both the Organization and its Member States.

Welcoming Saudi Arabia’s new representative, the Secretary General stressed the

Kingdom’s important and positive role in meeting the Organization’s goals. He also assured him of the General Secretariat’s full support in the discharge of his duties.

The Saudi activities and efforts are critical to achieving peace and stability in the region, The two sides reviewed the situation in the region, and discussed how the Organization can contribute to further strengthening joint Islamic action.

The new Permanent Representative Arab Republic of Egypt to the OIC, Ambassador Mohamed Yahya Najm, also presented his credentials to the Secretary General of the

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen, on 6 December.

On this occasion, the Secretary General highly commended Egypt’s unwavering support for the Organization, and the active role of the Egyptian leadership and government in promoting joint Islamic action.

For his part, Egypt’s new representative expressed his country’s appreciation for the Organization’s efforts, stressing Egypt’s commitment to sustaining support for the OIC, at this critical point of time when the Muslim world is faced with a myriad of formidable challenges.

OIC Signs MOU with Hedaya to Counter Violent Extremism Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), signed on Saturday, 16 December 2017, in Abu Dhabi, a memorandum of understanding with the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism (GCTF, or Hedayah) represented by its Administrative Council’s Chairman, Dr. Ali Neimi.

Based on this MoU the two parties will see

to the elaboration of studies and researches on extremism and terrorism and to the dissemination of moderation, tolerance, justice, mutual understanding and peace among nations. Both parties will also undertake joint activities in the area of countering extremist ideologies, promote balance and moderation and stage periodic meetings with academicians and researchers among diverse cultures and civilizations to tackle

emerging issues of terrorism, in addition to exchanging information and expertise in the field of joint action to advance the MoU’s objectives.

The MoU’s signing comes as a follow-up to the resolutions adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on combating terrorism and extremism, as a reaffirmation of the importance of coordinating efforts to face up to extremism.

EU and OIC Hold Senior Officials’ Meeting The European Union (EU) and the OIC General Secretariat held their second Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) at the OIC Headquarters on 14 December 2017. A High-Level EU delegation led by H. E. Mr. Colin Scicluna, Acting Managing Director for Middle East and North Africa of the European External Action Service, led the EU delegation in the meeting. Ambassador Tarig Bakheet, Director General for Political Affairs, led the OIC delegation.

During the extensive discussions, both sides exchanged views on a wide range of regional and international issues of mutual in-

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terest and agreed on strengthening bilateral cooperation through concrete actions. The

next round of the EU-OIC SOM will be held in Brussels in the first half of 2018.

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HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS Somalia Fell Back into Famine in 2017

The scenes of children who suffer from stunting with exposed rib cages, dilated pupils and bloated stomachs because of hunger in the hands of thin and poor mothers who are helpless and can’t even carry their children, and the scenes of thousands of people in accommodation camps of nongovernmental humanitarian organizations are not a part of the past but the details of everyday life now in countries destroyed by civil wars like Yemen and Somalia.

Famine struck again in Somalia during 2017 because of crises only humans are responsible for their consequences. Dennis Brown the manager of crisis centers in the World Food Program stresses that “after years of conflicts and escape, people are on the edge” referring to the death of more than a quarter of a million people in Somalia in 2017 because of the destructive drought that struck the country which suffers from civil war since early 90s of the last decade.

According to Dennis Brown, “it is true that humanitarian assistance succeeds at a time to have control over the situation and ended famine in Somalia, however in 2017 the tragedy occurred in other areas including south of Sudan which suffers from terrible political instability since its separation from the north of Sudan. There has been also famine warnings in the north of Nigeria in which many people died with empty stomachs.”

According to the UN data, famine endangers the life of more than 20 million around the world and portends of the worst hu-

manitarian catastrophe since the Second World War. But the most worrying region at the meantime is Yemen, which has been going through a civil war for over three years. The war has destroyed the crumbling infrastructure of the country and millions of people need immediate humanitarian assistances.

The south of Sudan, the newest country on the world map, is torn by bloody civil war for four years that has caused the suffering people are going through. Although the famine started on February last year and ended four months later on June 2017, one million and a quarter of a million people are still in danger of experiencing famine once again in the south of Sudan. In the meantime, six million people, which is about half of the citizens of south of Sudan, need humanitarian assistance.

The situation in the north-west region of Nigeria is no different. Famine emerged in the poor areas because of terrorism of Boko Haram militants. In Somalia, civil war is going on for around quarter of a decade, in addition to the long droughts, which aggravated the famine disaster and people could find nothing to eat. The situation is like a vicious circle: civil wars, armed conflicts forced people to move and as a result they gave up their jobs and fell into famine and under the mercy of humanitarian assistances. The situation can only be fixed and people can return home when there is peace. And even with peacemaking it takes many years to get things back on track in

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the regions that suffered from armed conflicts.

Dennis Brown says: “thirteen of the biggest World Food Program camps were established because of armed conflicts and this would not have happened ten years ago as emergency programs and assistance mechanisms were designed for natural disasters in the first place.”

In addition to armed forces and civil war, the worst disaster the horn of Africa experienced for decades caused more suffering in that region. Therefore 3.4 million people in Kenya for instance became in need of humanitarian assistance, whereas more than 8.5 million in Ethiopia suffer from food shortage, mostly in the east region of the country, and as they make living by shepherding, this worsened their situation as the drought killed flocks of their animals.

Amina Mohammed who is a shepherd says: “we have never seen something like this before, referring to water scarcity. Fortunately, some of my cows survived with the help of some of the camps nearby. This cow is how I and my four children make a living.” However, Amina cannot get milk or meat from the cows after its condition got worse.

The regional Director of Horn East and Central Africa at OXFAM Organization Lydia Zigomo explains that famine combat is easier at countries which has effective governmental institutions rather than the countries with armed conflicts where many people are forced to move away and need shelters as well as the logistical support.

There is an urgent need for donations to be able to provide the suitable support. In addition to all of this, there are indications that these droughts will last longer. Zigomo assures that “famine will be one of the problems humanity will face in 2018 due to the climate change and its manifestations which struck these regions and threatens to repeat those horrible disasters unless action is taken to address these problems.” “There is an urgent need to improve people’s capacity to deal with such situations, and with regard to famine of natural disasters or armed conflicts, there are clear solutions which are: peacemaking, regaining stability and massive investment on the long term”, she added.

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HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS 30 Crises and Disasters Claim Lives of over 45,000 People in OIC Countries in 2016 Jeddah (IINA) – More than 45,000 people have died in some of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during the past year, as a result of the crises and natural disasters which hit those countries.

A recent OIC report on “Natural Disasters and Crises in the Islamic World 2016” revealed that the Muslim countries experienced 30 crises and natural disasters during 2016, which resulted in the death of 45,805 people.

The report found that 41,516 of these people have died as a result of crises and wars, while 4,289 people died due to natural disasters.

The report tackled the factors that contributed to the worsening situation in some of the OIC countries. It pointed to the internal fighting and terrorism as in Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria,Libya and Nigeria;

the natural fluctuations as in Burkina Faso, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Senegal, Sudan, Pakistan and Mali; and a mix of internal conflicts and epidemic disease as in Somalia, Chad, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

According to the report, Pakistan suffered the most loss of human life from natural disasters with 293 deaths, while Guinea suffered the most loss of life due to dis-

eases with 1,611 deaths, followed by Sierra Leone (1,479) and Somalia (496). Iraq has the most loss of human lives resulting from crises with 17,042 deaths, followed by Syria (13,329) and Yemen (7,070).

In the report›s recommendations, the OIC called upon member states to seek radical and effective solutions to resolve the crises that beset some of them. It also called for strengthening cooperation with international organizations and bodies involved in crisis and disaster reduction, drawing on their expertise and working together within the international strategy.

The OIC further called for strengthening preparedness and response to natural disasters by improving the mechanisms of community awareness, as well as providing training and capacity-building for local organizations operating in crisis and disaster management.

Over 22 million refugees, IDPs in OIC countries during 2016 The OIC report also revealed that 22,124,308 people in the member states have become refugees and displaced persons due to natural disasters and crises that hit those countries during 2016.

These figures, despite their rise, show a decline of about 21 percent compared to the 2015 figures, where the number of refugees and displaced people in some of the OIC countries exceeded 28 million people.

The report pointed out that 20,742,891 of those people were forced to become internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees as a result of conflicts and crises. Whilst, 1,381,417 people became IDPs and refugees due to natural disasters.

The report noted that Syria topped the OIC countries in the number of refugees and displaced persons with 6.3 million people, followed by Sudan (3,394,500), Iraq (3,344,000), Yemen (2,205,000) and Nigeria (1,960,000).

The report also addressed the situation of Muslim minorities in different parts of the world. It suggested that the political unrest in the Central African Republic has forced 863,972 people to become IDPs or to seek refuge outside the country. It further found that a combination of political instabil-

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ity and natural disasters forced 497,706 people from Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar to become IDPs or to seek refuge outside the Southeast Asian nation.

The OIC warned that the number of refugees and displaced persons is likely to increase unless the member states and civil

society organizations come together to find sustainable solutions to eliminate the causes of the phenomenon.

The Organization called for supporting member countries hosting refugees, as most of these countries are experiencing economic crises and food insecurity.

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HUMAN RIGHTS OIC Secretary General Stresses Media’s Role in Curbing Hate Speech

A

s the world continue to grapple with the challenges of rise in cases of Fake News and hate Speech, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Youssef A. Othaimeen has stressed that the OIC places great emphasis on the principle of freedom of expression, as preached by Islam and various human rights-driven international instruments.

Al-Othaimeen however stressed that a responsible exercise of this right involves being fully aware of the borderline between freedom of expression and hate-mongering, extremist and racist rhetoric.

The Secretary General made the assertion in a keynote speech he delivered at the fourth annual Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) international seminar on the topic of ‘Role of Media in Combatting Hate Speech’.

The seminar was held in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) in Rabat, on 2324 October 2017.

Dr Othaimeen emphasized the importance of elaborating a code of conduct to govern media behavior, keep it away from pointless incitement and fueling of hatred and fear of Islam, and help it advance toward promoting the values of tolerance, religious, ethnic and cultural plurality, and respect for one another.

Alongside the seminar, the Secretary General held a meeting with Dr Vladimir Norov, Head of Uzbekistan’s Institute for Strategic and Interreligious Studies, where they discussed the Muslim world situation and Uz-

bekistan’s share in fostering the OIC’s activities and programs.

The Rabat seminar gathered a constellation of senior officials and experts on human rights and media, notably Moroccan State Minister for Human Rights Mr Mustafa Ramid, ISESCO Director General Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, IPHRC Chairperson Mr Mohamed Kaggwa, UNESCO Assistant Director General Mr Frank La Rue, UNHCHR representative Mr Gianni Magazzeni, and Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Morocco Mr Abdulaziz Khoja.

Rabat Declaration The participants at the Seminar adopted ‘Rabat Declaration on role of Media in Combatting hate Speech’ which affirmed that Islam guarantees freedom of expression and recognizes the role of critical thinking. However, it makes a distinction between criticism or constructive discussion and sheer disrespect, insult and stereotyping that lead to incitement to hatred and discrimination.

The Rabat declaration also called on the states to commit at the highest level to strengthen internal efforts, which include implementation of the UN Resolution 16/18 to build a shared framework and mutual understanding to differentiate between freedom of expression and hate speech.

The participants acknowledge that freedom of expression is a key human right, which is vital for development of stable, peaceful and progressive democratic societies. However, they expressed deep concern that, hate speech has become an epidemic and real danger to the foundation of democratic order and the values of multiculturalism in

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modern societies. They stressed that growing incidents of Islamophobia across the world are clear manifestations of incitement to hatred and discrimination.

The Rabat declaration also recognized that the rapid development of mass media and social media and communications technology has exponentially enlarged access to all sort of information, resulting in a struggle to regulate or reprocess the content by State and non-State actors. Public opinion on a variety of important subjects across the world is largely shaped by the way these subjects are portrayed on mass media, internet and social networks.

The participants therefore stressed that, the crucial role of media in combatting hate speech should prioritize advocating respect for human rights, preventing hatred, discrimination, inequality and violence while building trust and promoting reconciliation.

They equally noted that the media must work to counter hate speech and discrimination in all media framework, both online and offline, by promoting ethical standards, while maintaining respect for freedom of expression.

The seminar also urged all States to dedicate necessary human and material resources to reduce the digital divide between the developing and developed countries and encourage the media to develop codes of conduct so as to effectively counter the hate speech.

The participants at the Rabat Seminar further urged the international community to intensify efforts to help break the impasse in the ongoing discussion about how to effectively combat hate speech at the UN and at the Istanbul Process.

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HUMAN RIGHTS Al-Othaimeen Calls for Formulating Cultural Policies

to Promote Pluralism and Harmony between Different Cultures The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen has called on OIC Member States to formulate cultural policies that will promote pluralism and harmony between different cultural groups within nations and among nations.

The Secretary General made the call in a statement delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary General for Palestinian Affairs during the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission IPHRC’s Thematic Debate on “Importance of Cultural Diversity in the promotion and protection of Human Rights” as part of the 12th Regular Session of IPHRC held in Jeddah, on 21st November 2017. Al-Othaimeen added that the cultural policies should encourage values and attitudes to embrace cultural diversity as a unifying force for creation of resilient societies.

“Towards this goal, the first and foremost action required is to make human rights education an integral part of the formal curriculum with an aim to educate our younger generation about the ethos of ‘global citizenship’,” said Al-Othaimeen.

“Secondly, while devising long term national action plans, the benefits of harnessing the cultural diversity as an engine of social and economic transformation for sustainable development must be incorporated as a viable choice,” he added. He therefore stressed that the OIC, which embraces 57 Muslim nations from four continents with different cultures and social customs, is

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committed towards protecting cultural diversity and promoting dialogue and development within the OIC and beyond.

Also speaking during the session, the IPHRC Chairperson, Mr. Med. S. K. Kaggwa noted that, while utmost respect for cultural diversity is emphasized, it must not become an excuse to perpetuate the harmful cultural practices, which run against the basic human rights and even the domestic laws of OIC member countries. He however added that, the process to change the harmful practices must be carried out by proponents within the respective societies or communities rather than imposed from outside.

The 12th Session of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) discussed several items on its agenda including Human Rights Situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories; Civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC Member States; Combating Islamophobia and incitement to hatred and violence; Human rights situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non- member States including Myanmar, Central African Republic, Europe and USA; and Standing Mechanism for monitoring the human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

Based on the comprehensive discussions during the debate, the Commission adopted an outcome document of thematic debate on ‘importance of cultural diversity in the promotion and protection of human rights.

The document underscored that Islam ac-

cepted and promoted human diversity as ‘Divine Order’ within the concept of Unity in Diversity. It laid the foundation of a new culture steeped in the principles of equality among all human beings regardless of caste, color, creed or religious beliefs. Unlike, other civilizations in history, it did not look upon human cultures in terms of black and white nor divide human societies into spheres of absolute good and absolute evil.

The meeting affirmed that cultural diversity, a defining characteristic of humanity, is reflected in the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, philosophies and arts. Despite existence of cultural differences, the homogenizing effect of globalization has led to the emergence of common cultural and ethical values and behavioral patterns common to humanity, which has helped to bring people closer and eliminate harmful traditional practices.

But the participants regretted that, lately, the signs of intolerance and failure to accept the diversity are ominous in the form of growing tide of xenophobia, hatred and discrimination based on one’s race, religion, origin and ethnicity, which has resulted in blatant human rights violation of affected communities. Unfortunately, these acts of intolerance are not only prevalent in developing or societies facing conflicts but are equally affecting the developed world, where the politics of far-right is breeding the seeds of discord and promoting xenophobia on the pleas of cultural differences and demonizing of migrants, refugees and other minorities.

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CULTURE

T

Measures to Save Remaining Islamic Cultural Heritage

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has stressed the need to urgently find appropriate ways to protect the remaining Islamic cultural heritage against loss and neglect. It also emphasized the necessity to adapt these ways to the international initiatives and mechanisms for the preservation of cultural heritage as a whole and to save, restore and protect the endangered heritage in Islamic countries.

H.E. Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary General, stated this at the International Conference on “Islamic Action for the Protection of Cultural Heritage”, organized by the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) in cooperation with the OIC General Secretariat, and ISESCO on 1-2 November 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey.

In his address, delivered by Mrs. Mehla Ahmed Talebna, General Director of Cultural, Social and Family Affairs in the OIC, Al-Othaimeen stressed that the OIC has committed itself to being a stronghold and protector of the world and Islamic cultural heritage and identity and it accorded the highest priority to the protection of the cultural heritage and Holy Places.

Al-Othaimeen pointed out that the preservation, protection and enrichment of the cultural heritage would contribute to countering the phenomenon of distorting the image of Islam and deterring the fierce attacks of Islamophobia preachers, through its optimal use to spread the deep-rooted noble Islamic values as proven by the scientific and cultural evidence of the cultural heritage in the Muslim World.

The Secretary General alluded to the increasing current threats faced by Islamic heritage especially in conflict zones, in particular Al-Quds and Palestine, and other regions. OIC Secretary General emphasized the need to reinforce international cooperation, especially between international organizations such as OIC and UNESCO. In this regard, the Secretary General referred to various resolutions adopted by the OIC Member States at their ministerial conferences and their implementation processes by the OIC General Secretariat, as well as to recent resolutions adopted by the United Nations towards protection and reconstruction of heritage destroyed and pillaged in conflict zones. OIC Secretary General said that the conference was an occasion to promote exchanges of best practices among the OIC Member States and experts from UNESCO and other international organizations.

Istanbul Declaration At the end of the conference, the participants adopted the Istanbul Declaration on the protection of Cultural Heritage of the Muslim World.

The declaration called on the OIC Member States, organizations and world community concerned, to identify frameworks and establish modalities for enhancement of inter-state cooperation for protection of heritage and support of national and international efforts, within the framework of UN charter and the principles enshrined in it.

The conference also called for the inclusion of a Strategy of Joint Islamic Action for Protection of Cultural Heritage of the Muslim World in the cultural agenda of OIC with such a strategy giving the necessary and due respect and importance to all nations sovereignty and adhering to the principles of noninterference in member states› internal affairs, henceforth rendering it help upon a nation›s request.

The participants also urged OIC member states to link policies of cultural heritage protection with policies aimed at countering violent extremism, extremism, religious and cultural discrimination, xenophobia and Islamophobia.

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CULTURE OIC to Cooperate with UNESCO in Protecting

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Cultural Heritage from Destructive Ideologies

he Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its readiness to cooperate with UNESCO in combatting intentional destruction and illegal trafficking of the cultural heritage in the countries affected by armed conflicts, which are crimes incited by destructive ideologies.

OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen in an address to the 39th session of UNESCO’s General Conference held in Paris, on 6 November 2017, applauded UNESCO’s call for cultural heritage protection to be included in world programs and in the tasks of the peacekeeping missions.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen noted that key among the topics of interest to the OIC is the combat against the phenomena of terrorism and violent extremism along with the tackling of religious and sectarian fanaticism.

He points to the fact that in this respect, the OIC has launched its “Voice of Wisdom” project, which seeks to stand up to extremist discourse and to spread the concepts of tolerance and moderation. In addition, the OIC seeks to raise awareness among the youth as to the dangers of joining ranks with terrorist groups.

On another front, the OIC Secretary General strongly condemned the policies of the Israeli occupation power and its persistent attempts in occupied East Jerusalem to alter and disfigure its demographic layout with a view to isolate it from its authentic Palestinian environment. He therefore called on UNESCO to take the necessary and appropriate steps, within its mandate and responsibility, to ensure the protection and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the State of Palestine and to impress on Israel the need to put an end to its ongoing violations.

He also reiterated the imperative need to see to the implementation of all of UNESCO’s resolutions and decisions relevant to the occupied Palestinian territories.

During his visit to Paris, the OIC Secretary General held a side meeting with Ms. Audrey Azoulay, the newly elected DirectorGeneral of UNESCO, where he congratulated her on her election. Both sides reiterated their commitment to further develop and

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therefore urged the OIC Group to remain vigilant as attacks against al Quds al Sharif are still perpetrated by Israel.

Cultural Protection

Al-Othaimeen called on UNESCO to ensure the protection and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the State of Palestine strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the OIC and UNESCO to promote the protection of cultural heritage, access to quality education, information and communication and advance science and technology for sustainable development.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen also met with the OIC Ambassadorial group at UNESCO. He commanded the strategic role played by the OIC Group at UNESCO in defending AlQuds Al-Sharif and the cultural property of Palestine thanks to its strong voting power in the governing bodies of UNESCO. He

Climate change and efforts to contain it featured prominently on the General Conference’s agenda and Member States stressed the need for UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector to work on the ethical and societal aspects of this crucial issue.

With regard to the Culture Sector, the UNESCO General Conference revised the strategy it adopted two years ago for UNESCO’s work in protecting culture and cultural pluralism in the event of armed conflict. The revised strategy now covers natural disasters alongside armed conflicts.

UNESCO Member States also launched an Appeal on Protecting Culture and Promoting Cultural Pluralism as a key to lasting peace. The appeal calls for culture, cultural heritage and diversity to be factored into international humanitarian, security and peacebuilding policies and operations, building on UN Security Council Resolution 2347. The resolution, adopted in March 2017, recognizes “attacks against sites and buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, or historic monuments may constitute, under certain circumstances and pursuant to international law, a war crime and perpetrators of such attacks must be brought to justice.”

For the Communication and Information Sector, Member States reaffirmed UNESCO’s mandate to defend freedom of expression and access to information both on and off-line, as inalienable human rights. They also reaffirmed the importance of work to protect the safety of journalists.

On education, the General Conference reaffirmed the Organization’s role in coordinating and monitoring progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda’s Goal for education, SDG 4. It also mandated UNESCO to pursue work on the development of a Global Convention on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, to improve academic mobility, enhance international cooperation, and reinforce trust in higher education systems.

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CULTURE Khartoum Declaration: Fostering Cooperation for Sustainable Cultural Development of Cities of the Future

The 10th Islamic Conference of Ministers of Culture in the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, on Tuesday 21 November 2017.

The Islamic Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ISESCO) convened the 10th session of the Conference of Culture Ministers, in cooperation with the Sudanese Ministry of Culture and in coordination with the OIC General Secretariat. The conference was attended by ministers of culture in OIC Member States, experts and representatives of Arab, Islamic and international organizations concerned with cultural action.

The Assistant Secretary General of the OIC for Cultural, Family and Humanitarian Affairs, Ambassador Hesham Yousef, read out the statement of the OIC Secretary General, Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, to the conference. In the statement, the Secretary General expressed deep appreciation to the President of the Republic of Sudan H.E. Omar Hasan El-Bashir for his generous patronage of the conference. He also thanked the government and people of Sudan for their attention to culture as exemplified

by Sudan’s hosting of the conference. The Secretary General noted that because of its awareness of the huge challenges facing the world, the OIC prioritized attention to culture, whose role has been found to be very effective in realizing the common objectives of building relations based on respect for human dignity, deepening the values of cultural diversity and social justice and the principles of moderation, tolerance and rejection of extremism, hatred and big-

otry, especially among the youth.

The statement added that improving the image of Muslims in the world through communication and cultural dialogue among member states and between them and other states is one of the main themes of the program the OIC is working to embody.

Al-Othaimeen stressed the importance of highlighting to the world public opinion the cultural credential of the Muslim world in terms of its diversity and pluralism. He expressed his hope that the conference will come up with ways to translate the contents of the updated cultural strategy to reality, by adopting a plan of action to intensify cultural activities such as exhibitions and festivals.

The Secretary General also touched on combating terrorism, extremism, sectarianism and how to tackle these scourge ravaging many regions of the Muslim world.

These, he said, are some of the issues that preoccupy and concern member states, because they are at the forefront of combating terrorism and extremism alongside the international community which is in agreement that terrorism has no religion and that the best way to combat terrorism, extremism and culture of violence is to address their root and dry up their multidimensional sources.

Al-Othaimeen mentioned that the continuation of the Israeli occupation policy to change the historical Arab identity of Palestine is a grave challenge to the protection of the monuments as well as religious and cultural institutions there, particularly in AlQuds. He called for building on the recent

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important resolution adopted by UNESCO about the State of Palestine and affirmation of the identity of the heritage sites in the occupied territories.

The Secretary General reiterated the OIC’s strong condemnation of the deliberate destruction and trafficking of cultural heritage in countries affected by wars. He called on the international community to cooperate in addressing this scourge as war crime.

The Secretary General hinted at the determination of the OIC to organize the first cultural week focusing on the youth in Kuala Lumpur in the period from 27 November - 1 December 2017 in cooperation with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

The 10th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers adopted the “Khartoum Declaration” wherein it stressed the importance of fostering cooperation and coordination with the various cultural stakeholders and officials in charge of city policy, including local authorities, parliamentarians, municipal councils, civil society authorities and businesses to meet the sustainable cultural development requirements for future cities.

The Declaration also called for renewing the cultural policy of the city by providing adequate conditions to encourage intellectuals and artists towards more creativity, innovation and renewal to make of the city a cultural hub par excellence; and legal support to creative people to develop new cultural and artistic forms in line with the cultural identity and civilizational belonging.

As for the Project of Islamic Culture Capitals, the Declaration called for launching a

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CULTURE major cultural project marking the celebration of every selected cultural capital.

The 10th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers (ICCM) adopted the appointment of the members of Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC) for a non-renewable

four-year term.

The IWHC is now composed of the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of

Cameroon, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ICCM also adopted reports, resolutions and documents aimed at achieving a sustainable cultural development in the Islamic world.

Culture Week: OIC is Building Stronger Communication Bridges with other Societies The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on Member States to publicize the Muslim world’s culture of diversity and pluralism, as a means to convey a message of universal peace, tolerance, moderation and love as advocated by Islam.

The Secretary General’s call was conveyed in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mrs. Mehla Talebna, Director General of the OIC’s Cultural and Social Affairs Departments, during the opening ceremony of the Global Cultural Week, jointly organized by the OIC and the International Islamic University Malaysia IIUM (IIUM) from November 27 to 30th, 2017.

The Secretary General noted that engaging in cultural interaction for greater mutual understanding, features high on the OIC agenda for stronger Islamic cultural solidarity.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen stressed that there is need to organize more cultural events involving OIC Member States, while promoting cultural contacts with other societies and countries with the aim of building stronger communication bridges and allow for greater unity in diversity. This he said will only be achieved with the full support of all OIC Member States.

The Secretary General emphasized the importance of providing a cultural platform for the youth to give expression to their cultural and artistic diversity and to share expertise.

He lauded the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) both as a leading institution with an outstanding record in

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higher education, scientific research and innovation, and as a cultural meeting place for a diverse community of students speaking many languages and coming from different ethnicities, to fulfil their rich cultural potential and contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and cultural exchange between peoples and nations.

In her speech during the opening ceremony, the Rector of the IIUM Prof. Dato Seri Dr. Zeleha Kamarudin noted that for more than a decade, IIUM has hosted the Global Ummatic Festival, to celebrate the cultural diversity of the university. From 30 cultural exhibition booths, this year with the help of the OIC, 50 booths were showcased and students from more than 100 countries participated.

The OIC-IIUM Global Cultural Program and Value Based Leadership Training is an integrated program consisting of several cultural and trainings activities for youth leaders from OIC Member States and beyond to nurture their talents and life exposure in the area of applied virtues, value-based leadership and cultural expression.

Culture as Vehicle to Combat Extremism By launching the cultural week, the OIC is aiming at strengthening value-based solidarity and leadership in the Muslim world in an environment of cultural unity and diversity. The program comes as a deep response to the urgency of empowering youth leaders with the knowledge of cultural values and virtues, ethics and leadership skills.

In her speech during the closing ceremony of the Global Cultural Week, the OIC’s Director of Culture, Social and Family Affairs

Mrs. Mehla Talebna noted that, “in this critical period in the Islamic World, the Muslim Communities are facing biased approach to their culture from Non-Muslim world. Governments, Institutions and governmental or non-governmental Organizations, have to engage even more in real dialogue on the role of virtues and values in addressing issues such as extremism, radicalization and Islamophobia.”

She added that, the OIC is encouraging the process of bringing together youth leaders and activists within universities to participate in promoting Muslim solidarity and cultural exchanges through real events and activities that will strengthen the spirit of unity and enhance the culture of caring and sharing; exposing youth leaders to applied aspects of value based leadership.

Mrs. Talebna also asserted that, developing strategies and action plans to promote cultural exchange and dialogue, will contribute to disseminating the noble values of Islam throughout the World.

The OIC Global Culture Week brings together youth leaders, institutions, organizations and universities to participate in cultural events and empowerment programs, to promote Muslim unity and cultural exchange.

The program also provided a universal platform for youth leaders to engage in real dialogue on the role of virtues and values in addressing issues such as Islamophobia, sectarianism, terrorism, sustainable development, environment, and poverty among others.

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FAMILY

AFFAIRS

Building the Capacities of National Institutions for the Advancement of Women

T

he OIC workshop on enhancing the capacity of national institutions concerned with promoting women status and empowerment in OIC Member States was held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah on 17 and 18 December 2017.

Amb. Hisham Yousef, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs, delivered the speech of the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen. He noted that the First Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in Development held in Turkey in November 2006 requested the preparation of an action plan for the advancement of women that the Second Ministerial Conference in Cairo adopted.

He added that the Fifth Conference decided to implement the action plan, review it and link it to the OIC program of action 2025 and sustainable development goals, pointing out that it was agreed to hold a meeting to discuss the obstacles facing the implementation of this plan.

H.E. Fatima Betül, Minister of Family and

Social Policies of Turkey, Chair of the current Ministerial Conference on Women, said that Member States would not remain silent about the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya Muslims, where most of the victims are women and children. She noted that refugees, especially women and children represent a priority in terms of providing assistance to them under the programs under review.

The workshop to build the capacity of national institutions for the advancement and empowerment of women was held in coordination with the Islamic Development Bank and the Statistical Economic and social Research and Training Centre of Islamic Countries (SESRIC).

Advisory Committee for Women Meets The Advisory Committee for Women within the Framework of the Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of OIC Member States also held its second meeting on 18 December 2017 at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah Her Excellency Fatima Batool, Minister of

Family and Social Policy, Republic of Turkey, and Her Excellency Esra Albarac, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee for Women attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed the efforts to be made by the Women›s Advisory Committee to follow-up on the implementation of OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW), and the challenges faced by the process of empowering women in the Member States, especially the difficult conditions experienced by women in areas of conflict and under occupation.

The meeting also addressed the contributions of the Committee in the preparations for the seventh session of the Ministerial Conference on Women, to be held in Burkina Faso in 2018, with the aim of activating the OIC role in the field of women’s empowerment and the advancement of their status. Furthermore, the meeting considered the contribution of the Advisory Committee in the implementation of the project of establishing the OIC Award for the Achievements of Women.

Al-Othaimeen Calls for Intensified Efforts to Support Girls Education Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), called upon Member States, relevant OIC organs, and civil society organizations to intensify their efforts to support girls’ education. He asserted that this is the only way to empower them, improve their status, ensure their participation in the development of their respective societies, and activate their role to be able to take responsibility of future generations.

He also called for the cooperation of international, regional and civil society organizations with the OIC Member States to

monitor, analyze, and propose solutions to the challenges faced by girls and women in general, especially those living in conflict and crisis areas or under occupation.

This comes as part of the international community’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October each year since 2012. It aims to address the issues of girls and the challenges facing them, enhance girls’ empowerment, provide them with the opportunity to prove their capabilities, achieve their aspirations and protect their rights, and raise awareness of the need to exert more efforts to achieve gen-

36 OIC Journal October - December 2017

der parity and justice in all areas.

Recognizing the importance of childcare and welfare, especially girls, in building societies and future generations, the FortyFourth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Abidjan in July 2017 adopted a resolution on improving the situation of children. It urged the OIC Member States to work to improve the situation of children, especially those living in difficult conditions in conflict-torn regions, those suffering from occupation, and displaced children and refugees.

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FAMILY

AFFAIRS OIC Commemorates the International Day of Old Persons

On the International day of old persons, 1 October 017, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is pleased to commemorate with the international community this day, which provides an opportunity to renew our gratitude to our fathers and grandfathers who have worked hard to build our homelands and promote development of their countries and communities and now they stand in need of help to complete their journey with

dignity and pride, especially in the light of the health related, psychological, social and economic changes they may face on a personal or family level in their communities in general.

The OIC has paid attention to the elderly in Member States. The Resolution adopted by the 42nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Kuwait in May 2015, called upon Member States, Subsidiary, Specialized and Affiliated Organs to

strengthen their role in promoting policies relating to the elderly in Member States and upholding Islamic values and traditions in order to provide a healthy life for the elderly. The Resolution also called for holding a ministerial conference on “maintaining the welfare and social security of the elderly in the Islamic world”. The Secretariat works in coordination with Member States and the relevant organs of the Organization to achieve this goal.

Message of OIC Secretary General on International Children’s Day On the occasion of the International Children’s Day the OIC Secretary General extended his sincerest wishes for a blissful and safe life to the children of the world.

The International Children’s Day is an occasion for the global family to renew its commitment to the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1959 and 1989 respectively, stated the Secretary General.

On this important date, and in line with its overall goals and vision, the OIC reiterates its commitment to accord high priority to the issues of the children of the Muslim world.

“This is all the more crucial, since sons and daughters are the adornment of life and the greatest wealth one can possess. Today’s children are the leaders and architects

of tomorrow. This is why the international community is encouraging countries to take actions accounting for the interests and wellbeing of children,” he said.

The OIC, like other stakeholders, places childhood issues high on its agenda. In the fourth session of the Islamic Ministerial Conference on the Child, held in 2013 in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijani, participants adopted a plan of action to address issues relating to children’s right to education and adequate healthcare, protection against abuse and violence, child forced labor, child recruitment, and child trafficking.

The Secretary General took this opportunity to call again on the international community, and the OIC Member States in particular, to pay greater attention to the issues of children, especially those living under harsh

conditions. “We need to work together to help ease the suffering of the victims of civil strife, conflicts and natural disasters, particularly Palestinian and Rohingya children that are subjected to unprecedented ordeals,” he stressed.

“Ours is the duty to guarantee children a life free from abuse and violence, safe from early labor and recruitment, and immune from chronic diseases. We have to give our children sound upbringing and quality education, instill in them the human values of tolerance, and meet their mental and physical health needs.”

He also seized this opportunity to reiterate the OIC’s call on those countries that have not yet ratified universal child rights instruments to do so.

OIC Calls for Intensified Efforts to Prevent and Criminalize Violence against Women Dr. Yusuf bin A. Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has called on Member States to address violence against women, to keep taking necessary measures to prevent and criminalize such practices, which are not in line with the values of compassion and love and the principles of the Islamic Religion. It also called on Member States to adhere to the relevant international conventions. He added that the OIC organs and institutions should act in order to support workers in this field in the Member States and to build the capacities of religious scholars in order to play an effective role by sensitizing the public toward the elimination of such practices.

This initiative falls in the framework of the celebration by the international community,

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on the 25th of the month of November of each year, of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The occasion constitutes an opportunity to evaluate the achievements and obligations towards eliminating violence against women in all its forms in order to protect women and provide them with support to become effective partners in achieving the

objectives of society.

The Secretary General pointed out on this occasion that the OIC’s efforts aim at the advancement and empowerment of women, especially those living under occupation and in situation of armed conflicts. OIC focuses on the efforts towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and the protection of their rights, poverty eradication, promotion of women participation in decision-making, providing equal opportunities for women and men. Moreover, it stressed the need for Member States to develop comprehensive plans to overcome the challenges and difficulties facing women in achieving sustainable development, in the framework of a partnership between women and men in the process of building and achieving the well-being of society.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

37

Youths Al-Othaimeen Stresses the Importance of

Sports in Protecting Youth against Extremism

The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, addressed the 10th session of the General Assembly of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) in Riyadh on 20 November 2017.

The Secretary General expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques and his loyal Crown Prince for the care and attention they accord to sports activities and their continuous commitment to youth issues.

Al-Othaimeen observed that the outstanding success recorded during the 4th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games is the best testimony to the important and critical role of the ISSF in strengthening the bonds of unity, harmony and friendship among Islamic countries. He expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Azerbaijan for the excellent hosting of the session. The Secretary General added that

the OIC attached serious importance to sports, youth welfare as well physical and mental health, in view of the fact that the Muslim world today faces grave challenges threatening its entity and identity, including the increasing spate of organized terrorism, violent extremism and growing cases of Islamophobia.

He stated that sports was one of the major factors for building strong and healthy societies that will contribute to strengthening understanding among the world’s youth communities, and spreading the message that Islam and Muslims contribute to human commonalities and reject extremism and violence.

Al-Othaimeen disclosed that in this regard, an OIC strategy to develop sports was adopted during the 3rd session of the Islamic Conference on Youth and Sports which was held in Istanbul in October 2016. He also noted that the Islamic Solidarity Sports Fed-

38 OIC Journal October - December 2017

eration did take important initiatives and made noteworthy efforts in the context of implementing these strategies in coordination with all relevant parties to promote sports in the Member States.

Saudi Arabia donates SAR 30 million to ISSF The Secretary General expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince for their support for the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), an OIC affiliated institution, for the generous contribution of SAR 30 million made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the ISSF, and for allocating special premises to the ISSF and its committees in Riyadh.

The donation was announced at the 10th meeting of the ISSF General Assembly attended by the OIC Secretary General. The General Assembly approved the inauguration of the Chairman of the General Sports Authority in Saudi Arabia, HE Mr. Turki AlSheikh, as Chairman of the ISSF Board of Directors by acclamation for the period 2017-2021. In this regard, the SecretaryGeneral congratulated the new Chairman on his assumption of his post, wishing him full success in his duties.

Al-Othaimeen expressed his confidence in Al-Sheikh’s leadership and his contribution to enhancing the Federation’s effectiveness towards greater Islamic solidarity and the consolidation of Islamic values and interest in youth.

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Religion King Salman’s Academy on the Prophet’s Hadith will Combat Terrorism and Extremism OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al Othaimeen, extolled the pioneering and historic step that came in the shape of a royal decree to establish King Salman’s Academy on the Prophet’s Hadith (sayings).

The Secretary General asserted that the Academy will tap into the Hadith Sciences for the upkeep of the noble Prophet’s tradition and to stand firmly as a bastion against misinterpretations and fallacies perpetrated against the noble tradition. Such a step, he affirmed, will help combat the phenomena of terrorism, extremism and misinterpretation through authentic Shariaa texts.

The Secretary General further indicated that the Academy which will be hosted in Madinah Al Munawarra will endeavour to spread, wide and far, the message of Man-

kind’s educator, Prophet Mohammed, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon Him, and to extend the thought and ideology of

our gracious Prophet Mohammed, the seal of the prophets and messengers, to humankind at large.

Al-Othaimeen Receives Chair of State Committee on Religious Associations in Azerbaijan On Wednesday, 1 November 2017, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), received in his office at the OIC headquarters Dr. Mubariz Gurbanli, Chair of the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and his accompanying delegation.

Dr. Gurbanli conveyed to Al-Othaimeen the greetings of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and His Eminence Pashazade Sheikh ul-Islam, Head of the Caucasus Muslims Department. He also extended to the OIC Secretary General an invitation from His Eminence Sheikh ul-Islam to attend the final conference dedicated to the “Year of Islamic Solidarity” announced by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2017 that

will take place on 21 December 2017. For his part, Al-Othaimeen expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and His Eminence Pashazade Sheikh ul-Islam, Head of the Caucasus Muslims Department, for this generous invitation. He stressed the leading role of the Republic of Azerbaijan in promoting solidarity and joint Islamic action, spreading the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, combating extremism and terrorism, and preventing Islamophobia by encouraging dialogue and communication between the followers of different cultures and religions, which is consistent with the OIC principles and objectives.

The OIC Secretary General also referred to the tolerance and exemplary relations be-

tween religions in Azerbaijan and praised the role of the State and the activities of the Government Committee on Religious Associations. He highly commended the efforts of the Caucasus Muslims Department to achieve this and realize the peaceful coexistence among Muslim different schools of thought, as well as between Muslims and followers of other religions. Moreover, AlOthaimeen commended the considerable economic and cultural progress made by the Republic of Azerbaijan over the past 25 years. He thanked the Azerbaijani government and people for hosting and organizing the fourth session of the Islamic Solidarity Games held in Baku in 2017, which was a great success.

OIC Participates in a Meeting on Islamophobia in Sweden The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation participated in the roundtable organized by the Swedish Foreign Ministry at its headquarters in Stockholm on 24 November 2017, to discuss the phenomenon of hatred towards Muslims in the world.

The Minister of Trade, the representative of the Ministry of Democracy and Culture in Sweden, the Ambassadors and representatives of the OIC Member States in Sweden, as well as representatives of religions and

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a group of scholars and academics participated in the round table.

The OIC Secretary-General, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, was represented by the Director of Dialogue and Outreach Department, Mr. Bashir Ahmed Ansari, who delivered a statement in which he thanked Sweden for this civilizational initiative. He also indicated that, proceeding from its firm principles of upholding peace, tolerance and coexistence among cultures and civilizations in the world, the OIC was always

present in the field of combatting discrimination and hatred.

Mr. Ansari suggested strategies that could be followed in political, legal, media, educational, cultural and social fields to combat this pathological phenomenon.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Mr Ansari met representatives of the Ministry of Democracy in Sweden to discuss ways of promoting bilateral relationship between the OIC and Sweden, especially at the level of dialogue and combating Islamophobia.

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39

OPINION Azerbaijan›s contribution to the Islamic Solidarity

A Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade The Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor

During the collapse of Soviet Union there were 17 mosques functioning in the country, but today that number exceeds 2000.

zerbaijan as a crucial and integral part of the Muslim world, is renowned as one of the important places where the Islamic cultural legacy was established and preserved. If we look back to the history, we can see that all the representatives of different nations regardless of their nationality, culture and religion live in peace, there have never been any confrontations and misunderstandings on ethnic and religious grounds. In Azerbaijan. Islam, which became widespread in the territory of Azerbaijan in the 7th-8th centuries, enriched the spiritual life of our people, later growing into one of the main factors defining their lifestyle and co-existence norms. The most ancient mosque in the Caucasus – Shamakhi mosque built in 743 – Bibiheybat mosque and pilgrimage complex, Ganja “Imamzade” complex and many other sites can be considered as Azerbaijan`s outstanding contribution to the system of Islamic religious and cultural values.

The people of Azerbaijan have always had great respect for their history, spiritual values and even the flag – a state symbol – of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was founded in 1918, reflected their Islamic identity. Despite persecutions under the USSR, the people of Azerbaijan managed to preserve some of their religious sites and mosques, and remained committed to their religious values. During the collapse of Soviet Union there were 17 mosques functioning in the country, but today that number exceeds 2000. Over the past 13 years more than 200 mosques have been built and over 80 mosques renovated in Azerbaijan. Under the leadership of the country overhaul, restoration and reconstruction carried out in Bibiheybat, Tazapir, Old City Juma and Prophet Muhammad mosque complexes and etc. On December 26, 2014, opening ceremony of Heydar Mosque was constructed under the instructions of the head of the state in Baku was held. It must be noted that, it is the largest mosque in the South Caucuses region.

Azerbaijan, which is strongly committed to religious and cultural values of Islam, is also renowned as one of the world`s centers of multiculturalism. We consider the provision of cultural diversity, an atmosphere of ethnic and religious tolerance in Azerbaijan as a great achievement. There has never been religious and ethnic discrimination in our country, and representatives of all religions have lived here in peace and mutual understanding. This is our lifestyle and the best way to confidently move forward.

Declaration of 2017 «Year of Solidarity in Azerbaijan» by President Ilham Aliyev is a call to the world on «To be tolerant and respectful to each other, establish a dialogue between religions and denominations».

The best example is the model of Azerbaijan›s state-religion relations, founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev is being studied and researched by other states. It is deserved to mention that the policy of Azerbaijan on regulation state-religion relations is being carefully watched and highly appreciated by the international community. Declaration of 2017 Year of Islamic Solidarity is a step that responds the challenges of the modern world in a timely manner. Year of Solidarity is not only a religious factor, but also it expresses more support to Muslim countries and enhances solidarity among them in the sphere of economy, culture and morality while this initiative is an answer to those who want to plant seeds of discord in our midst.

At the same time, holding very important international event – the Fourth Islamic Solidarity Games in the country shows the well reputation of independent Azerbaijan in the Muslim world. Numerous international conferences, seminars and events have kicked off in the country and abroad in the framework of Action Plan on «Year of Islamic Solidarity». The Caucasian Muslims Board (CMB) and the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly organized four international conferences in the direction of strengthening Islamic solidarity, propagation of Islam and forcing solidarity for fighting radicalism.

Today not only religious, but also, ethnic conflicts and misunderstandings occur. Azerbaijani people were more subjected to ethnic cleansing and genocide in the end of the 20th century by Armenia. The aggression policy of Armenians has been accompanied by massacres through the history. As the result of military aggression by Armenia, 20 percent of internationally recognised territory of Azerbaijan, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions have been occupied as well as almost one millions of people have become refugees and internally displaced persons. Numerous historical, cultural and religious monument in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan have been brutally destroyed, humiliated and most of mosques have been turned into pig stables. The UN and OIC resolutions, which clearly recognize Armenia as an aggressor, must be the main message to all Muslim countries that want to develop relations with the invader because Armenia`s policy of occupation is an attack not only on Azerbaijan`s religious and cultural assets, but on historic and cultural legacy of Islam in general.

40 OIC Journal October - December 2017

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ISLAMOPHOBIA

ISLAMOPHOBIA Incidents Occur Every day in Europe Warsaw (IINA) - Several Europe-based Islamic NGOs have claimed that Muslims, particularly women, in Europe are becoming the victims of a rising number of Islamophobic attacks and religion-based discrimination as arbitrary state policies fuel hatred.

Held in the Polish capital Warsaw, this year’s Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) assigned sessions to Islamophobia and the discrimination against Muslims in Europe.

A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from European countries, including Germany, France, Belgium, and Austria, attended the sessions and explained the situation they are facing. While the OSCE regarded the issue as a problem, representatives of far-right groups were also given the floor to express their anti-Islam and anti-Muslim ideas.

As members of the Muslim community provided their accounts of discrimination as well as physical and rhetorical attacks, people from far-right groups attacked the core values of Islam and accused Muslims of violating rules and not adapting to European values. They brought back old arguments; namely, saying that Islam and the West were incompatible while demonstrating their hatred openly. Despite explicit defamations, their statements were allowed, in line with the freedom of speech.

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Even at the OSCE meeting, it was made clear that Islamophobia is on the rise in Europe. Several reports have even indicated that hatred towards Muslims has seemingly become a part of daily life on the continent.

A report by the Collectif Contre l’Islamophobie en France (CCIF) claimed that Islamophobic attacks have increased by 500 percent in France in the last two years while the Bertelsmann Foundation’s findings indicated that 57 percent of Germans consider Muslims to be a threat. The representatives of NGOs claimed that the rhetoric adopted by the media as well as politicians is fueling further hatred, as Muslims face a collective punishment after each and every terror attack.

An imam at the Finsbury Park Mosque, Mohammad Mahmoud, said in one of the sessions that their community is facing threats according to Daily Sabah News. “We have seen severed pig heads thrown at our mosque and racist writings on the walls.

Women, in particular, are afraid to walk in the streets alone. They can’t even take their children to school,” he said.

“Our mosque has also been the target of arson and car-ramming attacks, resulting in the death of one person.”

Condemning racism in all forms, the imam said that members of his congregation want to live in harmony with the community.

Nadia Omani, a member of the Coordina-

tion against Racism and Islamophobia (CRI), said that women are the victims in almost 90 percent of all Islamophobic attacks and added that Muslim women wearing hijab find it nearly impossible to gain employment.

Meanwhile, Elif Simsek from the Ankarabased Migration Research Foundation said: «According to Bertelsmann›s surveys, 61 percent of Germans believe that Islam is not compatible with the West, while in France, the headscarf is seen as being against the Vivre-ensemble according to some 79 percent of the population.»

«A Pew Research Center report from September 2016 linked negative perspectives about refugees with the fact that diversity in European societies is no longer welcome.

The report found that only four out of every ten respondents who took part in the survey thought that their countries were more ‹livable› with the inclusion of various identities and ethnicities,» she added.

Quoting London-based Chatham House›s report, Simsek said, «Only 25 percent of Europeans believe migration can make positive contributions to their countries.»

It was noteworthy that the speakers pointed out that Muslim communities in Europe also suffer as a result of arbitrary state policies. For instance, a ban on the full-face veil is regarded as a success for Western society and oppressive for Muslims.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA OIC-KAICIID Conference in Bangkok:

Promotion of Inter-religious Dialogue for Peaceful Coexistence

T

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) organized a Conference on Interreligious Dialogue in South and Southeast Asia in collaboration with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) in Bangkok, Thailand, on 18 - 20 December 2017 to address the contemporary challenges to interreligious dialogue and foster religious diversity, cultural coexistence, and promote better understanding, including between BuddhistMuslim relations, in South and South-East Asia, despite the ongoing escalating tension in the region.

The Bangkok Joint Statement issued by the Conference called for boosting local, national and regional collaboration on interfaith coexistence. The Statement encouraged interfaith and faith-based organizations as well as religious and traditional leaders to promote greater inter and intrareligious dialogue for peaceful co-existence, harmony, and development in South and Southeast Asia regions, including respect for religious symbols and places of worship. It also called for the development of inclusive training programs designed for the youth and women to promote skill building in inter and intra-faith dialogue, conflict resolution and human rights.

Participants urged governments to mainstream curriculum designs and educational practices that actively promote interfaith coexistence and multicultural understanding, and to strengthen policies and institutional frameworks to promote national and

international reconciliation.

The Director of OIC Dialogue and Outreach Department Dr. Bashir Ansari, who delivered the OIC Secretary General’s speech, highlighted the need to tackle the root causes of misunderstanding that lead to violence, and urged faith followers to work together in preventing conflicts and rebuilding broken societies, and called on the media to avoid promoting hate speech and provocative reporting.

Director of Programmes at KAICIID, Dr. Safiullah Munsoor, emphasized his organization’s contribution to facilitate dialogue among religious leaders and policymakers to promote cooperation between followers of different religions and cultures in supporting peace by allowing them to set an example for interreligious cooperation, coexistence, and embracing diversity.

The Co-Chairman of Religions for PeaceInterreligious Council of Thailand, Professor Dr. Ismail Lutfi Japakiya, expressed hope that the Conference would result in future collaborative efforts towards peaceful coexistence among people of different beliefs at the national and international levels.

Participants exchanged views on the best practical ways to promote interfaith coexistence in light of the experiences learned from case studies of interfaith relations some countries in South and Southeast Asia region such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

They acknowledged that even though there are distinct religious differences, the challenges facing countries across the region

42 OIC Journal October - December 2017

are broadly similar. The tendency for such issues to spill-over from one country to another indicated the borderless nature of the region.

The Conference, which was also organized through support from the Religions for Peace/Interreligious Council of Thailand, Mahidol University and Fatoni University, aimed to emphasize the rich traditions of multicultural and multi-religious societies in Asia which have long history of living together and to develop strategies for religious leaders to work together to address contemporary challenges. In light of the ongoing conflict situation between Buddhists and Muslim in Myanmar, a historical analysis was offered to provide a better understanding of the root causes of the actual interreligious tensions between Buddhist and Muslims in the country, which has resulted in a number of causalities and displacement of refugees to neighbouring countries.

Over seventy participants from Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Malaysia attended the Conference, which comprised a unique mix of religious and civil society leaders, policy makers and government officials.

Representatives from the Foreign Ministry, and Ministry of National Co-existence, Dialogue & Official Languages of Thailand and diplomatic missions from the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand Austria, Switzerland and Canada also attended as observers.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA Conflict in the Central African Republic

An Action Plan for Peace

T

he Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in partnership with the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) and the International Network of Religious Peacekeepers (NETW), organized from 8 to 11 December 2017 in Dakar, Republic of Senegal, a round table of interreligious dialogue on the conflict in the Central African Republic. The round table aimed to define an Action Plan to support the implementation of the Peace Agreements and National Reconciliation in the Central African Republic.

The event gathered participants from various levels: government, communities and religions, including the Central African Minister of Social Affairs and National Reconciliation, Senegalese government officials, representatives of the United Nations, the African Union and the United Nations and 20 religious and community leaders (Muslims and Christians).

During three days of direct talks, the participants focused on the ways and means of backing the implementation of the different peace agreements in the Central African Republic. They discussed the role of religious and community leaders in establishing peace in the Central African Republic.

According to the Central African minister, the meeting took place in the context of a backdrop of recent waves of violence in CAR, which further deepens the gap between the country›s communities. This

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new deterioration is even more worrying because it contains a strong ethnic and religious connotation, in a country where stability remains precarious and fragile.

She also said that since his accession to office in 2016, the new Central African President, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has made national reconciliation his battle horse and prerequisite to maintain one and indivisible the Central African Republic. She also recalled that the efforts invested by national actors and the international community have led to the signing of several peace agreements, the implementation of which unfortunately remains problematic.

Ambassador Pape Abdou Cissé, Minister Counselor to the President of the Republic of Senegal, stressed that the situation in CAR is a constant concern for not only Senegal and Africa countries in general but for the entire international community. Several agreements have been signed on the crisis, but they remain at the theoretical level while the crisis dangerously ruins stability in the country. We hope that the Dakar meeting, with the involvement of the roles of religious and community leaders, can be a decisive start to the implementation of various peace agreements.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation said at the opening session, through his representative at the roundtable, Ambassador Yahaya Lawal, that harmony, security and peace in the Central African Republic are priorities that need to

be given due importance. That is why it was necessary that talks of the round table lead to an Action Plan for the implementation of peace agreements and national reconciliation in the Central African Republic.

OIC Secretary General Dr. Youssef A. Al Othaimeen also appealed all participants to ensure that the spirit of shared responsibility prevails during this meeting. «You are all the daughters and sons of the same nation that you must value by showing a spirit of sacrifice to put the public interest above all other considerations to guarantee peace and stability for future generations of the Central African Republic, «he stressed.

As a result of the work, religious and community leaders participating in the roundtable, supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its international partners, adopted an Action Plan that sets out the main steps to be taken to realize the implementation of various peace and reconciliation agreements in the Central African Republic.

The OIC renewed its unwavering support for dialogue among all actors of the conflict in CAR for the implementation of various peace agreements. The OIC has also renewed its support to the conclusions of this Round Table, in particular the Action Plan for the Promotion of Peace and National Reconciliation in the Central African Republic.

The Action Plan consists of implementing a variety of actions to sensitize the population on the crucial need of the peaceful intercommunity coexistence to enhance the peace process. It suggests the creation of an institutional and normative framework to promote intercommunity and interfaith coexistence and advocacy to encourage armed groups to integrate into the political process. It recommends strengthening the capacity for mediation and conflict resolution through the concrete involvement of religious and community leaders in the mechanism of the promotion of peace and reconciliation. Lastly, it proposes the setting up of a coordination and monitoring mechanism for the implementation of the Action Plan itself.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

43

OPINION The Two Faces of Hatred

Bashir Ahmed Ansari Director of the Department of Dialogue and Outreach

terrorist groups have been taking advantage of Islamophobia and recruiting their victims among the angry youth who suffer from poverty and alienation, cultural shock and identity crisis

Studies and statistics have shown that the actions of terrorist groups and extremists in the name of religion have contributed to fuelling hatred, racism and hostility to Muslims, and thus played a major role in the rise of the phenomenon of Islamophobia, and Islamophobia played a role in encouraging disaffected youth to join terrorist groups.

The phenomenon of terrorism, with its political, psychological and social roots, is complex and cannot be summed up in one factor. However, despite the multiplicity of motives and roots, one cannot deny the close relationship between the two phenomena, which feed on each other with violence, hatred and destructive energy.

According to data collected by specialised research centres, hate crimes against Muslims rose sharply in the United States after the attacks of September 11, 2001, while the terrorist attacks in Charlie Ebdo and St. Denis in 2015 increased the frequency of this phenomenon on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. These events have become a turning point in the rates of increasing hatred towards Muslims in the countries of the European Union. This hatred, in turn, is the strongest stimulus that has fuelled the radicalisation of some young Muslims in these countries. The hate crimes against Muslims have increased fivefold in the wake of the terrorist attack on the London Bridge in 2017. The London police have also reported a 40% increase in racist incidents compared to the rest of the year.

These attacks fuel the engine of terrorism, and terrorist groups have been taking advantage of Islamophobia and recruiting their victims among the angry youth who suffer from poverty and alienation, cultural shock and identity crisis. They are easy prey in the hands of terrorist groups who promise them the utopia of an Islamic caliphate in this world and the joy of heaven in the next.

The greatest danger brought by the advocates of terrorism and Islamophobia is to seek to weaken civilizational communication between the East and West. There is a growing voice in the West calling for a clash of civilisations and violent groups in the Muslim world are striving to destroy the grey area and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Western societies.

However, the year 2017 was an exception, it has witnessed the destruction of strongholds in the Middle East, the weakening of the Boko Haram and the joining of one of Afghanistan’s armed opposition wings led by Hekmatyar to the government and the developing political process in the country.

On the intellectual level, the ancient religious institutions such as Al-Azhar in Egypt, the Muslim World League in Makkah, and other Muslim scholars’ societies in the Islamic world have mobilised their forces to counter extremist ideology. There are also centres established in the Muslim world, such as the Centre for Moderation in Saudi Arabia and the Voice of Wisdom Centre of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation concerned with dismantling the structure of radical discourse in the Islamic world. On the religious level, the world witnessed the meeting of one of the greatest symbols of the Islamic and Christian religions in late April, and they represent the oldest religious institutions, namely Pope Francis Pope of the Vatican and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar in Cairo.

On the political level, the strongest blow came from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who promised to eliminate the remnants of extremism and return to the moderate Islam that is open to the world and all religions, traditions and peoples, while speaking at the Future Investment Forum in Riyadh.

If the last months of last year and the first months of this year have seen the highest levels of hatred against Muslims which culminated in the frequent targeting of Islamic centres by far-right followers in the United States by motivating right-wing parties across Europe such as France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary and Italy, the second half of the year recorded a marked decline in the degree of Islamophobia for the first time in the past four years, according to OIC Islamophobia Observatory.

The experiences of the last two decades proved that terrorism in the Islamic world could not be defeated except by Muslim hands. This is evidenced by the destruction of Daesh in Iraq. Islamophobia can only end with Western efforts. Each of us has a domestic duty and homework to perform, which is to cleanse our house of hostility and hatred that harms the people of the house before it harms others.

44 OIC Journal October - December 2017

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MEDIA OIC and ISESCO Organise Regional Workshop to Promote

Positive Representation of Muslim Women in the Media There is tendency for the media especially in the western world to reduce Muslim women to the tired stereotypes of veiled, victim, oppressed and in need of saving, or a security threat at border or immigration controls.

The western media rarely portray the Muslim women as human being, a person with feelings, a brain with her own opinions, and a free individual with numerous achievements.

As part of its concerted efforts to combat the negative portrayal and framing of news on Muslim Women in the Arab and Western Media, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), held a sub-regional workshop on how to highlight the role of women in society and promote their positive presence in the media.

The workshop was held on 4-5 October 2017 in Manamah, Kingdom of Bahrain, in coordination with Bahrain National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and the Supreme Council for Women in Bahrain.

Working sessions during the workshop discussed the OIC Women Media Observatory project, women empowerment in the media from the OIC viewpoint and stereotypes on women in the media.

The participants also presented Arab experiences in the promotion of the role of women in society and their presence in the media, in addition to deliberations on the best practices to empower Arab women in media institutions.

The Workshop analyzed the features of stereotypes of women in the media and highlighted success stories in the area of favorable portrayal of the role of women in society planned joint Arab action mechanisms to correct women stereotypes in the media.

Participants also examined ways to promote the contribution of Arab media professionals in activating the OIC Media Observatory on women in member states, and attaining the goals of ISESCO’s programs and activities for women in Islamic countries.

Denigration of Women The Opening session of the Workshop held on the morning of Wednesday 4 October

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2017 was addressed by Mr. Izzeddine AlMoayyad, Director General of Administrative and Information Affairs of the Supreme Council for Women in Bahrain, Dr. Loubna Slibikh, Secretary General of Bahrain National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, representing ISESCO in the meeting, and Mrs. Maha Mustafa Akeel, Director of Information Department at the OIC General Secretariat.

At the end of their discussions and exchange of views on the key issues of the workshop, the participants issued a communique and recommendations in which they urged all types of media outlets in Islamic countries to avoid consecrating misperception of women, denigrating them and restricting their functions and interests to cosmetics and clothes.

They also called on the media to avoid commercializing women in advertisements, while reinforcing the presence of women in media institutions as journalists or as managers of media institutions, and urged them to adopt a code of ethics of basic principles demonstrating this commitment.

The participants recommended the establishment of a network of female media professionals under the supervision of the OIC General Secretariat to document the achievements of pioneer women in the media and emphasize the member states’ success stories in promoting the role of women in society.

The meeting also commended the objectives of the OIC Women Media Monitoring

Observatory in member states and called on member states to support its goals and activities, while inviting civil society institutions concerned with women’s issues in all areas to seek its guidance.

The workshop commended the ISESCO’s efforts in training journalists in its regional centers in Dakar, Khartoum, and Islamabad and invited the organization to allocate more specialized training sessions to women journalists and media leaders in member states. They also called on ISESCO to conduct studies on women in the media both in the Muslim world and in Western media, including the definition of terms and concepts such as ‘the stereotypical or traditional image of Muslim women’.

While calling on the OIC and the ISESCO to hold joint media activities to correct false information and stereotypes on women in Western media as part of the efforts to counter Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslim minorities and communities in Western countries, the workshop urged relevant government institutions to review the image of women in curricula in all education levels to reflect greater fairness to their position and achievements.

The regional workshop witnessed the participation of representatives of governmental sectors, civil society organizations concerned with women’s affairs and representatives of different media outlets specialized in the follow-up of women issues in many Arab countries.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

45

MEDIA The Islamic International News Agency (IINA) Becomes Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA)

The Islamic International News Agency (IINA) Becomes Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) The Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the General Assembly of the International Islamic News Agency (IINA), a specialized organ of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held on 15 October 2017, at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, approved the plan to develop IINA and turn it into a Union of OIC News Agencies (OIC-UNA).

The OIC-UNA shall operate within the OIC framework and serve as an umbrella for the news agencies and training centers.

Its main objectives shall include highlighting and defending the issues of the Muslim World, foremost of which are the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and combating the discourse of racism, hatred, extremism, racial discrimination and Islamophobia.

Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad, Saudi Minister of Culture and Information and Chairman of the Executive Council, told the General Assembly that IINA is going through a new phase with the view to converting it into a union of OIC news agencies. He indicated that this requires the support of all OIC Member States to enable IINA-cumUNA to carry out its mission and complete its projects and plans to achieve the objectives of the Muslim Ummah in the field of media.

Dr. Al-Awwad added that the new entity would enhance its role in supporting and qualifying the capabilities of media professionals in all member news agencies, and launching programs and projects that highlight Islamic issues and the OIC message

more broadly.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary General, called for the joint Islamic action in the field of media to receive more attention to serve the causes of “our Ummah” and defend its interests. He added that the joint Islamic action in the field of media has not yet reached “the levels we seek that would effectively address the unfair campaigns targeting our religious and cultural symbols and values, which are manifestations of Islamophobia that are worsening day after day.”

Al-Othaimeen added that IINA is on the verge of a new phase reflected by the development vision and its efforts to turn into a union of news agencies of the OIC Member States. This will enhance coordination among these agencies, raise the level

IINA is on the verge of a new phase reflected by the development vision and its efforts to turn into a union of news agencies of the OIC Member States

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of media coverage of prominent Muslim issues and encourage investment in human resources working in the media sector in the OIC Member States to improve their skills and raise their professional and media performance.

H.E. Abdullah Al-Hussein, Head of Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and Chair of the General Assembly of IINA, said that the move to a union allows IINA to broaden its scope of work to serve as a forum for media activities, a center for unifying and guiding them towards common issues, and a communication channel with the international media.

The General Assembly endorsed the intersessional resolutions of the Chair of the Executive Board, appointment of the Director General and the Comprehensive Plan of Action within the OIC Program of Action 2025. The meeting also endorsed the draft resolutions on the role of news agencies in Member States in supporting the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, supporting the joint action of national news agencies in the OIC Member States, role of IINA Training Center in supporting the capabilities of media professionals in member news agencies, role of news agencies in combating the rhetoric of terrorism and Islamophobia, participation in the OIC Award for distinguished media professionals, and the role of news agencies in supporting the implementation of the OIC media program for Africa.

The General Assembly also approved the request of the Republic of Djibouti to host the sixth session and elected the members of the Executive Council for the new session: UAE, Oman, Djibouti, Gambia, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Malaysia, as well as permanent members: Saudi Arabia, Palestine and the OIC. The council endorsed the appointment of Issa Khaireh Robleh, a Djiboutian, as the head of UNA for a four-year term.

The Director General of UNA Issa Khaireh Robleh noted that the newly rejuvenated Union of the News Agencies of the OIC would better serve the interests of Muslims around the world by highlighting their just causes and countering the persistent misinformation campaign against them.

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MEDIA OIC is Tackling the Challenges of Reporting on Terrorist Events

T

he challenges faced by journalists reporting on tension and violence whether in conflicts or acts of terrorism are tackled in a new guidebook being prepared by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in conjunction with the Islamic Organization of Education, Science and Culture (ISESCO) and Thomson Foundation.

The guidebook is being compiled following a three-day workshop attended by representatives from the OIC member states including Iraq, Yemen, Tunisia, Lebanon and Afghanistan at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah on 31st October 2017, in response to a call from a meeting of OIC Information Ministers held in Jeddah in December 2016.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director of the OIC Information Department, Mrs. Maha Mustapha Akeel, noted that the prime goal of the workshop, which comes in response to a call from the eleventh session of the OIC Information Ministers held in Jeddah on 21st December 2016, is to investigate the work of journalists in terrorist and war circumstances and to prepare a guidebook offering orientation for journalists in that regard.

She further noted that the OIC General Secretariat had prepared, together with ISESCO, a paper on training journalists specializing in the coverage of terrorist events to ensure a greater measure of professionalism and objectivity in the coverage of the terrorist events perpetrated from time to time in various parts of the world. She also in-

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dicated that the paper included significant thoughts and fundamental reporting guidelines susceptible to enhance the professional aptitude of journalists and to hone their skills and performance in the monitoring and contextual handling of terrorist events.

In turn, the head of ISESCO’s Information and Communication Centre, Dr. Mahjoub Bensaeed, stressed the importance of such a workshop in view of the urgent need for an objective guidebook that would be mindful of the ethical and professional aspects in the media coverage of terrorist events in the absence of clear reporting policies both in the Islamic world and outside.

UNESCO’s representative, Mr. Timothy Colin Francis, as well as the Director of the Executive Bureau of COMIAC (The OIC Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs), Amb. Cheikh Omar Seck, also made interventions at the workshop. They underlined the value of training journalists to better prepare them to manifest professionalism and credibility in their coverage of terrorist events, with a particular stress on the need to take into consideration the security aspects in their reporting of terrorist events, in addition to being observant of the victim’s privacy and rights and ensuring the journalists’ own safety.

The guidebook builds on the themes discussed at the workshop including: international perspective, balance and fairness, hate-speech, countering bias, combating Islamophobia, avoiding unwitting publicity for terrorist propaganda, verifying events published on the web as well as their sourc-

es and narratives, practices and tools for social-media verification and the anticipated role of media in combating hate-speech.

The workshop elaborated on the ideas of journalistic objectivity, and how it translates into the practicalities of reporting conflict and terrorism.

Another session during the workshop was devoted to looking at hate speech and how journalists and policy makers should deal with it? How journalists should choose their language, and select material from contributors to avoid spreading hate speech, the extent of journalists’ responsibilities to their audiences and the duties of journalists and regulators in preventing the spreading of prejudice through news material.

The workshop also covered some of the most difficult editorial and ethical questions involved in the reporting of terror, especially how to avoid the inadvertent spreading of terrorist propaganda.

The attendees also discussed the potential role of the media in counter narratives against terrorists’ propaganda.

The participants at the workshop were also introduced to online fact checking and verification, and the roles of online fact checking and verification in a newsroom and in journalism.

The guidebook when completed, will be distributed by the OIC in Arabic, English or French to journalists working in its member states.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

47

Technology OIC Will Soon Establish a Cyber Security Center

to Combat Cyberterrorism

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he Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is in the path of making real progress towards establishing a Cybersecurity Center, which is due to be up and running soon.

The OIC’s head of Information Technology Department Wajdi Alqulaiti disclosed this while delivering the statement on behalf of the OIC Secretary General at the OIC-CERT Annual Conference 2017 under the theme “Uncovering Future Threats”, held at Baku, Azerbaijan, from 6-9 November 2017.

The Secretary General noted that the Center’s driving objective lies in promoting and developing cooperation among OIC Member States to prevent, combat, and eliminate cyberterrorism, in accordance with the principles of the OIC Charter, the OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, and with full respect to the sovereignty of Member States, the rule of law, international law, including human rights law.

“We are all aware as well as concerned about the emergence of ever-evolving new patterns and trend in international terrorism and violent extremism particularly cyber terrorism and criminality on and via cyberspace,” underlined the statement.

“In this connection, the OIC-CERT was es-

tablished to provide a platform for member countries to explore and to develop collaborative initiatives and possible partnerships in matters pertaining to cyber security that shall strengthen their self-reliance in the cyberspace,” the statement added.

The statement also stressed that the nature of the internet and cyberspace is not confined to the physical boundary of a country, therefore 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.

By attending the event, the OIC General Secretariat reiterated its call for the Mem-

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

48 OIC Journal October - December 2017

ber States, which have not yet joined the OIC-CERT, to join the Institution in order to enable the important mechanism to play a more tangible and effective role in addressing cyber security issues.

The international collaboration platform in Computer Emergency Response Team (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.

The OIC-CERT was established to provide a platform for member countries to explore and to develop collaborative initiatives and possible partnerships in matters pertaining to cyber security that shall strengthen their self-reliance in the cyberspace.

The OIC-CERT will also result in economic value creation by being a platform to foster greater trust, long-term friendship and business cooperation among countries. Other than optimizing the dissemination of cyber alerts, it also provides a platform to exchange ideas and expertise and to promote joint development on measures to deal with large-scale cyber security incidents.

This year’s Annual Conference with the theme ‘Uncovering Future Threats’, is a continuous initiative by the OIC-CERT to enhance cyber security and raising awareness through international cooperation among the members and other information security organizations. The event also served as a platform for partnerships and collaboration pertaining to cyber security in order to maintain resiliency in the cyber space. It also served as an information-sharing platform on cyber security issues, enhancement of members’ effectiveness and efficiency through the improvement of the technical and administrative capabilities in incident handling, and a channel to discuss strategic directions and future challenges.

There are 21 OIC countries members of the OIC-CERT. In addition, other membership categories, which are not limited to the OIC community, are professional members and the commercial members.

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environment Al-Othaimeen: Environmental Protection Plays Central Role

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in Sustainable Economic Development of the OIC Countries

he 7th Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers was held on 25 October 2017 and was inaugurated by HRH Princess Lalla Hasna, President of Mohammed VI Foundation for the protection of Environment. The session was chaired by HE Abdulrahman bin Abdulmuhsin Al-Fadli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia. Ministers of Environment of the OIC Member States, highlevel officials, representatives of relevant OIC institutions and international organizations attended the meeting, which was jointly organized by ISESCO and the OIC. HE Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, OIC Secretary General in his speech to the Environment Ministers Conference, congratulated the Government of Morocco for the successful hosting of the COP 22 Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh last year. He underscored the centrality of environmental protection in sustainable economic development of the OIC countries. He emphasized the need to adopt participatory approach and strengthen cooperation between the national institutions, private sector and community at large for implementing environmental programs and projects in the Member States. The Secretary General also highlighted the efforts of the OIC including the adoption of the OIC STI Agenda 2026 and OIC Water Vision 2025 to help the Member States on environment and climate change related issues.

“OIC accords high priority to help the Member States in a broad spectrum of domains including agriculture and rural development, environmental protection, climate change and water, food and energy security,” said Al-Othaimeen. “The OIC 2025: Program of Action prioritizes issues that are of direct relevance to the objectives of environment protection and sustainable development,” he added.

The First OIC Summit on Science and Technology held in Astana on 10-11 September 2017 adopted the OIC STI Agenda 2026 that set specific targets for the Member States to achieve environment sustainability.

In line with the priorities defined by the Member States, the OIC General Secretariat in collaboration with ISESCO and other rele-

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vant OIC institutions have also been steadily widening the scope of their programs and activities and building international partnerships to foster cooperation among member states in the field of Environment protection and Climate Change.

At the end of the conference, the Ministers of the Environment issued the Rabat declaration in which they stressed the importance of a renewed engagement by the OIC Member States to support the international agenda for sustainable development, in accordance with the regionally and internationally agreed principles and instruments, in order to channel all national and international efforts into sustainable development.

The ministers also commended the effective contribution of the UN environmental bodies and the Arab and Islamic specialized organizations to supporting the efforts of the Member States in the relevant areas, with a view to implementing sustainable development projects.

In addition, they called on the United Nations agencies and regional and international organizations to regularly revise the relevant international covenants and instruments in order to enable all States to address the pressing social, economic and environmental challenges of sustainable development.

The conference called for concerted efforts by the international community in order to put an end to occupation and civil wars in a number of Member States, together with all the consequent damage to the environment and sustainable development infrastructure, the increasing numbers of refugees and the displaced, and the destruction of historical monuments and civilizational and cultural heritage.

The ministers adopted the “Guidance Document on Green Cities and their Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals”, and launch the “Program for the Celebration of Islamic Capitals of the Environment and Sustainable Development” to be supervised by ISESCO, in addition to a prize dedicated to green cities as a fifth category of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management in the Islamic World.

The conference also emphasized the necessity to adopt green economy as a mechanism of sustainable development and ensure a smooth transition to it, particularly in the context of poverty eradication and institutional upgrading of Member States’ economies, bearing in mind that poverty reduction and improved income distribution are among the most important economic goals advanced by Islam.

The Rabat declaration stressed the vital importance of water to sustainable development processes, environmental protection, food security, poverty eradication and transition to green economy, and its indispensable character for human health and wellbeing, and call for increased awareness about the pressure on fresh water resources, which might result in crises between Member States and between countries with shared transboundary resources.

The OIC ministers of environment renewed their commitment to improving the water situation in the Member States and taking more technical and legal practical measures under the Strategy for Management of Water Resources in the Islamic World, the OIC Water Vision 2025, and the program of action of the OIC Water Council established by the OIC Water Ministerial Conference.

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environment First OIC Water Council Approves Plan of Activities to Meet

Water-Related Challenges in Member States

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he first meeting of OIC Water Council was held in Istanbul on 15-16 November 2017. Ministers from Nigeria, Bangladesh, Uganda, Iran, Iraq and Turkey participated, and high officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Guinea, and Tunisia as well as OIC institutions IDB, ISESCO, SESRIC and COMSTECH, and other organizations namely the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and InterIslamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) attended the first meeting.

The meeting was held in pursuance of the decision of the 3rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers responsible for Water (ICMW) held in Istanbul on 15-16 May 2017, which established the OIC Water Council with the mandate to formulate a plan of action for the implementation of OIC Water Vision.

OIC Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology, Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan, in his opening remarks, highlighted the challenges posed by growing water scarcity for the sustainability, health and prosperity of the OIC Member States.

He emphasized the need for increasing intra-OIC collaboration to help the OIC countries in finding solutions to the waterrelated challenges. He assured that the OIC

General Secretariat and relevant OIC institutions remain committed to working with the Member States and all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the OIC Water Vision.

The First OIC Summit on Science & Technology held in Astana on 10-11 September 2017 accorded high priority to strengthening the capabilities of Member States for optimal use of their water resources.

The OIC Water Council approved a comprehensive plan of action for the implementation of activities under the OIC Water Vision. The implementation plan calls for establishing a network of centers of excellence working in the water sector in the OIC Member States to carry out necessary collaborative research activities. The meeting also called upon donor agencies including

50 OIC Journal October - December 2017

IDB to intensify their efforts for strengthening the research and technical capabilities of the Member States for formulating necessary water policies as well as carrying out water infrastructure projects.

The First Islamic Conference of Ministers responsible for Water (ICMW) was held in March 2009 in Turkey and recommended the development of the OIC Water Vision as a strategy framework for joint actions to overcome the water related issues.

Following this decision, the 2nd ICMW was held in Turkey in March 2012 and the OIC Water Vision document was adopted which outlined a framework for cooperation in the field of water.

As a result of the decision of the 2nd ICMW, 44 Member States designated National Focal Points (NFP) for close collaboration on water issues. The First Meeting of NFP for OIC Water Vision was held in Istanbul in June 2015. The meeting discussed the national strategies and plans on water use in Member States and provided a platform for better communication among focal points as the representatives of Member States in the field of water.

The 3rd ICMW which was held in Istanbul 17-19 May 2016, approved the establishment of the OIC Water Council and adopted its Terms of Reference. The Water Council comprises the member states representing three regions of the OIC namely Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Guinea, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda and OIC General Secretariat, relevant OIC institutions and international organizations as observers.

The mission of the Water Council is to promote activities recommended by the OIC Water Vision, facilitate capacity building and exchange of experience through collaboration among OIC stakeholders to elaborate on a potential financial mechanism and demonstrate success for future consideration of greater cooperation among the OIC Member States.

The First OIC Summit on Science & Technology held in Astana on 10-11 September 2017 accorded high priority to strengthening the capabilities of Member States for optimal use of their water resources.

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Education Islamic University in Uganda:

Mobilizing Resources for the Smooth Operations of the Institution

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he 29th meetings of the Council and Board of Trustees of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has commended the administration of the University for its tremendous job in managing the University despite challenges, and resolved to mobilize more resources for further development of the institution of higher learning.

The council and Board of trustee meeting, held on 9-11 November 2017, was presided over by the University Council Chairman, Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail and was attended by the Council members including Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan, Assistant Secretary General (S&T) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), who represented the Secretary General of the OIC. The OIC Assistant Secretary General updated members of the Council on the different campaigns that he and other members of the Council have been engaged into, to solicit for further support towards the University.

He extended his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Uganda for its support to the University.

He also thanked the ISF, IDB, ISSESCO and all those who have contributed towards the development of the institution.

In his speech, the Council Chairman, Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, thanked the OIC, IDB, ISF, ISSESCO, members of the Council and all development partners for the support given to IUIU. He informed members of the council that the graduates of IUIU have a greater reputation of hard work and integrity.

The Representative of the Ugandan Government at the meeting Rt. Hon. Al-Hajj Dr. Ally Kirunda Kivejinja, thanked members for supporting the University. He also thanked initiators of the idea for choosing Uganda as the host for the University, because Uganda was not only at the center of Africa but also among the leading nations in Africa.

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He Informed the Council members that the University had graduated thousands of graduates who could think and develop the University and that these are assets that must be utilized to develop and push the university forward.

ISF Attends IUIU Board of Trustees Meeting The OIC Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) participated in the 29th Session of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic University of Uganda (IUIU). Amb. Nasser bin Abdullah bin Hamdan Al-Zi’bi, Chair of the ISF Permanent Council and Mr. Ibrahim bin Abdullah AlKhuzaim, the ISF Executive Director attended the meeting.

The Board took a number of important decisions to support the IUIU progress and help it achieve its future goals. The Board members and the IUIU guests also witnessed the 25th graduation ceremony of students at the IUIU headquarters in Mbale.

The OIC-ISF pays particular attention to the IUIU as one of the OIC subsidiary organs according to an integrated program of work providing annual financial support since its founding in 1988 amounting to one million

dollars annually during the last seven years totaling more than USD 20 million so far.

In recognition of the outstanding role of the ISF under the OIC umbrella, Mr. Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al-Khuzaim, the Executive Director, undertook field visits to some of the ISF projects in Kampala and beyond and delivered assistance to five projects.

Educational Beacon The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has established itself as an educational beacon for all people from across Africa, with its graduates reaching high academic levels and serving in prominent positions around the globe.

It’s financed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The university was established in 1988 to serve the English-Speaking Sub Saharan Africa.

Since then the mission has expanded as the institution has continued to welcome students from across the continent and beyond.

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HEALTH OIC Launches Health Portal during the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers in Jeddah

The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) held the 6th Session of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on 5-7 December 2017 under the theme “Health in All Policies”.

The Conference discussed the OIC Strategic Health Plan of Action: 2014-2023 and the promotion of cooperation, healthy lifestyle, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, health emergencies and disaster situations. The Ministers also discussed the issue of mother and child health and nutrition, self-reliance in the provision and production of medicines, vaccines and medical technology, as well as the health conditions in occupied Palestine, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan.

During the conference, the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) launched the OIC Health Portal. The Portal was developed by SESRIC in line with the implementation of the OIC Health Communication and Publicizing Strategy that was endorsed by the 5th Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, held on 17-19 November 2015 in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey.

At the start of the conference, chairman of the 6th Session & Minister of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah noted that «The conference›s theme «Health in All Polices» reflects an immediate response to World Health Organisation’s

guidelines to make public health a policy and a priority in all laws and regulations to enhance health, to combat diseases and to ensure their prevention.

On his part, OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen said: “Saudi Arabia’s turn to head the OIC Health Minister Conference comes at a critical historical period, in which many OIC Member States face various challenges. While some Islamic states are caught up by large-scale starvation and drought due to global warming, other states are hit by torrential rains joined with floods, mudslides and property loss.

Certainly, such challenges leave their negative impact on people’s health, welfare and environmental balance. They also offer a favorable milieu for outbreaks of diseases, and disrupt economic activities.”

“All documents of OIC strategic policies and action plans have special focus on health; these include the OIC Ten-Year Program of Action till 2025 adopted by the 13th Islamic Summit in 2016, and the OIC Program of Action for Science, Technology and Innovation 2026 adopted by the 1st Islamic Summit on Science and Technology in 2017. Also, the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action (2014-2023) adopted in 2013 reflects the due attention paid by OIC to health,” said Al-Othaimeen.

“Over the past three years, OIC has closely worked with its partners, including AlAzhar University, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) and the Islamic Devel-

52 OIC Journal October - December 2017

opment Bank (IDB) under the umbrella of the Islamic Advisory Group (IAG) concerned with eradication of polio, to contribute to global efforts to eradicate polio; thus, significantly reducing polio cases. This year, so far, only 15 cases have been reported in limited areas in Pakistan and Afghanistan, compared to 416 polio cases in 2013 across various countries worldwide,” he added.

In addition, the Secretary General stressed that one of the other key health issues is the high children mortality rates in OIC Member States. Hence, OIC is implementing a joint project with partners to reduce mother and baby mortality rates in some OIC select countries, by aligning their health systems with international best practices and recommendations. Likewise, combating non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, poses a serious challenge with various social and economic implications, mainly in developing countries. Therefore, OIC, IDB and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a practical arrangement for cancer control in joint Member States. The program is designed to support certain developing countries to introduce, extend and improve their capacity in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and to boost therapeutic effectiveness.

Al-Othaimeen also called on all Member States to consider setting up a volunteer network of Muslim doctors under OIC, to help reduce the suffering of people with health needs in OIC Member States.

“I would like to point out that OIC has developed a well-designed plan to improve health in OIC Member States. However, this plan will be effective only when led, owned, implemented and financed by Member States. So, I call on all Member States to provide the needed resources to implement the OIC Strategic Program of Action (20142026),” Dr. Al-Othaimeen added.

In her remarks, the Assistant DirectorGeneral of the World Health Organization (WHO) in charge of Assessment and Measurement Affairs Dr. Lubna Al Ansari noted that; “The World Health Organization responds now to about 42 emergency cases, more than half of them are in OIC Member

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HEALTH States, which are ravaged by scourge of conflict.” She further noted that “we are alarmed by the increased attacks on health facilities and health professionals in recent years.”

Dr. Lubna called on all OIC Member States not to limit their support to disease eradication only, but also to enhance maternity and children health, to extend immunization activities, and prevent violence against women and children.

Regarding the implementation of the Strategic Plan of Action, the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) presented a report on health in the OIC Member States.

Also, the Chairman of the Islamic Advisory Group on Polio Eradication reviewed a status report on the activities of the Group.

The Chairman of the OIC Group of Vaccine Manufacturers presented a case report on self-reliance in the area.

The Conference also adopted the terms of reference of the Lead Country Coordinators groups and the Steering Committee on Health in the OIC Member States.

OIC Health Portal The OIC Health Portal launched by SESRIC will act as the main information sharing platform for the OIC efforts in health area among ministries of health of OIC Member States and other partners.

The portal is expected to strengthen the communication and promote all the activities related to the implementation of OIC Strategic Health Program of Action (OIC

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SHPA).

The portal provides all the data regarding the domain of health for all OIC Member Countries. The content of this database will be regularly updated and enriched based on information collected from OIC Stat Database hosted by SESRIC. The portal will also serve as a library for all reports and publications related with health.

Any development regarding the programs and projects that are implemented by the ministries of health of OIC countries or OIC institutions, as well as networks of cooperation in the domain of health will be regularly reflected in the portal.

The OIC Health Report 2017 was also launched by SESRIC during the 6th Islamic Conference of Health Ministers.

The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the state of health in OIC countries by looking into the latest comparable data and trends on key health indicators. The report is mainly structured around the six thematic areas of cooperation identified in the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action (OICSHPA) 2014-2023, namely Health System Strengthening; Disease Prevention and Control; Maternal, New-born and Child Health and Nutrition; Medicines, Vaccines and Medical Technologies; Emergency Health Response and Interventions; and Information, Research, Education and Advocacy.

Over the last two decades, many OIC countries have witnessed significant improvement in health care coverage and services and, consequently, they recorded declining

trends in maternal, newborn and child mortality rates.

The 4th Islamic Conference of Health Ministers issued Jeddah declaration at the end of its deliberations. The declaration affirmed the centrality of health to social and economic development and the general safety of humanity.

The declaration issued under the theme of “Health in All Policies” stressed the need for all member countries to support the public health policies, noting that the access to quality healthcare is one of the fundamental rights of every human being, without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, political belief, economic or social status.

The declaration expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to achieve the objectives of the Strategic Health Program of Action 2014-2023 and it emphasizes the OIC’s commitment to social and economic development by ensuring public safety and access to quality healthcare.

It also stressed the need to put into action the sustainable development goals and urged all member countries to realize the related objectives and to give priority to health in the global development plan, by including “health in all policies”.

It emphasized the need to recognize the critical importance of supporting the OIC general secretariat with financial and human resources to enable it to prevent health emergencies in member nations.

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53

HEALTH Launching of Training Manual on

Polio Eradication, Mother & Child Health and Immunization

T

he Fourth Annual Meeting of the Islamic Advisory Group for Polio Eradication (IAG) was held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt under the patronage of His Eminence the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Alsharif. The Meeting was attended by Members of IAG including representatives of the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Alsharif; the President of International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), the OIC Secretary General; the President of Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB); and representatives of priority countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia). Representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also attended.

The Meeting provided a perfect opportunity for the IAG to review progress in the fight against polio and chart a plan for future activities of the Group.

In his remarks on behalf of the Secretary General, Amb. Muhammad Naeem Khan, Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology called on IAG to build on the successful experience in improving polio immunization services, and help promote health care in the member states, which still carry a heavy burden of preventable causes of mortality and morbidity of children.

In a statement issued at the end of the Meeting, IAG leaders emphasised that

«parents and other guardians are under religious obligation to seek immunization for their children against polio and all vaccine preventable diseases, to protect both individual and community health.”

Leaders also thanked the health workers, Islamic scholars, and national governments who are helping the world realize its goal of eradicating polio once and for all.

Training Manual on Polio Eradication Dr Abdelqahir Qamar, Director of the Fatwa Department at the OIC’s International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), affirmed that the work of the IAG to protect the lives of children follows what Islam commands its followers.

“We are guided by the teachings of God Almighty, and are enlightened by the instructions of Prophet Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon him, which require us to take care of our health, follow reason in strengthening the body and soul, and command us to seek medication to avert death, and to save the soul from destruction,” he said.

During meeting, a training manual on polio eradication, mother & child health and immunization was launched.

The launch of the training manual follows IAG’s efforts to prepare students of religious studies at key universities in predominantly

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Muslim countries to act as advocates for critical health initiatives particularly in highrisk areas where marginalized and underserved populations reside.

As future religious leaders and scholars, the students will be well placed within their local communities to promote healthy behavior and dispel rumors and misinformation that hamper the work of vaccination teams and deprive their community members of protection against polio and other vaccine preventable diseases.

Al Azhar University’s International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research (IICPSR) produced the manual for the IAG, which has started training students of Shariah and Arabic language studies from the priority countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia.

Dr Bashier Sallam, Lead Health Specialist at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), praised the efforts of the center in training the students. “The bank blesses the initiative of the IAG in engaging volunteer institutions and students of religious studies who were trained to support awareness raising activities in Pakistan primarily in relation to immunization, in addition to taking the vaccine everywhere and bringing it to every child wherever they may be,” he said.

In addition to polio eradication, the manual also covers topics related to routine immunization, breastfeeding, birth spacing, careseeking behavior for pregnant mothers, and hygiene and sanitation from both health as well as religious perspectives.

The IAG plans to expand the training program to national universities in Afghanistan and Pakistan where polio remains endemic, as well as in Africa where some countries remain at risk of seeing the disease resurge.

The IAG was launched in 2013 after consultations between Al Azhar Al Sharif, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) who make up the core membership of the group.

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HEALTH Biopharmaceutics: A Revolution in the Medical World

Treats Diabetes and Cancer Bonn: (dpa) A new category of drugs known as biopharmaceutics has produced a revolution in the treatment of certain diseases such as rheumatism, diabetes and cancer. These fast spreading drugs are made through genetic science and cell manipulation. One particular major type is a healing antibody which can be used to combat specific diseases more precisely than conventional chemical treatments.

On the negative side, however, these drugs are much more expensive and also have their own side effects. These biopharmaceutics appeared some twenty years ago and they currently number 180 according to Dr. Gerd Bendas from the Pharmaceutic Studies Institute, Bonn University.

Gerd says that before the development of insulin-based drugs for the treatment of diabetes, the concerned hormone, responsible for blood sugar management, used to be extracted from the pancreas of pigs, undistilled. By contrast, bio-insulin can be manufactured through yeast-cells injected with coded human genetic chains that would manufacture the insulin protein.

Along with biopharmaceutics which may replace proteins naturally produced by the human body, the even more awesome innovation has to do with the genetically engineered antibodies which can attach to specific particles inside the body and deactivate them.

In the case of diseases tied to immune disorders, such as rheumatism, these therapeutic antibodies zero in on specific components within the body’s immune system such as the signals relaying particles which cause acute inflammation, rather than on extensively deactivating the immune system.

Depending on the type of the biodrug used patients suffering from rheumatism will inject themselves with the drug over a period extending from one to four weeks, according to Dr. Steven Shevy, member of the executive board of the anti-rhumatism organization in Germany. There are also other biodrugs that are given to the patient every eight weeks. Along the way, the patient continues

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taking his earlier conventional treatment drugs known as (DMERO) for two reasons: Shevy says that in the case of rheumatoid joint inflammations, for instance, conventional drugs boost the effect of the biodrugs and that they further “prevent the formation of the anti-bodies against the biodrugs”, as these new treatments are in fact proteins which the immune system may mistake as alian bodies and therefore starts attacking them.

Dr. Bendas opines that “Every drug that has an effect will also have a side effect”.

Shevy also added that among the undesirable side effects is that of increased exposure to infection as well as the possibility of the appearance of certain allergies. Nevertheless, and despite all, these biodrugs have undoubtedly brought tangible improvement in the treatment of rheumatoid inflammation.

Before taking a biodrug, a patient must be inoculated against respiratory inflammation, a type of bacteria inflammation. Also, it should be verified that the patient is free from tuberculosis before starting the treatment.

Dr. Gerd Glaske, a researcher in pharmaceutics and health at Bremen University, Germany, insists on the importance of documenting any side effects that may be noted during the treatment with biodrugs and stresses the need for the patient to be forthcoming with his physician as to any side effects he may feel.

Shevy says that biodrugs are only used for the treatment of rheumatism it conventional drugs prove to be insufficient as such for the concerned patient. He noted that these biodrugs’ high cost is attributable to their complex manufacturing process. Their cost varies between 10% and 100% higher than their conventional equivalents known as “DRARD”, which is the major obstacle to their wider use.

Glaske noted the cost for treating one patient with these new drugs varies between 50 and 100 thousand Euros annually (59 to 118 thousand US$). He added that equivalent biodrugs known as bio-generics are identical to the patented ones in terms of quality but cost 70 to 80% less. These generic drugs are as effective despite the fact that there may be variations in their composition, and that they have to go through clinical tests before they are authorized for public use. For those patients who cannot bear biodrugs, they probably would not find the same resistance to generic ones and vice versa.

Bendas says that the first generic biodrug was placed on the market in 2006, although this type of drugs only became economically viable in 2015 when a particular strand was developed to fight inflammations that affected thousands of patients, and Bendas affirms that there are currently around 600 types of new patented or generic biodrugs under production.

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ECONOMY Al-Othaimeen Calls for the Removal of Trade Barriers from Intra-Islamic Trade Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen has stressed that the General Secretariat of the organization is in the process of implementing string of measures with the aim of consolidating the intra-OIC Member States’ cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and tourism towards the achievement of the 25% mark in intra-Islamic trade by the year 2025 as adopted by the Tenth Islamic Summit Conference held in Istanbul in April 2016.

The Secretary General stated this in the speech he delivered at a workshop on “Trade Facilitation: Identifying non-Tariff Trade Barriers among OIC Member States”, organized by the Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade, a subsidiary organ of the OIC in Rabat – Kingdom of Morocco, held from 24-25 October 2017.

“It is indeed a matter of gratification for me to attend this important gathering being convened in the city of Rabat, Kingdom of

Morocco. I feel duty-bound here to start by extending my heartfelt thanks to H.M. King Mohammed VI, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Morocco as well as to the Kingdom’s Government and people for their sustained support to the Islamic Centre for the Devel-

opment of Trade and for the superlative arrangements they have made to ensure the success of this very important event,” said Al-Othaimeen.

The Secretary General also noted that the workshop would contribute towards ensuring better-coordinated stands among the OIC Member States in the face of the escalating use of non-tariff barriers on the part of the industrial countries, in a drive to curb this phenomenon and facilitate the access of the OIC Member States’ exports to the countries concerned.

Madam Rukaya Al Derham, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and e-Economy in charge of External Trade in the Kingdom of Morocco, also delivered a statement during the opening ceremony of the workshop.

Participants at the workshop include representatives from 30 Members States, Organs and Institutions of the OIC and delegates from other multinational Institutions.

Islamic Development Bank Pledges More Climate-Related Financing The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has announced that it would increase its climate related financing as part of its efforts in supporting sustainable development of its member countries. The announcement was made by the President of the Bank Dr. Bandar Hajjar during the ‘One Planet’ Summit in Paris on 13 December.

Dr. Hajjar added that IsDB has joined the ‘Mainstreaming Climate Action in Financial Institutions Initiative’. He stated that effort will be made by the bank to work with member countries on developing technical capacities, and strengthening their institutions to enable the translation of NDCs into

policies, investment plans and financeable programs and projects, adding that the Bank has established a new department on resilience which will play a role in supporting climate action in IsDB member countries.

“IsDB has taken several steps since COP22 to help address challenges related to climate change, including the establishment of a new Climate Change division. Moreover, there is a new focus on using Science, Technology and Innovation for Development. We have established a US$ 500 million STI Fund. This Fund will contribute to developing climate smart solutions using

the power of Science and Technology particularly in energy, transport and water.” Dr. Hajjar stated.

The IsDB President added that by supporting the Climate Action in Financial Institutions Initiative, IsDB will share its experience with other MDBs on climate related challenges.

The Bank will also benefit from the experience of partner institutions. This alliance he said is needed because a collective effort is needed to tackle the climate change challenges. Dr. Bandar Hajjar added that IsDB is committed to bringing climate action into the mainstream of its operations.

WIEF Commended for Galvanising the Role of Private Sector in OIC Countries The OIC Secretary General, His Excellency Yousef A. Othaimeen has called for the removal of trade and investment barriers and creation of free trade zones for rapid socio-economic development in OIC Member States. This call was made, during his audience with the Chairman of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), His Excellency, Ton Musa Hatim at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 8

October 2017.

Commending the role of WIEF in facilitating trade and investment in OIC countries through active mobilisation of the OIC Private Sector, the Secretary General expressed satisfaction at the current level of cooperation existing between OIC and WIEF. The meeting discussed the opportunities for closer cooperation towards enhancing financial inclusion, women and youth em-

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powerment as well as poverty eradication among peoples in OIC Member States.

The two sides also reviewed the important themes to be discussed during the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum, scheduled for Sarawak, Malaysia, on 21-23 November 2017; namely: removing trade and investment barriers, creation of free trade zones, producing high quality goods and publicprivate partnership, among others.

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ECONOMY IsDB and AfDB Partner to Boost Agriculture and Fight Drought in Nigeria, Somalia and Uganda A joint initiative of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and African Development Bank (AfDB) will boost agriculture value chains and enhance drought resilience in Nigeria, Somalia and Uganda. The initiative is part of a broad coalition to boost collaboration between the two institutions in agriculture, water and sanitation. The combined active portfolio of both institutions in these sectors in Nigeria, Somalia and Uganda is worth US$1 billion, with several projects in the pipelines to expand their support.

Stronger ties between AfDB and IsDB will help ramp up agricultural production along important crop and livestock value chains while preventing and mitigating climate change induced droughts will help achieve the objectives of “Say No To Famine/Alliance to End Famine in Africa.” The investments are complemented with institutional capacity building to develop enabling environments for sustainable, green and inclusive growth. There is broad stakeholder agreement that collaborative and coordinated efforts are needed to swiftly deal with weather shocks that often have devastating consequences for the most vulnerable population.

“It is good to see this strong partnership between the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank further evolving, in terms of depth, breath, resource commitments, leverage and speed

of delivery“ says AfDB Vice-President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Khaled Sherif. VP Sherif recalled that the Presidents of the two institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that clearly outlines the way forward to strengthen the partnership Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB President with Dr. Bandar Hajjar, IsDB President in July 2017 during the signing ceremony of the US $2bn partnership agreement between the two institutions at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan. “While the MOU is continentwide and cross-sectoral, we jointly identified immediate synergies in the broader FEED Africa and Say No To Famine domain, which cover varying levels of short-term, medium-term and long-term interventions, to deliver even more efficiently and effectively to the benefit of communities in the three countries,” VP Sherif added.

IsDB Vice President, Mansur Muhtar stated: “Indeed, there is much to gain from the collaboration between our organizations.

It is here that we can utilize our respective competitive advantages best and maximize the utilization of available resources.” “This can be achieved in particular by avoiding duplication and concentrating the stipulated initiatives in support of our member countries in the identified sectors and areas that promise to be most impactful for local populations. We will also expand this part-

nership throughout the operationalization of upcoming initiatives by bringing in additional partners, especially the private sector,” VP Muhtar added.

For example, in Nigeria the Plateau State Potato Value Chain Support Project of the AfDB and the planned IsDB’s Agro Pastoral Development Project in Kano State will promote higher household incomes through productive agro-pastoral activities.

In Somalia, AfDB’s Say No To Famine project approved earlier this year is providing emergency assistance support and facilitating drought resilience building through the restoration of community assets which is complemented by IsDB’s ongoing Drylands Development Project. Both at appraisal stages and a prime example of parallel cofinancing, IsDB’s Irrigation Development Project and AfDB’s Agriculture Value Chain Development Programme showcase their commitment to help Ugandans benefit from the tremendous business opportunities that exist in agriculture, from the primary sector through manufacturing to agriculture produce-related services in collaboration with the government. Discussions are also ongoing to scale up several projects, among them, the Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Uganda, which will be appraised later this year and presented to the AfDB Board of Directors for approval in early 2018.

Boosting Food Security in OIC Member States The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), the Astana-based OIC specialized institution is establishing a cooperation framework with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) aimed at collaborating on joint programmes and project development as well as promoting exchange of knowledge, best practices and expertise in the domain of agriculture, rural development and food security for the benefit of their Member States.

This measure was concretized on 28 September 2017 as the Director General of IOFS and Director General of AOAD concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the two Organizations at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It should be mentioned that the inaugural

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General Assembly of IOFS was held in Astana, Kazakhstan on 26-28 April 2016 concurrently with the Seventh OIC Ministerial Conference on Food Security and Agricultural Development. The General Assembly elected the 8-member Executive Board of the IOFS as well as appointed Director General of IOFS Secretariat. In addition, the General Assembly approved a 5-year Plan of Action of the Organization that would seek to implement quick-win programmes aimed at fast-tracking exchanges and cooperation among IOFS Member States.

IOFS 5-Year Plan of Action includes: creation of a comprehensive database and conducting research on all aspects of the food security; establishment of Agricultural and Scientific-Research Fund; establishment of Agriculture SME Fund; development of

Regional Food Security Programmes (RFSP), and elaboration of IOFS Investment Programme, among others.

IOFS had in 2016, concluded memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three major regional agro-allied research and funding institutions. The memoranda were signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 24 October 2016 by the Director General of IOFS, Mr. Yerzhan Jalmukhanov, and the CEOs of the three institutions, namely: the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD. The objectives of these MoUs vary from promoting research and development in the domain of agriculture to rural development and food security.

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ECONOMY Al-Othaimeen at the opening of the COMCEC:

Economies of Member States Grow 4%

Market for Halal Products Expected to Reach $ 6.4 trillion

The 33rd session of the OIC Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) commenced on 20 November 2017 in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey with preparatory meeting of senior officials ahead of the ministerial meeting held on 22 November 2017. H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of the Republic of Turkey and chairperson of COMCEC, H.E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and ministers concerned in OIC Member States attended the ministerial meeting.

Welcoming the delegates, H.E. President of the Republic of Turkey noted that the Islamic world has been going through a period of economic, political and social troubles in recent years despite having extensive potential with respect to population, natural resources and geography. In this respect, President Erdogan underlined the significance of utilizing this potential properly by transforming Islamic geography into a remarkable manufacturing base through tak-

ing the required economic, technological and cultural development strides.

President Erdogan called on the OIC member countries to actively participate in the COMCEC Working Groups and to benefit more actively from the COMCEC Project Funding, which are two mechanisms of the COMCEC Strategy for mobilizing the institutional and human resources of the Member Countries.

The Turkish President also touched upon the ongoing efforts for the realization of some important COMCEC Projects and invited all the concerned Member Countries to take action for the operationalization of Trade Preferential System among the OIC Member States (TPS-OIC).

In his statement at the meeting, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) announced that the OIC economies have recorded a steady but impressive increase in the average growth rate from 3.4% in 2015 to 3.6% and 4.0% in 2016

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and 2017 respectively. Similarly, OIC countries witnessed an increasing trend in economic activity with their Gross Domestic Product increasing from US$ 13.9 trillion in 2011 to US$ 17.1 trillion in 2015.

In the domain of trade, the Secretary General added that OIC countries registered a total of US$709 billion intra-OIC merchandise trade in 2015, thereby raising the level of intra-OIC trade to 20.3% in early 2016, as opposed to 19.33% in the previous year.

He also stated that the OIC’s initiatives on infrastructure development are gaining momentum with the imminent commencement of regional and sectoral validation processes for the draft OIC Infrastructure Development and Regional Integration Policy (IDRIP). The proposed policy aims at building effective cooperation and mutual assistance among OIC member states in the area of transportation, energy, trade, agriculture and communications.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen stressed the readiness of the OIC General Secretariat to accord great-

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ECONOMY er priority to the socio-economic agenda of the Organization as espoused in the OIC 2025-Programme of Action, which was adopted during the 13th OIC Summit held in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey in April 2016.

H.E. Al- Othaimeen expressed that the cooperation activities of the OIC in various areas, including trade promotion and financing as well as cross-border infrastructure for trade and investment have impacted positively on the socio-economic development in the member states.

The OIC Secretary General also noted that the annual deliberations within the framework of COMCEC transforms the OIC to a veritable international economic actor and contributes effectively to the global agenda on sustainable socio-economic development.

The representatives of OIC member states’ regional groups and the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) delivered their statements at the opening session.

At the end of the meeting, the Ministers issued a declaration on improving transnational transport corridors in the OIC member states.

The Declaration acknowledged that transnational transport corridors are vital for the economic and social development of the countries and have a crucial role in increasing intra-trade volume in the OIC region. The Ministers also highlighted the economic, social and environmental benefits that an improvement in the efficiency of transnational transport corridors can accomplish. They equally recognized that effective cooperation among the member states could improve the functioning of the existing transnational transport corridors in the OIC region, encourage the positive contribution of the private sector, and minimize and resolve difficulties, which may arise from throughout the corridors.

The Istanbul meeting identified some policy recommendations to be implemented by the Member States to ensure the smooth functioning and development of the existing transnational transport corridors in the OIC Region.

These include, transforming transport routes to transport corridors and developing a Corridor Treaty template as a benchmark for the utilization of enroute countries.

Other recommendations are: promoting simplification and streamlining of business processes/procedures among the enroute

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member countries including payments at the border crossing points or pre-payments in advance of reaching the borders; reviewing the existing trade agreements to identify relevant factors to remove non-physical barriers to trade; stimulating intra-trade to increase demand towards the transnational transport corridors in the OIC region, and Implementing the security-building measures/programs throughout transport corridors.

The Ministers also agreed to ensure the sustainability of transport corridor infrastructure including the maintenance of roads through the application of appropriate user charges, and promote intermodal transport particularly encouraging the use of rail and maritime transport through investments in efficient mode transfer facilities.

In presenting the report of the OIC General Secretariat to the senior officials meeting ahead of the ministerial meeting, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, reviewed the latest steps taken by the General Secretariat and institutions active in the economic field since the COMCEC 32nd session held in Istanbul, Turkey in November 2016, to follow up the implementation of OIC-2025 Program of Action.

Ambassador Opeloyeru highlighted the activities targeted to achieve the level of OIC intra-trade set at 25% by the year 2025, including the objective of establishing a free trade zone in light of the anticipated implementation of the existing trade preferential system.

The report focuses on the progress recorded in the economic domain and the accomplishments made by the OIC and its institutions active in the economic and commercial fields, namely agriculture, food security

and rural development, employment and productivity, intra-trade and investment, tourism development, cooperation in the area of transport, poverty alleviation programs, infrastructure development and regional integration policies in OIC countries.

The 33rd session of COMCEC focused on the development of trans-border transportation corridor projects in OIC Member States, given that the sector is among the main priorities of the OIC’s economic cooperation agenda and because transportation is a major catalyst of economic development and competitiveness. The session had four ministerial sessions to discuss improving trans-border transport corridors in OIC Member States The most important topics discussed include the OIC Program of Action 2025, Global Economic Developments and its Implications for Member States, Intra-OIC Trade, Improving the Role of the Private Sector in Economic Cooperation, Promotion of Transport and Communication, Increasing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability of Food Security, and Poverty alleviation.

The Fifth OIC Halal Products Fair, the COMCEC Financing Fair, and the Special Forum on Transport Corridors all took place on the sidelines of the Session.

Also the Republic of Azerbaijan signed the statute of the Labour Centre of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on the sidelines of the closing sitting of the 33rd Session of COMCEC. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Salim Muslemov, in the presence of the Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Economic Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru.

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ECONOMY USD 1.5 billion from IsDB and Arab Coordination Group to Support Niger’s National Development Plan The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Arab Coordination Group have pledged to support the Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES) of Niger Republic with US $1.5 billion. IsDB President, Dr. Bandar Hajjar made the announcement on 14 December during the roundtable on Niger in Paris.

The aim of the roundtable was to support the government of Niger to mobilise resources needed for the implementation of the Economic and Social Development Plan.

Members of the Arab Coordination Group comprises of OPEC Fund for International Development, Saudi Fund, Kuwait Fund, Abu Dhabi Fund, Qatar Fund, AGFUND and BADEA. Speaking during the roundtable in Paris,

Dr. Hajjar stated, “We hope that our collective commitment and contribution to PDES will create more jobs especially for youth, increase intra-trade, promote investment and open opportunities for the private sector.” “We hope to contribute in building an inclusive and sustainable development that will lead to better stability and security in Niger.” He added.

Dr. Hajjar also signed a US $41 million agreement on maternal health with Niger Republic. Madame Aichatou Kane, Niger’s minister of planning signed the agreement on behalf of her government. The maternal health project is aimed at improving the health of mothers and children. The financing was provided through the Lives & Livelihoods Fund (LLF).

IsDB committed to support engagement and partnership with WIEF Sarawak, Malaysia The Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group has expressed its commitment to engage with the World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation to support it in achieving the common goal of becoming even more effective and relevant to the needs and expectations of businesses and citizens. This was part of the IsDB statement to the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) on 21 November in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, which was read out by IsDB Vice President, H.E. Mohamed Nouri Jouini who was representing the IsDB Group President, Dr. Bandar Hajjar.

The statement referred to the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) as an important event in the business landscape and an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and discussion of critical development issues as well as for seeking and building business and institutional partnerships. According to the statement, IsDB will soon develop an “Innovators’ Hub” by partnering with startups, experts, consulting firms/associations, as well as public and private institutions in its core strategic sectors of intervention. The Bank has so far invested US $ 4.4 billion in the education sector across 1,611 operations while it recently launched a US $500 million STI fund to support Science, Technology, and Innovation.

This year’s World Islamic Economic Forum, attended by 3249 participants, was held

under the theme of “Disruptive Change, Impact & Challenges.” The Rt. Hon. Datuk Patinggi Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Patron of the WIEF Foundation officially opened the 3 day forum on 21 November, 2017. Other speakers at the opening ceremony of the Forum were Chief Minister of Sarawak, the Rt. Hon. Datuk Padinggi (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, H.E. Dr. Saad Eddine El Othmani, Head of Government, Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Djaffar Ahmed Said Hassani, Vice President of the Union of Comoros, H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Hon. Tun

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Musa Hitam, Chairman of the WIEF Foundation.

A variety of events, speeches and networking sessions featured during the 13th WIEF in diverse fields including, Islamic Finance, Empowering Women Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Halal Industry, Renewable Energy and Agriculture, Fintech, the Internet of things, and Block-chain technology.

The opening day of the Forum also saw the unveiling of the International Halal Award by the Government of Malaysia whose first edition will be conferred in 2018.

The final communique of the forum enumerated notable recommendations arising from the various sessions including: pursuing the digital transformation to enhance efficiency in agriculture, financial services, education and training, infrastructure development and manufacturing; promoting an enabling environment for Waqf and social finance, fostering the development of Halal eco-system; enhancing intergovernmental regional cooperation to promote the green economy; and ensuring that disruptive change pushed by artificial intelligence and robotics, fin-tech, block-chain, the internet of things, etc., operate within a proper regulatory framework. The IsDB Group also took part in the WIEF’s annual exhibition along with tens of other leading brands and entrepreneurs from within and outside the Muslim world.

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ECONOMY Economic Slowdown Will Not Halt the Growth of Islamic Finance If you thought that low commodity prices, burgeoning budget deficits and sluggish economic recovery would dampen the growth of the $2.6 trillion global Islamic finance industry, think again. The proliferation of the sukuk (Islamic bond) market “has more than compensated” for the slowdown in Islamic bank deposits and financing in key markets in the Middle East and Asia, says Khaled Al-Aboodi, CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Al-Aboodi projects global Islamic banking assets will hit $3 trillion by 2020 and says ICD’s activities in Africa “will continue to be a priority”, focusing on supporting the private sector and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the establishment of Islamic banking windows at conventional banks, extending lines of financing to local banks to finance private sector projects and helping local corporates in raising additional financing through the issuance of sukuk.

Between July and October, Saudi Arabia alone raised SR47bn ($12.53bn) through four monthly domestic sukuk issuances.

This was in addition to the $9bn international sukuk the kingdom issued earlier this year. “The sukuk market,” maintains Al-Aboodi, “is doing very well, with 2016 being an exceptional year. It will more than compensate for the slowdown in other market segments. We are seeing fewer new Islamic financial institutions being established but this is normal whenever there is an economic slowdown.”

The ICD issued its debut $300m sukuk last year. In less than two years, says Al-Aboodi, ICD increased its balance sheet to over $2bn, and may go to the capital market again subject to the right conditions.

He concedes that the impact of the global economy on member countries, especially in Asia and Africa, has not been good. This is why ICD has embarked on a three-year reorganisation to refine its support of its member countries.

The ICD recently extended two lines of financing each worth $50m to the West African Development Bank and another $100m line of financing to Afreximbank to support financing private sector projects and SMEs. At the time of writing it was also finalising a similar line of financ-

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ing to PTA Bank, the financial arm of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and a $20m line of credit to a Mozambique development institution.

The idea is to introduce these institutions to the concept of sharia-compliant financing and in the process also provide technical expertise and market education. However, the facilities are subject to the financing being tied to real economy projects, and the hope is to create a platform for African corporates to start issuing sukuk. According to Al-Aboodi, ICD is in negotiations with investors in Uganda to establish a regional Islamic bank headquartered in Kampala, which will have both local and overseas shareholders including the ICD and IDB, to finance activities such as lines of credit, leasing and SME financing in Uganda and in other East African countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia. At the same time, ICD plans to launch an Islamic bank in Nigeria in 2018. It is currently finalising negotiations with local investors, which when established would be the country’s second Islamic bank after Jaiz Bank.

North Africa is no laggard: While the perception is that the development of Islamic finance in North Africa is lagging behind sub-Saharan Africa, the reality according to Al-Aboodi is that Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria are also strongly promoting “participatory” banking, the Maghreb euphemism for Islamic banking. Algeria has two Islamic banks in Al Baraka Bank Algeria and Salam Bank Algeria, and Algerian prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia recently announced that licences

for two state-owned banks to offer Islamic banking are to be approved before the end of 2017 and for another four other banks in 2018.

In Morocco, the Bank Al-Maghrib, the central bank, approved five new Islamic (participative) bank licenses to various parties.

One was to Crédit Agricole du Maroc jointly with the ICD. The bank is due to start operations soon and is targeting trade finance and supporting business within Morocco and with the African market.

In Tunisia, ICD has teamed up with a local leasing firm, and following approval from the Central Bank of Tunisia, converted the firm into a universal Islamic bank, Wifak Bank, which started operations in June with nine branches. Wifak’s strategy will be to target “individuals, businesses and professionals with a diversified range of modern and innovative banking services and products, covering a wide range of consumption, operating and investment needs.”

African footprint: Al-Aboodi welcomes Nigeria’s recent issuance of its debut N100bn ($277m) sovereign sukuk and remains confident that Abuja will issue a sovereign sukuk in the international market. ICD has arranged pioneering sukuk issuances in West Africa by Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. Senegal, according to Al-Aboodi is considering a third sukuk issuance in early 2018, and discussions with Mali are well in advance for a debut sukuk. He also sees good potential in Togo for further sukuk issuances and for Islamic banks because of its tax advantages.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

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occasions OIC Secretary General Inaugurates Information Resource Centre at OIC Headquarters

T

he OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al Othaimeen, inaugurated on 18 October 2017, the Information Resource Centre at the OIC General Secretariat head-

quarters in Jeddah. The Centre is comprised of four sections: Business Center, Training, Seminars/workshops, and Archives.

The Secretary General noted that the main

objective behind establishing this Centre was to achieve a transition from conventional paper-driven information to a digital platform that would benefit, in the near future, the exchange of knowledge between the General Secretariat, the subsidiary and specialized institutions, and the Member States.

From his side, the Director of IT Department and Information Resource Centre, Mr. Wajdi bin Hamaid Al Quleti, indicated that there was a close cooperation between the centre and King Fahd Public Library with the Centre providing to the latter over 4980 copies of an assortment of publications that include reports, periodicals and books issued by the OIC subsidiary organizations such as the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Islamic Centre for Research, Art and Culture (IRCICA) and the Standing Committee on Science and Technology (COMSTECH).

OIC Marks 70th anniversary of “Black Day” of Kashmir The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted at the headquarters of its General Secretariat in Jeddah today a photo exhibition and a seminar in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the “Black Day” of the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In his speech on the occasion, the OIC Secretary General, H.E. Dr. Yousef Ahmed AlOthaimeen, called for continuing efforts to call on India to stop the gross human rights violations against the people of Kashmir.

The Secretary General hoped that the OIC Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir and the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission would be

able to visit the Indian Occupied Kashmir to reach an objective judgement and an impartial evaluation of the overall situation there.

The Secretary General concluded his speech by stressing the continued support of the OIC in support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict and expressed hope for a comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India fulfilling the aspirations of Kashmiri people to achieve their legitimate rights, which they have been denied for decades.

For his part, Mr. Khan Hisham bin Siddique, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, praised the OIC for its efforts towards achieving a just solution and its support for the people of Kashmir to achieve their legitimate rights.

Azerbaijan Makes a Presentation of its Bid to Host Expo 2025 The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Cabinet of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan jointly organized a presentation ceremony about Azerbaijan’s nomination to host the World EXPO 2025 in its capital Baku to the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the headquarters of the OIC in Jeddah on Thursday, 21 December 2017.

The event was attended by heads and representatives of the diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia and high officials of the OIC General Secretariat.

Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov, Assistant to the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and head of the Baku Expo 2025 Task Force, gave an informative briefing of Azerbaijan’s bid with visual presentation of the diversity, development and potential of Azerbaijan under the theme ‘Developing human capital, building a better future’.

“We are here to seek your support for an important international project we signed in,” said Ambassador Amirbayov to the representatives of the OIC member states.

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The capital city of Baku is one of the candidates for hosting in 2025 a World Expo normally held every five years under the aegis of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE, International Bureau of Exhibitions) based in Paris.

“Our desire to host the World Expo in 2025, fits very well into Azerbaijan’s long-term vision and national development strategy.

Worth mentioning that Azerbaijan is the only member state of the OIC to submit its bid for EXPO2025.

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COUNTRY PROFILE Republic of Chad

The Republic of Chad is located in the middle of the African continent, bordered to the east by Sudan, to the north by Libya, to the west by Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria, and from the south by the Central African Republic. Chad is the fifth-largest country in Africa in terms of area and has two seasonal rivers: Logon and Chari meet in the capital, N’Djamena, and land on Lake Chad, 300 km north of the capital.

General information The Republic of Chad is divided into a number of regions: the desert region in the north, the belt of the arid coastline, which is located in the center of the country and the savannah region of Sudan, which is considered fertile areas in the south of the country. In addition to Lake Chad, The capital of Chad is N’Djamena, the largest city in the country. The country is home to nearly 200 ethnic groups.

Main cities 1 - N’Djamena: is the capital of the Republic of Chad. The name of N’Djamena follows the Cultural Revolution led by former Chadian President Francois Tempelbay, which changes the French names to local names. N’Djamena is located in the western of Chad on the banks of the Chari River, which forms the natural border between Chad and Cameroon and has a population

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Capital: N’Djamena Area: 1,284,000 km2 Currency: Central African franc Population: 14.45 million (2016) Official languages: French and Arabic

of about 1.1 million.

2-Moundou: is the capital of the western province of Logon and it is located in the southwestern part of the country bordering Chad with Cameroon. The city of Moundou is the commercial capital due to the presence of most of the industrial companies and it has its historical sites.

3 - Abeche: is the capital of the province of Waddai and it is located in the east of the country. It is also a commercial city for its location near the border with Sudan and its commercial relations with Sudan and Egypt.

Abeche is considered a stronghold of religious scholars in Chad. It is one of the most beautiful Chadian cities in terms of urban style, which resembles the Arab urban style.

4 – Faya Largeau: is the capital of the province of Borko - Ennedi - Tibesti, located in the north of Chad on the road to Libya and away from the capital by about 1000 km. The city is named after French general Largeau, who ruled the region during French colonial rule.

Economy The main agricultural products are rice, cotton, maize, sugar cane, peanuts, sesame, and gum arabic, as well as some fruits, such as mangoes and oranges. The country also has a huge animal wealth from cows, sheep and camels, which is the only source of

meat in Central and West Africa countries while it exports to the rest of the world.

Agriculture Agriculture accounts for 40% of Chad’s total output, including agriculture, livestock and fisheries. The proportion of arable land is 20% of the country, only 7 million hectares (5.4% of the area) are cultivated. The spread of agricultural land is concentrated in the south of Chad, where intensive agriculture is practiced.

Grazing Thanks to the availability of rainwater, grazing occupies a great deal of people’s activities. Therefore, most of the population practices pastoralism and animal husbandry in order to boast of its social abundance in the past, but it has become an important area of ​​trade (Camel and sheep), especially to Cameroon, Nigeria, Libya and Central African Republic.

Mineral resources The Republic of Chad has various mineral resources, such as uranium, copper and iron in the extreme north. The oil industries are in the south and some other regions. The exportation of petroleum extracted from the city of Doba began via pipelines passing through the Cameroonian lands to reach the Atlantic Ocean and then to other continents in 2004.

OIC Journal October - December 2017

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VIEWPOINT Al-Quds … in the Heart of the Muslim world

T Maha Mostafa Akeel Chief Editor

The summit called on OIC Member States to impose political and economic restrictions on the countries, officials, parliaments, companies and individuals who recognize Israel’s seizure of the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif

he Muslim world protested the US president Donald Trump’s provocative and unilateral statement about relocating the American embassy to the occupied city of Al-Quds and recognizing the city as Israel’s capital. The declaration was an alarming threat to the holy city after the Israeli forces isolated it from its Arab surroundings and worked on its judaization, falsification of its history and altering the city in a desperate attempt to change its Islamic identity. The threat to the city of Al-Quds and especially Al-Aqsa Mosque - the first Qibla and the third holy mosque in Islam- is a call everyone answers and the last call would not be different.

The moment President Trump declared the decision, the OIC held a meeting at the level of permanent representatives of OIC Member States at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah to discuss the US administration’s move to change the legal and historical status of the city of Al-Quds al-Sharif. The meeting emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Muslim Ummah, and affirmed the Islamic and Arab identity of the occupied east Jerusalem the capital city of Palestine. The meeting condemned all statements and positions of the American officials issued in flagrant defiance of Islamic sensibilities, for their disastrous consequences and threat to international peace and security.

An OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and an Extraordinary Islamic Summit were held ten days later in Istanbul, which rejected and denounced the American decision to relocate the American embassy to the occupied Jerusalem and asked the U.S to cancel its decision of recognizing Al-Quds as capital for Israel. In its Final Communique, the Summit declared that the US takes full responsibility for the consequences of refusing to reverse this illegal decision and considered it as a declaration of withdrawing from practicing the role of fostering peace undertaken by the US government, and also considered it as a reward for Israel for its denial of conventions and its defiance for international legitimacy.

The summit called on OIC Member States to impose political and economic restrictions on the countries, officials, parliaments, companies and individuals who recognize Israel’s seizure of the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif or dealing with any procedures, which serve the purpose of entrenching the Israeli colonization of the Palestinian occupied lands. The U.S government is still going with its decision regardless of the objections.

The current issue of the OIC journal addresses the crisis of relocating the American embassy and recognition of Al-Quds as the capital city of Israel, in addition to the consequences of the decision. It also tackles the UN General Assembly’s decision in favor of Al-Quds and against President Trump’s decision. The issue also addresses the Palestinian reconciliation, which is an important topic in light of the developments of the Palestinian cause and peace process. In the same context, the 100th anniversary of the ominous Belfour declaration bring us back to the establishment of Israel at the expense of the State of Palestine.

Moreover, the OIC has been actively following up the Muslim Rohingya case and what they have been going through of oppression and systematic violent operations in Myanmar. The UN has adopted a resolution sponsored by the OIC against Myanmar, which condemns the military operations, which target the minority of Rohingya in Rakhine state. The most important items of the resolution are to stop military operations and to allow access for humanitarian assistance to Rakhine and to guarantee the voluntary and sustainable safe return in dignity for all displaced and refugees and the full respect for basic and human rights of Rohingya. The journal also addresses the latest updates on the Rohingya case.

In addition to coverage of activities of OIC General Secretariat and the Secretary General undertaken from October to December 2017, especially the important meetings such as the convening of Iraqi elite preparatory conference in preparation for holding the national reconciliation conference in 2018.

The 38th issue of the OIC Journal highlights many cultural, media, health and educational activities and also in the field of religious dialogue which was organized by respective departments at the OIC General Secretariat. In addition, two important meetings of interreligious dialogue were held, one in Dakar on the Conflict in the Central African Republic, and the other in Bangkok, which called for peaceful coexistence in South and Southeast Asia, and a workshop on the preparation of a guide to train journalists to cover terrorist events.

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Bangladesh Hosts the 45th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers

Lalbagh Fort (Fort Aurangabad) is an incomplete 17th century Mughal fort complex that stands before the Buriganga River in the southwestern part of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The construction was started in 1678 AD by Mughal Subahdar Muhammad Azam Shah who was son of Emperor Aurangzeb and later emperor himself. His successor, Shaista Khan, did not continue the work, though he stayed in Dhaka up to 1688.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation Dhaka, 5-6 May 2018