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RESOLUTIONS ON CULTURAL AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
ADOPTED BY THE THIRTY-THIRD SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
(SESSION ON HARMONY OF RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND JUSTICE)
BAKU, REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN 23-25 JAMAD UL AWWAL 1427h (19-21 JUNE 2006)
CULTURAL AND ISLAMIC AFFAIRS
ON GENERAL CULTURAL MATTERS A) Ways and Means of Implementing the Cultural Strategy and the Plan of Action for the Islamic World B) Cultural Aspects of the Phenomenon of Globalization C) The Universal Declaration on Dialogue among Civilizations D) The Unified Hijri Calendar of the Islamic Holidays E) The World Week of Mosques F) Promoting Waqfs and their Role in the Development of Islamic Societies
ON PROTECTION OF ISLAMIC SANCTITIES A) Destruction of the Babri Masjid and Protection of Islamic Holy Places B) The Destruction of Charar-e-Sharif Islamic Complex in Kashimir and other Islamic Sites therein C) The Destruction and Desecration of Islamic Historical and Cultural Relics and Shrines in the Occupied Azerbaijan Territories resulting from the Aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan D) The Destruction of Holy Tombs, Sites, Mosques and Houses of Worship in Iraq
ON SOCIAL ISSUES A) Women and their Role in the Development of Islamic Society B) Child Care and Protection in the Islamic World C) Welfare of Orphans and Minors in Islamic States affected by Wars and Disasters D) Education and Rehabilitation of Muslim Youths E) Cooperation on Drug and Psychotropic Substance Abuse and their Illegal Production, Processing and Trafficking F) Cooperation among Member States in Controlling Epidemic Diseases affecting Man, Fauna and Flora G) Global Cooperation in Polio Eradication Programme among OIC Member States
H)
Environment, Sustainable Development and Ways and Health
ON ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES A) Islamic University in Niger B) Islamic University in Uganda C) International Islamic University in Malaysia D) Islamic University in Bangladesh E) Proposed Project of Zeitouna University in Tunisia F) Assistance to King Faisal Mosque in N’djamena, Republic of Chad
ON ISLAMIC INSTITUTIONS AND CULTURAL CENTRES A) Regional Institute of Islamic Studies and Research, Timbuktu, Mali B) Regional Institute for Complementary Studies and Research (RICE), Islamabad-Pakistan C) The Islamic Centre in Guinea-Bissau D) The Islamic Institute for Translation in Khartoum E) Establishing an International Islamic Authority on the Holy Quran
ON PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS A) The Twinning of Palestinian Universities in the Occupied Territories with Universities in OIC Member States B) The Educational situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Occupied Syrian Golan C) The Israel Aggressions against Islamic Shrines in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Preservation of the Islamic Character, Human Heritage and Religious Rights of Al-Quds Al-Sharif
ON SUBSIDIARY ORGANS A) Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA, Istanbul) B) The Islamic Fiqh Academy C) Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf
ON SPECIALIZED INSTITUTIONS A) Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) B) Islamic Committee of the International Crescent
ON AFFILIATED ORGANS A) Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation B) World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools C) Islamic Conference Youth Forum (ICYF)
GENERAL CULTURAL MATTERS
ON GENERAL CULTURAL MATTERS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences (ISC) and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM);
Recalling the results of the Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers (ICCM) held in Algiers, Algeria, on 15–16 December 2004, and the reports of the Consultative Council on Implementing the Cultural Strategy for the Muslim World (CCICS) adopted at its earlier meetings;
Recalling also the relevant resolutions of the Islamic Summit and Foreign Ministers Conferences, which call for protecting intellectual and cultural heritage and safeguarding Islamic values against external threats;
Observing the spreading of the phenomenon of globalization, the development of the means of communication and the concomitant substantial flow of information in all fields and their repercussions on the cultural aspects;
Noting with concern the dangers which may result from merging boundaries between cultures and the hegemony of a single westernized culture, especially those aspects which are contrary to Islamic values;
Recalling also the principles of the Tehran Declaration adopted in December 1997 by the 8th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference affirming that Islamic Civilization has always and throughout history been rooted in peaceful co-existence, cooperation, mutual understanding, as well as constructive dialogue with other civilizations, beliefs in ideologies. The Tehran Declaration also underlines the need to establish understanding between civilizations,
Recalling the provisions of The OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action to Face the Challenges of the Twenty-First Century adopted by the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (ISC) held in Mecca Al-Mukarramah, which called on the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and its subsidiary and affiliated organs to contribute as a partner to the intercultural and inter-religious dialogue and related efforts in this regard.
Reaffirming the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on November 3rd 1998, which designated the year 2001 as the “UN Year of Dialogue among Civilizations”, and which called on governments, the UN system, including UNESCO, and relevant Non-Governmental organizations, to set up and implement adequate cultural, educational and social programmes aiming at enhancing the concept of dialogue among civilizations,
Considering the role of Mosques in consolidating solidarity among the Islamic Ummah and its importance as meeting places of Muslims from the dawn of Islam;
Underlining the prominent role played by Mosques as symbols of unity and brotherhood in the Islamic World;
Referring to Article 1, Chapter 5 of the Islamic Cultural Strategy on the revival of the role of Mosques in promoting Islamic culture and values;
Cognizant of the pioneering role of the Islamic Waqfs System in enriching Islamic civilization and the effective contribution of Waqfs to the building of economic and social institutions of society in addition to their notable contribution to the educational and health fields and to poverty alleviation;
Having considered also the report of the Secretary-General on the subject;
(A) Ways and Means of Implementing the Cultural Strategy and the Plan of Action for the Islamic World
1. Recommends the adoption of the Cultural Strategy for the Islamic World in its modified form in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Fourth Islamic Conference of Cultural Ministers.
2. Ratifies the decisions of 4th Islamic Conference of Cultural Ministers (ICCM) held in Algiers, Algeria, 15-16 December, 2004 and the Consultative Council’s reports on the implementation of the Cultural Strategy for he Islamic World adopted by its previous meetings.
3. Calls upon Member States wishing to implement cultural projects, to submit those projects to the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) which shall refer them to the Consultative Council for Implementation of the Cultural Strategy for the Islamic world.
4. Welcomes the new constitution of Members of the Consultative Council for implementation of the Cultural Strategy for the Islamic world which is composed as follows:
5. Expresses its utmost gratitude and appreciation to H.E. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of the Algerian Republic, for having hosted the Fourth Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers and holding it under his high patronage, thanks ISESCO and the Algerian Ministry of Culture for the good preparation and excellent organization which contributed to holding the Conference in the best conditions, and adopts its resolutions. The Committee welcomes the request of the Great Jamahiriya to host the 5th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers in the year 2007, and entrusts ISESCO with convening it.
6. Welcomes the results of the Fifth Meeting of the Consultative Council on Implementing the Cultural Strategy of the Islamic World (CCICS), which was held at the Headquarters of the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) from 22 to 24 November 2005.
(B) Cultural Aspects of the Phenomenon of Globalization
1. Thanks the Islamic Educational, Scientific Organization (ISESCO) and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) for preparing an in-depth study aimed at protecting Islamic culture and heritage against the negative impacts of globalization.
2. Requests the Member States to submit their observations to the General Secretariat on the two studies in order to prepare the final study.
3. Commends the results of the international and regional Conferences and symposia organized by the OIC General Secretariat and ISESCO on the cultural and educational aspects of globalization.
4. Calls on the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) to continue to organize specialized symposia on protecting Islamic culture and heritage from the negative fallout of globalization.
5. Praises the efforts of the Islamic Group in UNESCO in furthering the interest of Member States, and urges the aforesaid Group to continue to hold regular meetings at ambassadorial and experts levels in order to coordinate the positions of the Member States on issues of common concern to the Islamic World.
(C) The Universal Declaration on Dialogue among Civilizations 1. Welcomes the establishment of a Centre for Dialogue Among Civilizations by H.E. Mohammad Khatami, former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and expresses the readiness of the relevant bodies of the OIC system for close cooperation with the Centre in realizing its objectives.
2. Calls on the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) to continue to organize interactive dialogue in order to strengthen inter-cultural and inter-civilizational dialogue through concrete and sustainable initiatives; and appeals to all Member States and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to provide all possible moral and financial support for the success of these dialogues.
3. Expresses its deepest thanks and appreciation to the distinguished efforts exerted by ISESCO in preparing the White Book on Dialogue Among Civilizations, publishing it in three editions and distributing it among the competent bodies in the Member States as well as among relevant international and regional organizations.
4. Commends the distinguished standards and important conclusions of the international symposia, held by OIC General Secretariat and ISESCO in the framework of implementing the programmes on dialogue assigned to ISESCO during the UN Year on Dialogue, and calls upon ISESCO to continue to implement as many of these Conferences and symposia as possible.
5. Commends the scholarly standards of the studies prepared by ISESCO on its vision and efforts in the area of strengthening dialogue between and on the Islamic cultural landscape in the West, adopts the studies, and calls on ISESCO to distribute them to Member States and relevant organizations.
6. Welcomes the UN General Assembly’s resolution adopted in its 58th Session and the promotion of religious and cultural understanding, harmony and cooperation advocating the respect of the specificities of each culture or religion, and addressing the need to respect and protect religious sites in accordance with the relevant interventional treaties, which would promote dialogue among civilizations.
7. Commends the entry into force of the agreement between the Republic of Tunisia and the OIC General Secretariat on the establishment of the Tunis Peace Forum, and emphasizes the importance of effective cooperation between the two sides to implement the provisions of the agreement in the service of civilized dialogue and to engender the values of toleration, enlightened moderation and solidarity
8. Welcomes and supports the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Nursultan Nazarbayev on convening the Congress of Leaders of Divine Religions, and calls upon Member States to encourage contribution and participation of their respective religious leaders in the work of the Congress.
(D) The Unified Hijri Calendar for the beginnings of the Lunar Months and the Unification of Islamic Holidays
1. Welcomes the efforts by the Egyptian Fatwa Institution in cooperation with the University of Cairo and the Centre for Space Studies and Consultations in the Arab Republic of Egypt to realize a satellite project whose main function will be to ensure the sighting of the moon to determine lunar months with a view to unifying Islamic holidays.
2. Calls upon all the Member States and Islamic institutions to support the Fatwa Institution in the Arab Republic of Egypt with the necessary funds so as to enable it to implement this project whose costs are estimated at USD 9 million.
(E) The World Week of Mosques
1. Adopts the observance of the World Week of Mosques to begin on the 21st of August of every year, anniversary date of the of the burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Zionist fanatics;
2. Calls on the Member States to commemorate the week through celebrations with a view to consolidating and safeguarding Mosques, as holy places in accordance with the tolerant values of Islam.
(F) Promoting Waqfs and their Role in the Development of Islamic Societies
1. Urges the Member States to provide further attention and care to Waqfs in their countries in the legislative and administrative fields, and to foster opportunities for them to develop their communities.
2. Expresses satisfaction for the efforts of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in promoting Waqfs, organizing academic symposia, and meaningfully contributing to investments in Waqf assets and their developments; and lauds the IDB for establishing the World Waqf Foundation (WWF).
3. Requests the OIC General Secretariat and IDB to hold regular meetings in order to examine and enhance the performance of the various Waqfs, especially those devoted to Islamic Universities.
Requests the OIC Secretary-General to follow up the General Cultural Matters and submit a report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM).
PROTECTION OF ISLAMIC HOLY PLACES
ON THE PROTECTION OF ISLAMIC SANCTITIES
(A) Destruction of the Babri Masjid and Protection of Islamic Holy Places
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
Recalling the objectives of the OIC which stress the need for coordinated effort to safeguard the Islamic Holy Places and strengthen the struggle of Islamic peoples for the preservation of their dignity, independence and national rights;
Also recalling the Resolutions of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, on the unified stand against the desecration of Islamic Holy Places, especially Resolution No. 3/6-C (IS) of the Sixth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Noting that the Babri Mosque with its history spanning five Centuries was the object of veneration and respect of Muslims all over the world;
Also noting with regret that the 13th anniversary of the Babri Masjid has passed without concrete steps being taken towards rebuilding of the Masjid or punishing those responsible for the sacrilegious act of its destruction and killing of thousands of innocent Muslims in its aftermath;
Recalling also that the Organization of the Islamic Conference made several appeals to the Indian Government to prevent any violation of the sanctity of the Mosque and emphasized the responsibility of the Government of India for safeguarding the inviolability of the Mosque and protecting its building against attacks by Hindu extremists;
Also Recalling the decision of the Indian Supreme Court of 24 October 1994 that the “resolution of the conflict is outside its jurisdiction”;
Noting with deep concern Indian statements on the destruction of the Babri Mosque and the construction of a Ram Temple at the site of the Babri Masjid;
Recalling the Resolutions of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on the unified stand against the violations of the sanctity of the Sacred Muslim Places;
Having considered the Resolutions of the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs.
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on this subject;
1. Recommends the Member States and the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to follow up the implementation of the operative paragraphs of Resolution 19/9-C)(IS) adopted by the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference which calls upon the Government of India to:
a) Ensure the safety and protection of the Muslims and all Islamic Holy Sites throughout India in accordance with its responsibilities and obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments. b) Take immediate steps to implement its solemn commitment to reconstruct the Babri Mosque on its original site, to restore it as a Holy Place for Muslims, and to punish those guilty of the sacrilegious act of destroying a revered religious symbol of the Islamic world. c) Take effective measures to prevent the construction of a temple on the site of the Babri Mosque. d) Take immediate steps to ensure the protection of the other 3000 Mosques, especially those at Mathura and Varanasi, which have been the targets of threats and destruction attempts by Hindu extremists.
2. Strongly condemns the destruction of the historic Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, India, by Hindu extremists on 6 December 1992.
3. Expresses deep regret over the failure of the Indian authorities to take appropriate measures to protect this important Muslim holy site.
4. Condemns the forced and illegal entry of Hindu militants into the site of the Babri Masjid on 17 October 2001.
5. Expresses its deep concern over the safety and security of the Muslim minority in India.
6. Recommends that the issue be submitted to the United Nations’ Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through the OIC Member States accredited to Parties.
(B) The Destruction of the Charar-e-Sharif Islamic Complex in Kashmir and other Islamic Sites therein
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Deeply concerned that, as a result of Indian armed action on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha in 1415H (1995), over 1500 houses and shops were gutted, holy relics were destroyed and the mosque and the Islamic Complex of Charar-e-Sharif razed to the ground, and deeply concerned at other incidences of damage to: the Shrine of the Shah-e-Hamadan in December 1997, the Jamia Mosque of Safapur in Baramula district in January 1998, the historic Jamia Mosque at Kishtwar in January 2001, Chadora mosque in October 2001 and a mosque in Srinagar with burning of the Holy Quran on 14 December 2002.
Having in consideration the report of the Secretary General on this matter:
1. Strongly deplores the destruction of the 536 year old Islamic complex at Charar-e-Sharif which constitutes a serious aggression against the Islamic heritage of the Muslim people of Kashmir.
2. Expresses its concern over the loss of life and the burning of over 1500 houses of the civil residents of Charar-e-Sharif.
3. Strongly condemns the burning of the Shrine of Shah-e-Hamadan and the desecration of the Jamia Mosque at Safapur, and the burning of the Jamia Mosque at Kishtwar and other incidents of desecration of Muslim Holy places.
4. Also condemns the continuing desecration of Mosques and Muslim Holy Places and denial of religious rights to the Muslim population in the Indian Occupied State.
5. Urges the international community, especially the Member States to exert utmost efforts to protect the basic rights of the Kashmiri people, including their right to self-determination according to the relevant UN Resolutions as well as to safeguard their religious and cultural rights and their Islamic heritage.
(C) The Destruction and Desecration of Islamic Historical and Cultural Relics and Shrines in the Occupied Azerbaijan Territories Resulting from the Aggression of the Republic of Armenia Against the Republic of Azerbaijan
The Twenty-ninth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural, and Social Affairs (ICECS), held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 11 to 13 Rabiul Thani 1427H (9–11 May 2006);
Recalling the resolutions adopted by Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (ISC);
Affirming those objectives and principles enshrined in the Charter of the Organization of the IslamicConference (OIC) aimed at coordinating efforts to safeguard and preserve the Islamic heritage;
Emphasizing those pieces of Azerbaijani history, culture, archaeology, and ethnography remaining in the territories occupied by Armenia are an integral part of this heritage, and, therefore, must be protected;
Reaffirming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions No. 822, 853, 874, and 884, which call on the Armenian forces to effect a full withdrawal from all the occupied Azerbaijani territories, including the Lachin and Shousha areas, immediately and without conditions; and strongly urge Armenia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Affirming that the utter and barbaric destruction of mosques and other Islamic Shrines in Azerbaijan, at the hands of Armenia, for ethnic cleansing is a crime against humanity;
Noting the tremendous losses inflicted by the Armenian aggressors on the Islamic heritage in the Azerbaijani territories occupied by the Republic of Armenia, including total or partial demolition of rare antiquities and places of Islamic civilization, history, and architecture, such as mosques, mausoleums, graves, archaeological excavations, museums, libraries, art exhibition halls, and government theatres and conservatories, besides the destruction and smuggling out of the country of large quantities of priceless treasures and millions of books and historic manuscripts;
Fully sharing the anguish of the government and people of Azerbaijan in this regard;
Having taken cognizance of the Report of the OIC Secretary-General on the subject:
1. Strongly condemns the barbaric acts committed by the Armenian aggressors in the Republic of Azerbaijan with the aim of working the total annihilation of the Islamic heritage in the occupied Azerbaijani territories;
2. Vigorously demands the strict and unconditional implementation by the Republic of Armenia of UN Security Council Resolutions No. 822, 853, 874, and 884.
3. Reaffirms its support of the efforts deployed by Azerbaijan at regional and international levels and aimed at protecting and preserving Islamic cultural values and treasures in the territories occupied by Armenia.
4. Asserts that Azerbaijan is entitled to adequate compensation for the damages it has sustained and affirms the Republic of Armenia’s responsibility to pay up full compensation for such damages.
5. Requests the relevant OIC subsidiary organs and specialized agencies to explore the possibility of drawing up a program to help rebuild the mosques, educational institutions, libraries, and museums in the Azerbaijani territories liberated from occupation with the help of OIC Member States.
6. Thanks the Secretary-General for transmitting the OIC Member States' position on this issue to the United Nations (UNO), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and other international bodies, and for the coordination measures he has taken within the framework of OIC subsidiary, specialized, and affiliated organs. It also thanks those organs and organizations for their response, especially for the adoption by the IDB and ISESCO of programmes to implement projects aimed at protecting Islamic holy places in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
(D) THE DESTRUCTION OF HOLY TOMBS, SITES, MOSQUES AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP IN IRAQ
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Islamic Summit Conference,
Deeply concerned about the terrorist destructions in Iraq of the Holy Tombs of Imam Al-Hadi and Imam Al Hasan Al Askari as well as religious sites, mosques and houses of worship and the killing of many Iraqis; 1. Deplores strongly the destruction of the Holy Tombs of Imam Al Hadi and Imam Al Askari, and religious sites, mosques and places of worship as acts aimed at causing sedition and sectarian strife among Iraqi citizens.
2. Expresses its deep concern about the numerous and substantial losses of life and public and private property.
3. Urges the international community, in particular the Member States to exert utmost efforts by providing possible assistance in order to protect religious places, especially because they are citadels of Islamic civilization.
4. Affirms the necessity and importance of strengthening the unity of the Iraqi people and of rejecting differences, particularly those with sectarian foundations.
Requests the Secretary General to follow up the issue and to report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
SOCIAL ISSUES
ON SOCIAL ISSUES
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Conscious of the growing need for Muslims throughout the world to promote Islamic revival and evolve societies grounded in the Islamic principles of peace, justice and equality for all human beings;
Recalling the provisions of the Ten-Year Programme issued by the 10th Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah-Al-Mukarramah, the importance of Women’s role in society, the need to elevate women and surround them with nurturance and to consolidate those laws that seek to give women a greater role in the development of Muslim society in the economic, cultural, social and political fields and to protect them against all forms of violence or discrimination and to pay particular attention to the education of women and to combating illiteracy among women;
Recalling in particular, the provisions of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam which stresses on the importance of the rights of the child,
Having taken note of the fact that women and children are most vulnerable parts of the societies during conflicts and wars as well as occupation period,
Emphasizing the need for the expression of Islamic solidarity with the women and children victims of wars and occupation,
Welcoming the Rabat Declaration on the issues of Children in the Islamic World, adopted by the 1st Islamic Conference of Ministers in-charge of Children’s affairs, which was held in Rabat on 7-9 November, 2005, in coordination with the General Secretariat, ISESCO and UNICEF;
Guided by Islamic values which emphasize the necessity of caring for orphans and minors;
Affirming its commitments to the noble principles enshrined in the Charter of the OIC and the international organizations concerned with humanitarian affairs in general and children in particular;
Recognizing the necessity of providing required support and assistance to guarantee proper Islamic up-bringing and promising future for orphans and minors confirmed to have been rendered orphans by wars and disasters in Islamic States;
Believing in the necessity of providing secure environment for them to enable them contribute positively in the society thereby saving them from deviation which will bring about immense harm to their societies;
Reaffirming the need to evolve sound approaches for the education and training of Muslim youth for the attainment of optimal cooperation and coordination among the Islamic States with a view to achieving the best levels of an all-embracing and just progress for all the youth of the Islamic Ummah;
Having taken note of the Secretary General's Report on the issue;
A) Women and their Role in the Development of Muslim Society
1. Requests Member States to take the appropriate steps to organize Women's activities at national and international levels and in different fields consistent with the nature of women and the precepts of the Shariah.
2. Requests the General Secretariat to coordinate with the governments of Member States to support direct and sustainable relationships among Muslim Women Associations in Member States and cooperate with the existing International Women Organizations in Islamic Countries.
3. Welcomes the offer made by the Republic of Turkey during the preparatory proceedings for the Makkah 3rd Extraordinary Summit, to host the 1stConference of Ministers in-charge of Women’s affairs, through which a plan of action could be worked out on the promotion of women’s role in the development of Muslim societies and on providing them with more opportunities in the areas of public life.
4. Welcomes also the offer made by the Pakistan government to host a Conference for women leaders in the Islamic World, in Islamabad in 2007.
5. Also requests the Secretary General to follow-up the recommendation of the Ten-Year Programme issued by the 3rd Islamic Summit in Makkah Al Mukarramah, with the creation of a special department for family affairs within the framework of the OIC General Secretariat restructuring exercise.
6. Decides to proclaim October the 1st (the Anniversary of the martyrdom of Mohammad Al Durrah in Palestine) as the day of Islamic solidarity with women and children victims of wars and occupation in the Islamic World.
B) Child Care and Protection in the Islamic World
1. Recalling the OIC Member States endorsement of the UN Declaration of the Millennium including the developmental goals which address child rights in terms of health, education and equality, and also their adoption of the declaration on “a World Worthy of Children” and the plan of action which focuses on the right to protection for children, teenagers and youth.
2. Requests the Member States to disseminate the Islamic values relevant to women and children, through the media, and to project the radiant image of Islam in improving child conditions in the Islamic World, and to reiterate the Islamic States solidarity on all child-related issues.
3. Commends the role of UNICEF in improving child conditions in the Islamic World, and hails the remarkable, fruitful and continued cooperation between the OIC Member States, the OIC General Secretariat and the OIC Subsidiary, Specialized and Affiliated institutions on the one hand, and UNICEF on the other, for the benefit of the child’s survival, protection and development in the Member States.
4. Urges Member States to work with the assistance of the international community to improve the conditions of children, particularly those living under difficult conditions in conflict-ridden regions and those suffering from the effects of economic blockades and sanctions imposed on their countries, as well as displaced children refugees, by providing for their physical and moral needs and by taking interest in their education and helping them to return to normal lives, and commends the efforts expended by a number of Islamic countries in this area.
5. Requests Member States to take the necessary measures to protect children from the dangers resulting from harmful mass media programmes and to support programmes which lead to the promotion of the cultural, moral and ethical values of children.
6. Hails the convening of the 1st Islamic Conference on Children, held in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco from 7 to 9 November, 2005 in coordination between the OIC General Secretariat, ISESCO and UNICEF.
7. Endorses the Rabat declaration on issues of children in the Islamic World adopted by the 1st Islamic Conference of Ministers in-charge of Children’s affairs, and urges all Member States to act for the implementation of all the commitments included in the declaration.
C) WELFARE OF ORPHANS AND MINORS IN ISLAMIC STATES AFFECTED BY WARS AND DISASTERS
1. Stresses that programmes provided for Member States affected by wars and disasters should consider programmes for the welfare of orphans and minors.
2. Urges all Member States to contribute to this humanitarian project;
3. Invites Islamic States to come forward with the proposals on voluntary contributions to these programmes.
4. Calls for intensified contacts with specialized international and regional organizations in order to benefit from their experiences and contributions in these areas.
5. Calls for the provision of voluntary assistance for these programmes, particularly because the need for them is urgent.
D) Education and Rehabilitation of Muslim Youths
1. Welcomes the Working Paper presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and adopted by the 1st Islamic Conference of Youth and Sport on Muslim Youth on future challenges and the mechanisms included on promoting and protecting Muslim Youth and enhancing its status in the society included therein.
2. Thanks the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the 1st Islamic Conference of Youths and Sport in cooperation with the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation.
E) Cooperation on Drug and Psychotropic Substance Abuses and their Illegal Production, Processing and Trafficking
1. Urges the Member States to coordinate their efforts and harmonize their systems with respect to the illicit production and trade of narcotic and psychotropic substances within the framework of the relevant international organizations.
2. Also urges the Member States to give greater attention to the propagation of religious consciousness and discussion within their respective educational institutions, mass media and Dawa for a on the gravity of the production, use and trafficking in drugs as well as their categorical prohibition from the religious and legal viewpoints.
3. Urges Member States to participate actively in international meetings and symposia in this regard, especially those organized by the United Nations, its Specialized Agencies and Organs and requests the Secretary General to coordinate with Member States in this area and to cooperate with the UNDCP (United Nations International Drug Control Programme) in Vienna and that Commission on Narcotic Drugs of the Economic and Social Commission.
Requests the Member States to continue to intensify their cooperation and to exchange information and technical expertise to control narcotic drugs.
F) Cooperation among Member States in controlling Epidemic Diseases affecting Man, Fauna and the Flora
1. Calls for greater coordination and cooperation among Member States in the area of health through the enforcement of international health regulations, such as vaccination of pilgrims going to the Holy Land, improvement of health conditions in addition to cooperation on health sensitization before Pilgrims’ departure through the media in their countries.
2. Calls also on Member States to collectively organize the fight against the spread of Avian Influenza and the AIDS pandemic and to seriously uphold medical research efforts in this field at national, regional, and international level, and renews its invitation to the Secretary-General and ISESCO’s Director-General to constitute an Inter-governmental Experts Group composed of medical and pharmaceutical specialists of Member States to meet and prepare a working programme to fight this disease in the Member States.
3. Invites Member States to consider sickle cell disease as a major problem of public health and to provide serious support to medical research efforts in this regard.
4. Welcomes the kind offer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the meeting of Member States’ Ministers of Health in Tehran on 3-5 February, 2007, and invites all Member States to participate in the meeting.
5. Decides that the mandate of the said Conference also cover the establishment of inter-Islamic cooperation in the field of health in general, including pharmaceuticals.
G) Global Cooperation in Polio Eradication Programme among OIC Member States
1. Strongly affirms its commitment to the eradication of polio from all OIC Member States so that they can contribute effectively to the goal of Global Polio Eradication.
2. Commends the Secretary General for his contacts with WHO and Member States for the eradication of polio in the Member States and the mobilization of financial assistance for the programme of the world initiative to eradicate polio, such as to have engendered progress in the eradication of polio in the Islamic States.
3. Noting that while strong progress has been made and the number of polio-endemic countries is at an all time low of four, unfortunately a vast majority of all the polio cases in 2005 were reported in OIC countries.
4. Urges all Member States to implement the recommendations of the 3rd Extraordinary Summit held in Makkah-Al-Mukarramah, concerning the adoption of effective measures to eradicate polio.
5. Urges all polio-affected OIC Member States to ensure that every child under age five is vaccinated during the national campaigns, and all polio-free OIC Member States to maintain high levels of routine polio vaccination coverage.
6. Urgently calls on the international community, OIC Member States, Islamic philanthropic organizations, the Islamic Development Bank, and the international community to provide multi-year pledges of additional financial resources to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to combat polio in OIC countries in 2006 and in 2007.
7. Calls on religious and traditional leaders in all OIC Member States to support polio eradication campaigns using oral polio vaccination and strongly encourage parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against polio.
H) Environment, sustainable Development and ways and means of resolving problems relating to Environment and Health
1. Requests the Secretary General to identify ways and means to ensure effective cooperation between OIC, ISESCO and WHO and active participation of the Organization in WHO’s meetings and Conferences.
2. Requests the Member States to coordinate their environmental policies and stands in international forums so that they may not adversely affect their economic development, according to the stipulations of the Ten-Year Programme issued by the 3rd Islamic Summit held in Makkah Al Mukarramah.
3. Welcomes the offer of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the 2nd Ministerial Environment Conference from 10 to 12 September, 2006.
Requests the Secretary General to follow up the social issues and to report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES
ON ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Expressing its thanks to Member States, in particular, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, State of Kuwait, the ISF, the Islamic Development Bank, the International Islamic Charitable Organisation, World Islamic Da'wa Society, the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Iqra Charitable Organization, the Sheikh Zayed Institution for Humanitarian and Charitable Works, the World Forum of Islamic Youth, Bait Al Zakat of Kuwait, and to all those who extended support and assistance to the Islamic Universities.
Recalling the Statutes of the Islamic Universities;
Having considered the Report submitted by the Secretary General on the subject;
A) Islamic University of Niger
1. Appeals to the Member States, the Islamic Development Bank, and Islamic Philanthropic organizations to extend financial and material support to this important Islamic institution for the creation of multi-disciplinary faculties with new facilities such as ones for theoretical disciplines, scientific ones, laboratories, and housing units for students and lecturers; and exhorts them to provide sufficient scholarships to the needy students.
2. Calls on the Member States’ universities to establish varied relations with the Islamic University in Niger.
3. Calls upon Member States, Islamic organizations and personalities to contribute to the University’s Waqf, whose Statute had been approved during the 26th ICFM in Burkina Faso, and urges the donors to step up their efforts to achieve this objective and commissions the Secretary General and the University Board of Trustees to work in this sense to secure the sufficient funds for the Waqf of the University.
4. Commends the Secretary General for his contacts for the mobilization of support for the University to enable it to discharge its mission. It expresses in this respect, its deep appreciation and gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah for the donation of a plot of land in the city of Sharjah, as a Waqf for the University and for the contribution of five million Dirhams for the construction of an endowment building whose proceeds would go to the University.
5. Commends the Islamic Solidarity Fund for its continued support to finance the main part of the annual budget of the University and urges the Member States, the IDB and the Islamic Charitable institutions to extend urgent financial and material assistance for the benefit of the University’s operating budget.
6. Expresses its profound gratitude to the government of Niger for the plot of land granted as a Waqf to the University in Niamey, the capital.
7. Appeals to Member States, the Islamic Development Bank, Islamic Organizations and individuals, to assist the University to establish applied science faculties in Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Economics, Computer Science & Information Technology.
8. Urges the IDB to expedite the implementation of the projected creation of the multi-disciplinary faculties and the proposed facilities.
9. Requests ISESCO to continue to support the University.
10. Commends the proposal of Iqra Society to transfer the Iqra Institute for Technical and Vocational Training to a Faculty within the Islamic University in Niger. It also appealed to it to expedite implementation of the said proposal.
11. Commends the Arab Republic of Egypt for the scholarships given to the University in the framework of the initiative of President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak for advanced education of future African leaders.
12. Call upon the University to work out strategies to implement the decision of the 3rd Extraordinary Summit contained in the Ten-Year Programme of Action to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
B) Islamic University in Uganda
1. Commends the Secretary General for his contacts to mobilize support for the University so as to enable it to fulfill its goals.
2. Commends the continued support by the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) to the annual budget of the university and appeals to the ISF to increase its annual contribution to the University. Further appeals to the Islamic Solidarity Fund to assist the University in paying off its remaining arrears.
3. Commends the Islamic Development Bank for agreeing to construct two Students’ Hostel projects based on soft loan financing mode in the Islamic University in Uganda at the cost of US$ 5.214 million.
4. Commends the commitment of the Islamic Development Bank to construct a Waqf project for the Islamic University in Uganda in Kampala, Uganda and called upon the Government of Uganda to expedite the issuance of the identified Land Title in order to enable the project to start as soon as possible.
5. Commends the Arab Republic of Egypt for the scholarships given to the University in the framework of the initiative of President Mohammed Hosni Mubaraka for advanced education of future African leaders.
6. Appeals to Member States, the Islamic Development Bank, Islamic Solidarity Fund, Charitable Organizations, and individuals to assist the University in putting up more lecture rooms, science laboratories, staff houses, sports facilities, and other facilities to enable the University meet the demands of the increasing number of students. Further appeals for scholarships to assist the many needy students in the University who cannot meet the University fees.
7. Appeals to Member States, the Islamic Development Bank, Islamic Organizations and individuals, to assist the University to establish applied science faculties in Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Economics, Computer Science & Information Technology.
8. Appeals to the Government of Uganda to urgently finalize the acquisition of the 300 acres of land it donated to the University to enable it carry out its development projects.
9. Requests ISESCO to continue extending its assistance to the University.
10. Commended the efforts of the new administration of the University, headed by Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, for managing the University effectively and balancing the budget of the University for now two years compared to budget deficits of the previous years before 2004, that resulted in the financial surplus achieved for the first time in the University’s budget since its inception in 1988, as an important step towards self-sufficiency. Called upon the University administration to continue creating effective policies and systems that will ensure financial stability as well as quality teaching in the University.
11. Call upon the University to work out strategies to implement the decision of the 3rd Extraordinary Summit contained in the Ten-Year Programme of Action to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
C) International Islamic University Malaysia
1. Calls for support and contrıbutıon to the progress and development of the Islamıc Unıversıty of Malaysıa wıth the aım of enhancıng ıts capacıty and enablıng ıt to operate wıth ıts full potentıal to achıeve ıts objectıves.
2. Appeals also to all Member States, the IDB, the ISF, ISESCO, WAMY, Muslım World League, and all other Islamıc Instıtutıons to support moraly and finacially the programmes and actıvıtıes of the International Institute for Muslim Unity (IIMU) whıch was newly establıshed and founded wıthın the Internatıonal Islamıc Unıversıty of Malaysıa, to help ıt ın buıldıng ıts capacıty and to enable ıt to fully operate ın order to carry out ıts vısıon, mıssıon and functıons aımıng to foster and strengthen the Unıty and Solıdarıty among Muslım Ummah.
D) Islamic University in Bangladesh
1. Urges all Member States, the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Muslim World League and other Islamic financial institutions to provide adequate academic and financial assistance to the University so that it can achieve its objectives.
2. Also calls upon the General Secretariat to continue cooperation with ISESCO, to provide academic assistance to the Islamic University in Bangladesh, from Member States Universities, by sending lecturers there to teach and by providing scholarships, preparation of curricular and supply of books.
E) Proposed Project of Zeitouna University in Tunisia
1. Reiterates its support for the construction of a new campus so as to enable the University to consolidate its educational and cultural role, and for the implementation of the project.
2. Commends the initiative of the Republic of Tunisia in creating the Higher institute and Tunisia House for Islamic Civilization and Comparative Civilizations and calls on the Member States, the IDB and donor Islamic institutions to support the achievement of this important cultural project.
3. Thanks the Republic of Tunisia for its allocation of a piece of land covering 5.5 ha for the benefit of this project and the preparation of the topographic layouts and the operational and pedagogical programme for this important academic institution.
4. Thanks the General Secretariat, the IDB and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for extending assistance to the Zeitouna University; calls on them to continue extending material support until the completion of the construction of all the components of the project; and calls also on them to consider dispatching a delegation to Tunisia to assess the progress of the construction work.
F) Assistance to King Faisal Mosque in N’djamena, Republic of Chad
1. Urges Member States to extend material and moral aid to King Faisal University in N’djamena, Chad.
2. Thanks the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ISF for their assistance to the University and invites them to continue to do so. It also calls on the Islamic Development Bank and other Islamic institutions to extend every possible aid to the University.
3. Requests the General Secretariat to follow-up the University’s conditions and note its requirements for the purpose of its promotion.
Requests the Secretary General to follow up the issues and to report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ISLAMIC CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS AND CENTRES
ON ISLAMIC CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS, CENTRES AND INSTITUTES
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the subject;
A) Regional Institute of Islamic Studies and Research, Timbuktu, Mali
1. Appeals to all Member States, IDB, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Joma'a Majid Foundation in the Arab United Emirates, and other Islamic charitable institutions to extend material support to the Regional Institute of Islamic Studies and Research in Timbuktu so that it may achieve its objectives. It also invites Member States to provide the institute with researchers and technicians.
2. Urges the OIC Specialized and Affiliated Cultural Institutions (IRCICA, ISESCO, Islamic University of Technology in Bangladesh and Islamic University in Malaysia) to extend their material and academic support to the institute.
B) Regional Institute for Complementary Education (RICE), Islamabad, Pakistan
1. Emphasizes once again the importance of establishing the Regional Institute for Complementary Education (RICE) in Islamabad, Pakistan, and encouraging the teaching of the Arabic language and Islamic culture in non-Arabic speaking Asian countries.
2. Appeals to the Member States, the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Solidarity Fund and the World Federation of International Arab‑Islamic Schools to contribute generously to this project.
3. Expresses its appreciation of the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to establish this Institute and ensure its operation and extends its thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the financial support it has extended to the Institute and to the Arab Republic of Egypt for the secondment of a number of Arabic and religious affairs teachers. It also expresses appreciation to the ISF for its financial assistance to the Institute.
B) The Islamic Centre in Guinea-Bissau
1. Commends the execution of the Guinea-Bissau Islamic Centre project and its imminent commissioning.
2. Thanks the Islamic Solidarity Fund for financing the construction of the Centre and its on-going support for the Centre, also thanks the Direct Aid Organization (formerly African Muslims Committee) for supervising the project.
3. Calls on the Member States, the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic institutions to provide financial and material assistance to the project of the Islamic Centre.
D) Assistance to the Islamic Institute of Translation in Khartoum
1. Urges and requests the Member States and Islamic financial institutions, foremost of which are the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund to extend regular financial assistance to the Institute to enable it to continue functioning in the best way and commends in this regard the financial support provided to the Institute by the Islamic Solidarity Fund.
2. Commends anew the financial support extended by the Government of the Sudan to the budget of the Institute to enable it to perform its role in an optimal manner, and to solve the financial difficulty it is experiencing.
E) Proposal for the Establishment of an International Islamic Board for the Holy Quran
1. Welcomes the idea of establishing an international Islamic Board for the Holy Quran.
2. Recommends finalizing consultations between the Ministry of Waqfs and Islamic Affairs in the State of Qatar, the Sponsor of the project, and the Ministry of Waqfs, Islamic Affairs, Dawa and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the King Fahd Academy of the Holy Quran in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara as recommended by the Islamic Fiqh Academy.
3. Recommends that the OIC General Secretariat, the Al-Azhar in Cairo and the Muslim World League in Makkah Al Mukarramah take part in those consultations along with the parties listed in the decision of the Islamic Fiqh Academy.
Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the issues and report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
Palestinian Affairs
ON PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Taking into consideration the policies and practices of the Israeli occupation authorities towards the Arab citizens in the occupied Arab territories, aimed primarily at the eradication of their cultural identity, along with Israeli attempts to wipe out and disintegrate their national and Arab identity at all levels, the Israeli policy of systematic stamping out of education aimed at creating a poorly educated generation ignorant of its history, culture, nation and Ummah, the Israeli practice of a policy geared towards maligning Arab and Islamic civilization and causing prejudice to Arabs and Muslims, the Israeli abuse and distortion of historical and geographical facts, in addition to the continued Israeli policy of racial discrimination by claims of Israeli superiority over the citizens of the occupied Arab territories which constitute a blatant violation of their fundamental rights;
Condemning the aggressive actions perpetuated by Israel to isolate the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif through the construction of more settlements, military barriers, as well as racial isolation and separation walls around the city in order to annex it;
Expressing deep concern at the Israeli threats and attacks against the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque;
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the subject;
A) The Twinning of Palestinian Universities in the Occupied Territories with Universities in OIC Member States
1. Calls on the Member States to allocate scholarships for the Palestinian students and expresses its appreciation to Member States who have given scholarships and urges them to consider reducing their tuition fees.
2. Recommends also to extend every kind of financial and academic support and assistance to Palestinian universities so that they may be able to play their national and educational role.
3. Calls upon the Union of Islamic Universities to coordinate with the Member universities to facilitate and encourage twinning agreements between the Palestinian universities and the Member universities of the Union with a view to fostering joint cooperation and allowing Palestinian universities to take advantage of these universities’ experiences according to their priorities and needs and calls upon those universities to receive academic and training missions from the Palestinian Universities.
4. Calls upon the Member States to participate effectively in the establishment of the Al-Aqsa University in the City of Al-Quds, pursuant to the resolution of the 3rd Extraordinary Islamic Summit.
B) The Educational situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Occupied Syrian Golan
1. Condemns the measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities against the educational and cultural organizations and institutions in the Palestinian territories aimed at denying the Palestinians access to education, so as to obliterate their national identity and severe them from their culture and history, and distort their civilization to serve the designs of occupation.
2. Appeals to Member States to support the efforts of the Palestine Liberation Organization aimed at promoting the educational process in the Palestinian territories under its National Authority during the transitional period, and to provide it with all technical and financial means to develop curricula for all educational levels.
3. Calls upon Member States to extend every necessary financial assistance to provide the funding required for the promotion of education in the occupied territories in general and in the City of Al- Quds Al‑Sharif in particular, in view of the great difficulties faced by the educational process in the Holy City on account of the practices of the Israeli occupation authorities aimed at the judaization of the Holy City and at severing it from its Arab‑Islamic environment.
4. Reiterates its full support and assistance for the inhabitants of occupied Syrian Golan in their resistance against the oppressive Israeli practices, and their legitimate struggle to preserve their cultural, national and Arab identity, and appeals to the United Nations, to specialized international bodies and institutions and in particular to UNESCO, to counter those Israeli policies which violate international laws and conventions.
5. Calls for support to the steadfastness of the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan against the Israeli practices aimed at obliterating their Arab cultural identity and proclaims its support for the maintenance of Syrian Arab educational curricula and the provision of educational and cultural material.
6. Calls upon the international community to shoulder its full responsibility in forcing Israel to abide by the principles of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and of all international conventions on human rights, particularly the Geneva Convention of 20.8.1949 on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War, as well as the relevant Resolutions adopted by the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
7. Condemns the practices and actions of the Israeli occupation authorities against educational and other institutions in the occupied Syrian Golan, their cancellation of the Syrian educational syllabus in the villages of the Golan and its substitution by an Israeli one, their imposition of the teaching of Hebrew instead of Arabic, their replacement of the teaching staff to serve the goals and directions of Israeli policy, their taking measures to deny Syrian Arab citizens access to higher education in Syrian universities and their denying some of those who manage to get education in those universities the right to return to their homes.
C) The Israel Aggressions against Islamic Shrines in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Preservation of the Islamic Character, Human Heritage and Religious Rights of Al-Quds Al-Sharif
1. Reiterates the necessity of implementing all previous Islamic resolutions on the preservation of the Islamic character and human heritage of Al‑Quds.
2. Calls for continued urgent and effective action at all Islamic and international levels with a view to forcing Israel to rescind its decision to annex the city of Al‑Quds AlSharif, reaffirming the City's Arab‑Islamic character and rejecting its annexation or judaization, pursuant to the relevant Resolutions of international legality, and particularly UN Security Council Resolutions No. 465 and 478; and exerting all efforts to put these two Resolutions into effect in conformity with the Resolutions of the United Nations and the international legality.
3. Requests the General Secretariat to continue its coordination with international agencies and institutions and particularly with UNESCO to implement the initiative of the Director General of UNESCO to restore the Holy City, preserve the historic buildings of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the ancient buildings surrounding Al-Quds Holy Sanctuary, close the tunnel, and stop the excavation works especially on the south and west of the Holy Sanctuary and preclude the implementation of any designs aimed at destroying and removing the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and calls upon the General Secretariat to implement the special agreement with UNESCO on Palestinian Territories and Palestine Affairs.
4. Urges the General Secretariat and Member States to provide material assistance in implementation of the content of the Final Communiqué of the 3rd Extraordinary Islamic Summit on the contribution of one dollar by every Muslim, alongside the contributions of Member States, to enable the Palestinian people face Israeli challenges and schemes aimed at obliterating religious landmarks in the Holy City of Al‑ Quds, and reaffirms the need for extending all sorts of support and assistance to the Palestinian Arab residents of Al‑Quds Al‑Sharif to enable them to refurbish their houses, support their steadfastness and protect Islamic shrines in Al-Quds Al‑Sharif from demolition and waste.
5. Strongly condemns the threats by Israel and the Jewish extremists to attack and desecrate the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and deplores strongly the statements made by the Israeli President calling for the division of the Holy Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Stresses that these threats to divide the Holy Al-Quds Mosque affirm the direct official support of the Israeli authorities for the process of Judaization of Al-Quds, of altering its religious, cultural, and political character in order to complete the plan to Judize the city by surrounding it internally and externally with settlements, and to perfect its control on it by building annexation and separation walls.
6. Strongly condemns Israel for the construction of the separation wall, the so-called Jerusalem Envelope that seeks to isolate the City of Al-Quds by severing it from its Arab‑Palestinian environment and judaizing it through the obliteration of its historical, cultural and civilizational features.
7. Requests Member States to coordinate and intensify their efforts in the various international fora to prevent the implementation of the Israeli scheme for partitioning the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al‑Khalil, to ensure access to it for Muslim worshippers and preserve the integrity of the Ibrahimi Enclosure as a Mosque for Muslims only as it has been through the ages.
8. Calls on Member States to ensure the restoration of the old town in Al‑Khalil as well as the remaining Islamic relics and shrines on the Palestinian lands to safeguard the heritage and culture of this historic city and its resident Palestinian families in an effort to counter Jewish colonization.
9. Strongly denounces and decries the dredging by the Zionist entity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, leading to the fall of a large section of the Mosque’s fence on the Western Gate, also condemns Israel for denying the Palestinians access to their places of worship in Al-Quds and for its attempt to interfere in the Islamic Waqf (Endowment) matters and prevent the repair of sanctuaries and calls on the international community and international rights bodies to condemn these Israeli acts which are in breach of international law and force Israel (the occupying forces) to stop them forthwith.
Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
SUBSIDIARY ORGANS
ON SUBSIDIARY ORGANS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Having considered the reports submitted by the Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), Secretary General of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, Chairman of the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund;
Having considered also with appreciation the different activities that have been undertaken by these organs;
A) Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA, Istanbul)
1. Expresses its appreciation of the accomplishments of the Centre and commends the progress made in the fields of research, publication and promotion of scholarly studies on various subjects, holding a number of scientific symposia, cultural lectures, exhibitions in fields of its concern in the Centre's headquarters and in the Member States; notes with appreciation that the Centre realised many projects in cooperation with cultural and academic institutions in the member states and worldwide;
2. Notes with appreciation the decision taken by the Coordination Meeting of the OIC Institutions for the implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action held in Jeddah on 5 March 2006 which requests IRCICA to continue deploying efforts to activate dialogue among civilizations through its research, publications and congresses and by emphasizing the values of Islam; organize cultural forums and participate in regional and international activities towards promoting the collective interests of the Muslim world; actively participate in the collaborative projects aimed at revising the European textbooks with regard to their treatment of the histories of Muslim nations;
3. Expresses its gratitude to the OIC Member States for having taken part actively in the "Islamic Countries Cultural Week" which was organised by the Centre on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, on 22-28 November 2005, with the support of the Municipality of Istanbul, and lauds the multifarious events which made of it a cultural festival of the Muslim world as well as the introductory publication which was issued on this occasion;
4. Commends the project of IRCICA to organise a Conference on the waqf institution which would not only deal with historical aspects of the waqf but also the concept itself in light of contemporary needs and explore the possibility of its application in the modern world;
5. Underlines the importance of the Centre's efforts in defining new horizons for its future activities, in particular with respect to correcting the accusations associating Islam and the Muslim world with violence and terrorism, and requests the Centre to take up this issue and make every effort to improve the image of Islam in the West and cooperate with other international organisations around the world to organise activities such as symposia directed to this aim; and commends in this regard IRCICA for drawing up a study centred on the protection of Islamic culture and heritage against the negative effects of globalization and the presentation of the Islamic view of cultural diversity
6. Welcomes the new project of the Centre aimed to publish a critical edition of the Mushaf (Quran copy) that is attributed to the third caliph, Othman bin Afan and points out the importance of surveying and compiling bibliographies of translations of the meanings of the Holy Quran that are found in the form of manuscript and printed copies;
7. Commends the efforts taken by IRCICA to conduct a feasibility study aiming to document and classify archaeological and historical Islamic sites and monuments in the Member States, build a data bank of these sites and monuments, and invites the Member States and the private sector to extend possible means for financing the project;
8. Praises the initiative of the Centre in establishing the «Prince Faisal bin Fahd Award for the Preservation of Islamic Cultural Heritage» dedicated to the memory of the late Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz and for having launched the first competition which is devoted to architectural heritage and entitled the «Prince Faisal bin Fahd Award for the Preservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage»;
9. Praises the launching by IRCICA of a comprehensive program of seminars and workshops to be devoted to the cultural and architectural heritage of Al-Quds and Palestine to be organized jointly with the University of Al-Quds, as well as the convening of the Advisory Committee of experts which met on 20-21 February 2006 and drew the program guidelines and calendar, and the preparations to hold the first symposium of the program in November 2006;
10. Lauds the continuation of the efforts made within the Crafts Development Program conducted in various OIC countries in terms of seminars and exhibitions aimed at raising awareness on this important development sector, and commends the steps taken until now by IRCICA and the Supreme Commission for Tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to organize an International Conference on Tourism and Handicrafts in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between 16-23 Shawwal 1427H (7-14 November 2006) which will cover a variety of different relevant topics along with live performance of artisans of the Muslim world and exhibitions of master pieces of handicrafts;
11. Takes note with appreciation of IRCICA's project to organize an International Symposium on "Islamic Civilization in Southern Africa" in cooperation with the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa and the University of Johannesburg, on 1-3 September 2006, which will be the first of its kind to be held in the region;
12. Welcomes the project of the Centre to organize the third symposium on "Islamic Civilisation in the Balkans" in Bucharest, Romania, in cooperation with the University of Bucharest, on 1-5 November 2006;
13. Notes with appreciation the Centre’s project to hold the First International Symposium on “Islamic Civilisation in Central Asia” in Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2007;
14. Welcomes IRCICA's proposal to organize a second International Symposium on “Islamic Civilization in West Africa" in cooperation with the Republic of Mali under the high patronage of President Amadou Toumani Toure;
15. Welcomes the announcement of the seventh international calligraphy competition organised in the name of Iraqi master of calligraphy Hashim al-Baghdadi (1917-1973) with a ceremony held during the Second Sharjah Calligraphy Biennale, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of H.E. the Secretary General of the OIC;
16. Praises the initiative of IRCICA towards the Süleymaniye Book Hospital Project as a joint project of the Centre, UNESCO and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, for which a further follow-up process was undertaken during the UNESCO Executive Board Meeting held in Paris between 3-7 April 2006, which comes within the context of the cooperation of IRCICA with the international agencies in its capacity as a focal point for OIC-UN cooperation in the field of arts, crafts and promotion of heritage;
17. Takes note of the successful organisation of the second international symposium on "Islamic Civilization in Volga-Ural Region" in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, on 24-26 June 2005, under the patronage of H.E. Mintimer Shaimiev, President of Tatarstan, jointly with academic institutions of the Russian Federation and Tatarstan, and other contributions of the Centre to the 1000th anniversary of Kazan city, and expresses its appreciation of the medal presented by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan to the Director General of IRCICA in recognition of these contributions;
18. Takes note of the successful organization of the international congress on "Bilad al-Sham during the Ottoman Period" which was held in Damascus, Syria on 26-30 September 2005, under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Bashar AI-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic;
19. Expresses its thanks and appreciation to the host country of IRCICA (the Republic of Turkey) and all the Member States, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (host country of OIC) for the material and moral support they are extending to IRICICA, thus enabling it to fulfill its mission;
20. Expresses its thanks to the Member States which regularly pay their contributions to IRCICA's budget and invites the other countries to do so and settle their arrears to IRCICA's budget.
B) The Islamic Fiqh Academy
1. Commends the outstanding performance of the Secretary-General of the Islamic Fiqh Academy (IFA) and his effective role in the service of IFA and of intellectual causes of Muslims. Commends also the achievements of the staff of the IFA General Secretariat since the 28th Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural, and Social Affairs (ICECS).
2. Expresses its deep gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for his gracious call launched during the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (ISC) held in Mecca Al-Mukarramah on 5-8 December 2005, and inviting the Islamic Fiqh Academy (IFA) in its new era to assume a proactive role in combating extremism and promoting moderation, in addition to emphasizing the importance of reforming the Academy so as to provide a jurisprudential Fiqh authority for the Muslim world.
3. Expresses its thanks to the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) for the importance he is according to the Islamic Fiqh Academy (IFA) and for bringing together an elite of eminent scholars from inside and outside the Islamic Fiqh Academy (IFA) Arabia in order to prepare a detailed study designed to develop the work of the Academy in implementation of the resolution of the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (ISC) held in Mecca Al-Mukarramah.
4. Commends the academic achievements of the Islamic Fiqh Academy and its interpretive judgments on new issues in all fields of contemporary jurisprudential Fiqh issues, taking into account the historically required adaptation, in accordance with the noble Islamic Sharia, particularly the Islamic Thought Forum, which brings together an elite of eminent scholars from inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a view to combating Islamophobia and promoting the true image of Islam
5. Thanks the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Charitable and Humanitarian Relief Foundation for its support of the work of the Islamic Fiqh Academy (IFA) by funding The Encyclopedia of Jurisprudential Rules, which is in its final stages of revision and proofreading. Thanks also the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the World Forum for the Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (WFPIST) in the Islamic Republic of Iran for their consistent support of the project on The Encyclopedia of Economic Jurisprudence.
6. Commends the outstanding level of IFA academic publications and the issues and studies they cover in response to the needs and aspirations of the Islamic Ummah as well as its civilizational, intellectual, and scientific challenges, particularly The IFA Journal, up to Volume XV (48 Issues), in addition to the IFA publication of its journal and research studies on CD Rom.
7. Thanks the Member States which have paid their contributions to the IFA budget; renews its call on Member States that have not done so to settle their contributions; and recommends Member States to continue to support the IFA in order to enable it to fulfill its mission in the service of the Islamic Ummah and its vital causes.
8. Appeals to the Member States of the Organization that have yet to join the Academy to do so as soon as possible, so as to enable it to achieve its noble objectives and work in cooperation with all the Member States to promote the goals of providing them with the necessary guidelines, Fatwas, and jurisprudential rulings, as well as implementing whatever projects it can execute in their programmed activities; and recommends also H.E. the IFA Secretary-General to make the necessary contacts in order to urge those Islamic countries to join the Academy. C) Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf
1. Expresses its determination to safeguard this important Islamic organ, which is considered a truly honorable icon of Islamic solidarity.
2. Expresses its deep concern over the low-level of donations received by the ISF during the financial year 2004/2005 and appeals to all the Member States to commit themselvels to making annual contributions commensurate with their financial resources in favour of the budget of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) as well as the ISF Waqf Endowment.
3. Expresses its appreciation to the Member States that have made donations to the ISF and its Waqf during the Financial Year 2004/2005, particularly the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the Republic of Tunisia.
4. Endorses the approval by the ISF Permanent Council of the ISF Closing Accounts for the financial year 2003/2004 and of the ISF Estimated Budget for the financial year 2004/2005 to the tune of USD 11,350,000.00.
5. Requests the Member States to consider the possibility of allocating a plot of land at a strategic location in one of their major economic city centres in favour of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) so as to enable it to carry out Waqf projects in order to boost its budget.
6. Requests also the Member States to consider the possibility of allocating a percentage of institutional company shares for subscription in the name of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) provided this is considered a gift from the Member State in support of the ISF.
7. Calls on the Overseers Board of the ISF Waqf Endowment to design a comprehensive work plan on ways and means to develop ISF resources in line with the spirit of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action to Face the Challenges of the Twenty-First Century. 8. Appeals to the Secretary-General of the organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to arrange donor sessions to announce donation pledges in favour of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) during the 33rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM). 9. Urges the ISF Permanent Council to continue to provide assistance in favour of Islamic cultural and educational projects around the Muslim world while paying particular attention to projects launched under the provisions of Islamic Summit and Foreign Ministerial Conferences. 10. Expresses its appreciation to the ISF for its commendable efforts in the areas of funding and supervision of the reconstruction projects in favour of the Islamic Centre in Guinea Bissau (the Islamic Solidarity Centre). 11. Expresses its thanks and appreciation to the ISF Permanent Council and its Chairman as well as the ISF Executive Bureau for the efforts they are all exerting in order to achieve the ISF objectives. 12. In view of the restructuring taking place in the current phase of the ISF through the preparation of a comprehensive study by experts charged to strengthen and develop the Fund in the framework of the Ten-Year Programme of Action, agrees to reelect the Member States whose names are listed hereunder with effect from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2010:
13. Recognizes the importance of developing the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) as contained in the OIC 10-Year Programme of Action (POA). In this regard it appreciates the measures taken by the Secretary General of OIC and requests for expedition of this process. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the subjects relating to the Subsidiary Organs and submit a report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM).
SPECIALIZED INSTITUTIONS
ON SPECIALIZED INSTITUTIONS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the Resolutions and Recommendations adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences, the Standing Committees and other relevant Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Putrajaya, October 2003) and the 32nd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Sana’a, June 2005);
Taking note with great appreciation of the outstanding report presented by the representative of the Director General of ISESCO to the 29th Session of the Committee, which contains details of projects, programmes and activities implemented by ISESCO in the period between the 28th Session and the 29th Session for the benefit of Member States and Islamic communities;
Commending the projects and programmes formulated by ISESCO as part of the Ten-Year Programme of Action to Meet the Challenges Facing the Muslim Ummah in the 21st Century in the fields of education, science, culture, communication and information;
Having considered the Report presented by the Islamic Committee of the Islamic Crescent on the activities of the Committee;
A) Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)
1. Expresses its appreciation for and satisfaction with the educational, cultural, scientific and informational programmes and activities included in ISESCO Action Plan 2007-2009, which are characterized by innovation, creativity and complementarity in the selection of projects in such a way as to meet the needs and fulfil the aspirations of the Islamic Ummah towards achieving global advancement and enable it to confront the challenges underlined by the Ten-Year Programme of Action approved by the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarammah (December, 2005). 2. Commends the report presented by ISESCO on its participation in the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (Tunis, 16-18 November 2005), lauds the preparatory international and regional Conferences and symposia which ISESCO held in the Member States, as well as the series of colloquia and meetings it jointly held with UNESCO and ALECSO on the occasion of the Summit, and calls on it to continue its efforts in this field. 3. Expresses its appreciation for and satisfaction with the efforts devoted by ISESCO, the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the UNICEF to give success to the First Islamic Ministerial Conference on the Child, convened in Rabat on 7-9 November 2005, adopts its resolutions and recommendations, calls upon the Member States to contribute to their implementation, and appreciates the success achieved by ISESCO in organizing several educational, cultural and scientific activities for the benefit of women, children and youth in the Islamic world. 4. Lauds the activities implemented by ISESCO to promote inter-civilizational dialogue and European, Arab and Islamic cooperation, highlight the Islamic approach, redress the image of Islam in the West and counter the campaigns waged by some Western media against Islam and its sanctities, especially after the 11 September events. The Committee praises the good organization of these activities and the academic and scholarly standard of the participants, commends the Conferences and meetings held by ISESCO for the benefit of the Presidents of Islamic associations and cultural centres in Europe, Latin America and Asia, and calls upon it to pursue its efforts at Islamic and international arenas to enhance alliance among civilizations. It also thanks ISESCO for drawing up a study centred on the protection of Islamic culture and heritage against the negative effects of globalization and the presentation of the Islamic view of cultural diversity and ways to deal with international changes. 5. Reaffirms its appreciation for the distinguished performance of the Director General of ISESCO and the leading, constant efforts he deploys to effect cooperation between ISESCO and the international organizations, and lauds the privileged position occupied by the Organization under his patronage in the international arena through establishing an extensive network of cooperation relations, which resulted in the implementation of hundreds of joint programmes, thus contributing to expanding the Organization’s action, strengthening its credibility and international prestige, and enabling it to gain important additional financial resources and to contribute efficiently to the civilizational edifice of the Muslim Ummah as well as to the achievement of its comprehensive development. 6. Expresses its utmost appreciation for the report submitted by ISESCO on its efforts to preserve the identity of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its holy places, support Palestinian educational, cultural and scientific institutions and protect them against any attempt at demolition, obliteration and judaization, lauds its initiative to hold the Third International Conference on the Protection of Islamic and Christian Sanctities in Palestine (Kuwait City, September 2006), calls upon ISESCO to carry on with its successful efforts to support the educational and scientific institutions in the Member States, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Azerbaijan and the Islamic countries hit by natural disasters, and urges Member States and donor institutions to contribute to the support and rehabilitation of these institutions within the framework of ISESCO’s relevant activities. 7. Extends sincere appreciation and gratitude to the State of Kuwait for having agreed to host the Third Islamic Conference of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministers (Kuwait City, September 2006), and welcomes the decision of the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers entrusting ISESCO with the organization of the Conference in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. 8. Praises the distinguished academic and organizational contributions of ISESCO to holding numerous international Conferences in the fields of science, technology, informatics, renewable energy, the preservation of natural resources, the alleviation of disasters’ effects and the development of scientific research, and invites it to continue devoting attention to these areas that are vital for the future of the Ummah. 9. Expresses its great appreciation to ISESCO for the activities it has implemented on the occasion of the celebration of Makkah al-Mukarammah as capital of Islamic culture for the year 2005, and lauds the programmes and activities it is implementing as part of the celebration of Isfahan, Aleppo and Timbuktu as capitals of Islamic culture for the year 2006. It praises as well the cultural and educational weeks that ISESCO has organized in the Member States and in the European countries having Muslim communities. 10. Welcomes the conclusions and recommendations of the committee of Muslim experts set up by ISESCO to contribute to the restoration and maintenance of Iraqi damaged archaeological monuments, and supports its action programme designed to intervene directly in Iraq in coordination with the Member States and in cooperation with the competent authorities in the Iraqi Government and other international actors. The Committee invites Member States and the donor parties to contribute to ISESCO Fund for the Preservation of Iraqi Cultural Heritage and to cooperate closely and coordinate their efforts with a view to combating the smuggling of Iraqi archaeological artefacts and assisting in the restoration of despoiled objects to Iraqi museums. 11. Lauds ISESCO’s initiative to host the meeting of the United Nations/OIC Focal Points in its new headquarters in Rabat on 11-13 July 2006, which is going to be held for the first time outside the premises of the United Nations and in an Islamic country. 12. Takes pride in the construction of the permanent headquarters of ISESCO in Rabat, which His Royal Highness Prince Rachid, inaugurated on 3 May 2006, on behalf of His Majesty King Mohamed VI, expresses its profound gratitude and thanks to the leaders of the Islamic world and the prominent personalities of the Muslim Ummah who made donations to ISESCO to contribute to the construction of its headquarters in Rabat, and expresses its appreciation for the unrelenting, fruitful efforts and contacts made by Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, the Director General of ISESCO, to secure financial support for the construction of the Organization’s permanent headquarters, as well as for his personal supervision of the works of this great civilizational edifice that embodies Islamic solidarity and represents a symbol of civilizational radiance. The Committee praises also the rapid execution and high quality of the construction works and the rational expenditure thereon. 13. Supports the programme of ISESCO’s Ambassadors for Dialogue among Cultures and Civilizations, and welcomes the approval of His Excellency Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Royal Highness Prince al-Hassan bin Talal and His Excellency Dr. Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow, ex-Director General of UNESCO, to be ISESCO’s Ambassadors for Dialogue among Cultures and Civilizations. 14. Lauds the activities implemented by ISESCO’s Delegations, Centres and Regional Offices in Sharjah, Tehran, Ndjamena, Moroni and Moscow, and welcomes ISESCO’s initiative to open new offices and delegations in Paris (at UNESCO’s headquarters) and Vienna (Austria) to give more attention to Muslim communities in the West. 15. Expresses its deep appreciation, thanks and gratitude to His Excellency the Tunisian President Mr. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali for kindly patronizing and hosting the international symposium “Human Civilizations and Cultures: from Dialogue to Alliance” which ISESCO held over the period from 30 January to 1 February 2006 in the Republic of Tunisia, the land of cultural interaction and the crossroads of civilizations, in which the Carthage Charter for Tolerance and the Tunis Call for Dialogue among Civilizations were issued. The Committee calls upon the Member States to contribute to the implementation of the symposium’s decisions and recommendations, and adopts the Tunis Declaration, issued by the symposium which was attended by the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and distinguished politicians, thinkers and intellectuals from around the world. 16. Expresses its pride to see the Director General of ISESCO receiving high decorations and medals awarded to him by a number of Islamic world leaders in appreciation of his outstanding efforts to support joint Islamic action, promote the educational, scientific and cultural action in the Islamic world and develop ISESCO to become one of the great international organizations active in civilizational edification areas. 17. Thanks the Member States that have paid their contributions to the budget of ISESCO, invites Member States that have arrears or have not paid yet their contributions to the ISESCO budget to honour their financial commitments so as to enable the Organization to implement its educational, scientific and cultural programmes and projects that are highly important for joint Islamic action, and urges Member States that have not joined ISESCO yet to hasten to do so and actively take part in the Organization’s projects and programmes. 18. Expresses its deep gratitude and thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister, for the generous support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the programmes and activities carried out by ISESCO with regard to the teaching of Arabic language and Islamic culture, dialogue among civilizations and redressing the image of Islam, reactivation of cultural institutions in Iraq and for the benefit of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 19. Expresses its sincerest gratitude and thanks to the Kingdom of Morocco (Seat Country) and to its Sovereign, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for kindly patronizing several ISESCO’s activities in Morocco, for addressing messages to the participants therein, as well as for the constant support extended by His Majesty’s Government to ISESCO to help it fulfil its mission in the best conditions. The Committee thanks His Majesty also for charging His Royal Highness Prince Rachid to preside over the inauguration ceremony of ISESCO’s permanent headquarters in Rabat on 3 May 2006. B) Islamic Committee of the International Crescent
1. Urges the Member States which have not yet signed or ratified the Agreement of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent to do so as soon as possible so as to enable it to carry out its tasks and realize its noble objectives. Invites all Member States and Islamic institutions to extend material and moral support to the Committee so that it may implement its programmes.
2. Calls on the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent to exert efforts regarding refugees and prisoners of war and provide for their care and protection in collaboration with the UN High Commissioner’s Office for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Crescent and other relevant regional and international organizations.
3. Expresses its profound thanks to the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for extending support and facilities to the Committee.
4. Expresses its utmost thanks to the Republic of Niger for hosting the 21st Session of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent, held in Niamey on 20-21 January 2006.
5. Expresses also its sincere thanks to the ISF for extending support to the Committee and appeals to the ISF to continue extending further support to it.
6. Expresses its sincere thanks to the Republic of Yemen and the Union of Comoros for ratifying the ICIC Agreement.
7. Calls upon Member States and concerned Islamic institutions to contribute to the realization of the programme of the Republic of Senegal to remove landmines in the region of Casamance.
Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
AFFILIATED ORGANS
ON AFFILIATED ORGANS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session on Harmony of Rights, Freedoms and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from 23 – 25 Jumadul Awwal 1427H (19-21 June, 2006);
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the 32nd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Having also considered the resolutions adopted by the 4th Meeting of the General Assembly of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, and those adopted by the previous sessions of the Executive Committee, in particular, the 11th Session held in Jeddah, 18-19 March, 2006 and the report submitted by the Secretary General of the Federation on different activities;
Having considered the report submitted by the World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the matter;
A) Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation
1. Hails the future activities to be organized by the ISSF within its programs for 2006-2007 particularly the 2nd Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers.
2. Congratulates the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee for being awarded the Prince Sultan Bin Fahd Trophy for Sport Excellence as it won the first position in the final ranking of the 1st Islamic Solidarity Games.
3. Welcomes the organization of the 2nd Islamic Solidarity Games in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2009 and to express its thanks and appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting those Games. It also encourages all the OIC member countries to participate in 2nd Islamic Solidarity Games and exert every effort to realize their participation as a means of attaining the ISSF goals serving the youth of the Muslim Ummah.
4. Expresses its appreciation to the Organizing Committee of the 2nd Islamic Solidarity Games in Tehran for including special needs sports in the Games program and paying attention to this sport category.
5. Approves the decisions adopted by the 1st Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers, particularly the decision entrusting the ISSF General Secretariat with preparing a Draft Strategy and Plan of Action for Youth Sports Activities in collaboration with the OIC General Secretariat, the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and other relevant Islamic bodies.
6. Presents its thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Fahd Bin Abdulaziz, ISSF President, for the great attention he is paying to all sports issues of the sons of the Muslim Ummah, particularly those related to sports medicine and anti-doping campaigns.
7. Calls upon Member States to observe their obligations with the ISSF and settle the outstanding annual subscription fees by the respective countries so that it may be able to carry on its programs.
8. Encourages Member States to pay more attention to the ISSF programmes by providing it with every possible support and participating effectively in its activities.
9. Recommends both the Islamic States Broadcasting organization (ISBO) and International Islamic News Agency (IINA) to establish coordination with the ISSF with a view to promote its news, highlight its activities and cast the lights on its programmes and plans.
10. Presents thanks to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the permanent financial and material support provided for the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation.
11. Thanks the General Secretariat of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation for its efforts towards the successful implementation of all the ISSF plans and programmes as well as its untiring cooperation with all member National Olympic Committees.
B) World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools
1. Recommends further the General Secretariat, Islamic organizations and institutions, Islamic Solidarity fund, and the Islamic Development Bank to support the Plans and Projects of the World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools and to extend to it all possible assistance for their implementation.
2. Recommends the continuing support for holding Training Sessions for Teachers of Arabic language and Islamic Culture in Asia, Africa, Central Asia and the Balkans.
3. Recommends also the contribution for printing the manual for teaching Arabic to non‑Arabic speakers which has been prepared by the Federation, and to its distribution among Muslim children by establishing a Printing press for the Federation at its headquarters as well as other Printing Presses in central locations in the Islamic States in order to facilitate its distribution and the benefit derived from it in those States and among Islamic countries.
4. Invites the IDB to continue its contribution to printing books for Afghan children, and the Arabic language book for non-Arabic young people in needy states.
5. Requests support for the Open Complementary Studies Institute in Khartoum so that it may continue its activities as well as the N’djamena Teachers Institute in Chad by providing each one of them with a Printing press to meet their needs in terms of text‑books and other publications. 6. Recommends supporting the project of the World Examinations' Council for the Arab‑Islamic Schools which has been established by the Federation, in collaboration with the League of Islamic Universities and the Muslim World League, and which aims at placing the examinations of the private Islamic schools under the supervision of well‑known Islamic Universities.
C) Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation
1. Expresses appreciation to the Government of Turkey which provided office premises for the Head-Quarters of the ICYF-DC in Istanbul World Trade Center thus fulfilling its commitment under the Resolution 3/32-C adopted by the 32nd session of the ICFM held in Sana, Yemen on 28-30 June 2005 . 2. Appreciates the support by the Government of Azerbaijan in providing an opportunity for the presentation of the youth activities of the ICYF-DC at the side of the 33rd session of the ICFM held in Baku on 19-21 June2006
3. Invites the Member States to support the ICYF-DC and to encourage their youth organizations to actively participate in and contribute to the Forum’s work aimed at intellectual development of and solidarity among the youth of the OIC countries.
4. Calls upon the Member States, the OIC subsidiary organs, specialized and affiliated institutions as well as other Islamic institutions to support the activities of the ICYF- DC, to provide voluntary financial contribution toward the ICYF-DC’s annual budget and to coordinate, where possible their work in the field of youth with the ICYF-DC.
5. Expresses the assurance that cooperation between the ICYF-DC and the United Nations Organization and its appropriate organs and agencies, especially the United Nations Children Fund, the UN Special Unit for South-South Cooperation and UNESCO will have the effect of further strengthening the capacities of the ICYF.
6. Endorses cooperation between the ISESCO and the ICYF-DC in the areas of promoting intellectual development of youth of the OIC countries and dialogue among civilizations; as well as cooperation between the Government of Kuwait , the IDB and the ICYF-DC in the field of capacity building of youth and promotion of youth tourism in the OIC countries and welcomes the presentation of this initiative at the 5th Session of Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers to be held in Baku on 11-12 September 2006
7. Requests the Secretary General to closely cooperate with the ICYF on the issues of youth policy and to recognize the ICYF-DC as major partner of the OIC vis-à-vis implementation of the OIC 10-year Programme of Action in the field of youth related activities and to submit annual reports on the Forum’s activities to the next session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matters of affiliated institutions and report thereon to 34th Session of ICFM. |
