Statement by the Islamic conference of foreign ministers

On the occasion of the inauguration of the human rights council on

19 JUNE 2006

          We the Foreign Ministers of OIC Member and Observer States,

          Reaffirming the commitment of the Member States of the Organization of the Islamic conference to the promotion and protection of human rights in accordance with the:

(a)              Purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the Untied Nations Charter,

(b)              Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action as well as other human rights instruments,

Recalling all the relevant declarations and resolutions adopted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference,

          Reaffirming the Makkah Declaration adopted by Third Extra-ordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference Declarations of the Organization of the Islamic Conference which reiterated that the purport of the lofty essence of Islam was to combat the darkness of ignorance, oppression and tyranny and promote the light of truth, justice, developing sciences and knowledge and peaceful coexistence for the benefit of all humanity,

1.                 Express our rejoice at the occasion of the inauguration of the Human Rights Council today in Genève as a subsidiary organ of the United Nations General Assembly;

2.                 Reaffirm our full solidarity and firm commitment to contribute towards effective functioning of the Council for promotion and protection of all human rights;

3.                 Reaffirm further the significance of national and regional particularities, various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds;

4.                 Emphasize the importance of following principles in the work of the Human Rights Council;

(a)              Universality, objectivity and non-selectivity in the consideration of all human rights issues and the elimination of double standards and politicization.

(b)              Cooperation and genuine dialogue to strengthen the capacity of states to comply with their human rights obligations.

(c)              Efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, cultures and religions by promoting tolerance, respect for and freedom of religion and belief.

OIC/33-ICFM/2006/DEC

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(d)              Recognize the work undertaken by the Commission on Human Rights and the need to preserve and build on its achievements and to redress its shortcomings.

(e)              Avoid the shortcomings of the Commission on Human Rights especially abuse of country – specific agenda which is the root cause of politicization and confrontation.

(f)               Affirm our firm commitment to work in cooperation and dialogue with the international community to steer the work of the Human Rights Council for promotion and protection all human rights in an effective manner.