ISLAMABAD (UNAOIC) – The Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) emphasized their support for the issues of Palestine and Kashmir, reaffirming unequivocal support for the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including non-use of force, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and pacific settlement of disputes.
This came in the “Islamabad Declaration” issued at the end of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC, which concluded its work today, Wednesday, in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
The OIC Foreign Ministers re-emphasized the centrality of the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif for the Muslim Ummah, reaffirming their principled and continued all-level support to the Palestinian people to regain their inalienable legitimate national rights, including their right to self-determination and the independence of the State of Palestine along the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
They stressed their duty to protect the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes in accordance with UN General Assembly resolution 194 and to unequivocally counter any denial of these rights.
The Foreign Ministers renewed their unwavering solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed full support for their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the OIC, and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
They also reiterated rejection of India’s illegal and unilateral actions since August 5, 2019, aimed at altering the demographic composition of the occupied territory, suppressing the realization of the inalienable right of self-determination of the Kashmiris, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and international law including the 4th Geneva Convention.
Welcoming the end of the armed conflict between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, the OIC Foreign Ministers reaffirmed full solidarity with the government and people of Azerbaijan in their efforts to rehabilitate and reconstruct the liberated territories severely affected by the Armenian aggression with a view to enabling the earliest safe and dignified return of IDPs.
They also condemned the terrorist attacks and aggressions against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and welcomed the adoption by the UN Security Council of its resolution 2624.
They reaffirmed the OIC’s firm support for the countries of the Sahel region which have been overwhelmed by the climate crisis, crop failures, terrorism, internal displacements, and political uncertainty; and called on the OIC Member States to undertake effective actions to support the implementation of the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel.
Referring to the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation arising from the conflict in Ukraine, the OIC Foreign Ministers reiterated their unequivocal support for the universal and consistent application of the principles of the UN Charter, including non-use of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and pacific settlement of disputes, to preserve and build international peace and security, to ensure equal security for all States and respect for International Humanitarian Law.
Having deliberated on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine at the 48th Session, the Foreign Ministers called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life and ensure that the humanitarian crisis does not worsen in Ukraine. they stress the need for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure safe movement of civilians from active conflict zones and the provision of humanitarian supplies.
They urged both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue with the purpose of finding a solution to the present conflict and expressed the willingness of OIC member states to support and facilitate the dialogue process between all sides, if requested.
They also underscored strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Afghanistan, affirming their abiding solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and expressing the confidence that the resilient Afghan people will continue to steer their country on the path to progress and prosperity.
While recognizing that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan can only be assured through formation of a comprehensive, broad-based and inclusive government with the participation of all Afghan ethnicities, they underlined the importance of full respect for the human rights of all Afghans, including women, children and persons belonging to ethnic, religious and cultural minorities.
They commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for convening and Pakistan for hosting the 17th Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad, on 19 December 2021, to mobilize humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan.
They also welcomed the operationalization of the Humanitarian Trust Fund during the 48th CFM, and in this regard appreciated the pivotal role of the Islamic Development Bank.
The OIC Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that the territory of Afghanistan is not used as a platform or safe haven by any terrorist group.
They strongly condemned the atrocities perpetrated against the Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar, calling for urgent action to uphold their basic rights, end their targeting and stigmatization and for the Government of Myanmar to allow and facilitate their return, in safety, security and dignity.
The OIC Foreign Ministers expressed deep concern over the rising trend of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred and strongly condemned all attempts to denigrate the sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Islamic Symbols, to inflame sentiments of Muslims across the world, and to foment inter-cultural divisions and tensions.
They welcomed the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and called on OIC Member States, and the international community to raise awareness at all levels in countering Islamophobia, building a better understanding of Islam and its precepts, and fostering a message of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and inter-faith and cultural harmony among all religions, races, and nations.
They also welcomed the decision by the OIC to appoint a Special Envoy of the Secretary General on Islamophobia, to lead a collective effort and institutional engagement with the international community.
