42nd Session of OIC CFM – Resolutions

42nd Session of OIC CFM – Resolutions

The 42nd Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) was held in Kuwait on 27-28 May 2015. Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on National security and Foreign Affairs led Pakistan delegation to the 42nd CFM.

Following resolutions of interest to Pakistan were adopted by the 42nd Session of OIC CFM:
Jammu and Kashmir Dispute (8/42-POL);
Peace Process between India and Pakistan(9/42-POL);
Safeguarding the Rights of Muslim Communities in non-OIC Member Countries ((1/42-MM);
Economic Assistance to Muslim communities in non-OIC Member Countries (4/42-E); and
Protection of Islamic Holy Places (2/42-C)
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OIC Resolution No. 8/42-POL On the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute

The Forty Second Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, (Session of Joint Vision to Strengthen Tolerance and Reject Terrorism), held in Kuwait, State of Kuwait, from 9 to 10 Sha’ban 1436H (27-28 May 2015),

Reaffirming the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the UN Charter regarding the importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and recalling the UN resolutions relevant to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute which remain unimplemented,

Recalling the Special Declarations on Jammu and Kashmir adopted by the 7th, 10th and 11th Sessions of the Islamic Summit Conference and the Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summits held in Casablanca in 1994 and Islamabad in 1997 and all previous OIC resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as well as the reports of the Ministerial and Summit Meetings of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir and
endorsing the recommendations contained therein,

Expressing concern at the alarming increase in the indiscriminate use of force and gross violations of human rights committed against the innocent Kashmiris and regretting that India had not allowed the OIC Fact Finding Mission to visit Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir or responded favorably to the offer of a Good Offices made by the OIC,

Taking note of the report of Mr. Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Summary or Arbitrary Execution presented during the 23rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council expressing concern at the extra judicial execution, enforced disappearances, death due to excessive use of force, fake encounters, 2700 unmarked graves containing 2493 and wild ranging powers to the armed forces in respect of using lethal force in various instances,

Regretting the travel restrictions imposed on the Kashmiri leadership due to non-issuance of travel documents,

Noting with regret the Indian attempt to malign the legitimate Kashmiri freedom struggle by denigrating it as terrorism and appreciating that the Kashmiris condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,

Expressing the hope for an early resumption of the dialogue between India and Pakistan,

Further expressing the hope that the dialogue between Pakistan and India will be substantive and result-oriented in addressing all outstanding issues including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir,

Acknowledging that the Kashmiris are the principal party to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and that they must be associated with the Pakistan-India dialogue process,

Regretting the unilateral Indian decision to cancel the Foreign Secretary-level Talks scheduled on 25 August 2014, in Islamabad, on the pretext of the meeting of the High Commissioner of Pakistan with the Representatives of the Kashmir people in New Delhi, which is a longstanding practice,

Condemning the unprovoked and indiscriminate firing by the Indian security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB) which resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives,

Expressing support for the work of the Special Representative of the OIC Secretary General on Jammu and Kashmir and hoping that it would facilitate the implementation of OIC’s Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and the early settlement of this dispute,

Welcoming the decision of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) in its 6th Session to establish the Standing Mechanism for Monitoring the Human Rights situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) in pursuance of Resolutions 1/40-POL and 8/41-POL adopted by the Council of Foreign Ministers at the 40th and 41st Sessions, respectively,

Further welcoming the visit of the OIC Secretary General to Pakistan on 4-6 August 2014, during which in-depth discussions were held with the Representatives of the Kashmiri people,

1.Calls for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions;

2.Calls upon India to cease forthwith the gross and systematic human rights violations of the Kashmiri people;

3.While welcoming the sentencing of armed personnel involved in Macchil fake encounters calls upon India to conduct similar trials of personnel involved in Pathribal fake encounters of 2000, Kupwara killings of 2005 and 2006, Ganderbal encounters of 2006, Bomai killings of 2009, Shopian killings of 2013, Budgam killings of 2014, Kunan-Poshpora mass rapes and other encounters cases of human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir;

4.Further calls upon India to allow international human rights groups and humanitarian organizations to visit Jammu and Kashmir;

5.Expresses concern at the execution of Mr. Afzal Guru in complete secrecy in Tihar Jail, New Delhi, on 9th February 2013 who was not provided access to adequate legal counsel and dead body of whom was not handed over to the relatives and buried in the jail premises;

6.Affirms that any political process/elections held under foreign occupation cannot be a substitute to the exercise of the right of self-determination by people of Kashmir as provided in the relevant Security Council Resolutions and reaffirmed in the Millennium Declaration of the UN General Assembly;

7.Feels extremely concerned at the sharp increase in attacks on Kashmiri students and their evictions from educational institutes in India;

8.Urges Government of Indian to refrain from attempts aimed at changing the demography of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), including through settling of non state subjects in the state;

9.Expresses deep sympathy for the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir devastated by the floods and appeals to Member States to extend assistance for early rehabilitation of the victims;

10.Feels concerned at the reports of Indian government’s selective approach in assisting flood victims on communal basis and ignoring Muslims on the basis of religion;

11.Supports the ongoing efforts of the Government of Pakistan to seek a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through all possible means including substantive bilateral talks with India in accordance with the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir;

12.Calls for the expeditious implementation of the recommendations contained in the reports of the three OIC Missions led by Ambassador Ezzat Kamel Mufti, Secretary General’s Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir in March 2007, September 2008 and Ambassador Alim in April 2011 and November 2013 to Pakistan and Azad Kashmir to prevail upon India to sincerely strive peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and reciprocate the initiative taken by Pakistan;

13.Urges the Government of India, in the interest of regional peace and security to avail itself of the offer of Good Offices made by the OIC and also allow the OIC Fact Finding Mission to visit the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir;

14.Further urges the Government of India to allow an impartial investigation of unmarked graves in Kashmir and calls for the need to secure the sites of those graves and conduct investigations by impartial forensic experts in order to determine their identities;

15.Calls on the Government of India to maintain peace and tranquility on the LoC and the WB in accordance with the Ceasefire Agreement of 2003;

16.Requests the OIC Secretary General to urge upon the Government of India to remove the restrictions imposed upon the Kashmiri leadership to facilitate their travel abroad;

17.Requests the Standing Mechanism of the OIC IPHRC to submit its regular reports on the Human Rights situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) to the Council of Foreign ministers at its subsequent sessions;

18.Further requests the OIC Secretary General to regularly publish the reports submitted by the Standing Mechanism of the OIC IPHRC on the human rights violations in the Indian-occupied Kashmir;

19.Recommends that Member States continue to coordinate their positions in international fora and mandates the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir to meet regularly on the sidelines of session of the UN General Assembly, the UN Human Rights Council and UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights as well as the OIC Ministerial meetings;

20.Reiterates its recommendation that for a meaningful and effective role in the Kashmir dispute, the Secretary General should dispatch a formal request to the Government of India to facilitate the visit of an OIC Mission to the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir;

21.Decides to consider the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute at the next Session of the CFM;

22.Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit report thereon to the next Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

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OIC Resolution No. 9/42-POL
On the Peace Process between India and Pakistan

The Forty Second Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, (Session of Joint
Vision to Strengthen Tolerance and Reject Terrorism), held in Kuwait, State of Kuwait,
from 9 to 10 Sha’ban 1436H (27-28 May 2015),

Recalling the OIC Summit and Ministerial Resolutions on the Security and Solidarity of Islamic States and the relevant OIC Declarations and Resolutions expressing solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their fundamental human rights, including the right of selfdetermination,

Recognizing the centrality of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir between Pakistan and India and the need for seeking a durable and just solution to the satisfaction of both Pakistan and India as well as the people of Jammu and Kashmir,

Further recognizing the need for early resumption of dialogue process between Pakistan and India, which is a prerequisite for development, peace and stability in South
Asia,

1.Strongly supports the efforts of the Government of Pakistan for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and urges India to resume a meaningful, unconditional and sustained dialogue process with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir,

2.Regrets India’s decision to unilaterally cancel the Foreign Secretary-level Talks scheduled in Islamabad on August 25, 2014,

3.Welcomes the meeting between the Foreign Secretaries of Pakistan held on March 3, 2015, in Islamabad, as a positive development,

4.Supports continuation of various confidence-building measures taken by both Pakistan and India including on peace and security, covering both conventional and non-conventional fields, the promotion of people-to people contacts, cultural exchanges and bilateral trade,

5.Urges the need for both sides to maintain peace and tranquility along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir,

6.Further urges Pakistan and India to maintain Kashmir related CBMs to promote interaction among the Kashmiri people and requests Pakistan and India to consider enhancing the role of UNMOGIP and other impartial observers along both sides of the LoC to further strengthen the existing CBMs as well as those related to the disputed area of Jammu and Kashmir;

7.Calls on India to resolve all disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and river waters on the basis of international legality and past agreements;

8.Calls upon the international community including the United Nations to closely monitor the situation inside the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and counsel early resumption of the dialogue process between Pakistan and India;

9.Requests the Secretary General and the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir to remain seized of the developments of the situation and to submit report thereon to the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

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OIC RESOLUTION No. 1/42-MM ON SAFEGUARDING THE RIGHTS OF MUSLIM COMMUNITIES AND MINORITIES IN NON-OIC MEMBER STATES
The Forty Second Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, (Session of Joint Vision to Strengthen Tolerance and Reject Terrorism), held in Kuwait, State of Kuwait, from 9 to 10 Sha’ban 1436H (27-28 May 2015),

Recalling Resolution No. 1/37-MM adopted by the 37th session of the Conference of Foreign Ministers, and all the resolutions adopted by the Ministerial and Summit Conferences in this regard,

Recalling that, number-wise, Muslim communities and minorities living in non- OIC Member States constitute over one-third of the Muslim Ummah,

Recalling also the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the resolutions adopted by the various sessions of the OIC Summit and CFM Conferences as well as relevant international covenants, declarations, and conventions, in particular those which call for the respect of civil, economic, political, social, cultural, and religious human rights,

Recalling also the UN General Assembly Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief,

Having considered the Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation of Muslim Communities and Minorities (Document No. OIC/CFM-42/2015/MM/SG.REP),

1. Reiterates its commitment to all ministerial resolutions on Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States and calls on Member States to provide assistance to them and to contribute to the settlement of their problems in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries to which they belong, and through cooperation with the governments of these States;

2. Emphasizes the need to respect the rights of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States; alarmed by the problems they face, resulting from discrimination, repression or persecution; and stresses the importance of continued coordination between the Member States in order to find ways to assist them to solve their problems, protect their religious, cultural, civil, political and economic rights and preserve their Islamic identity;

3. Emphasizes that the protection of the rights and identity of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States is primarily the responsibility of the Governments of those States, consistent with the principles of international law;

4. Commends the efforts exerted by the Secretary General in supporting the causes of the Muslim communities in Non-Member States, and urges him to continue those efforts within the framework of the established principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the States to which they belong, in accordance with international law and agreements, and in implementation of the relevant OIC Summit and Ministerial conferences resolutions;

5. Urges the Member States and Muslim institutions in general and, more particularly, the OIC subsidiary, specialized and affiliated institutions, including the IDB and ISESCO, as well as Islamic NGOs to coordinate with the OIC General Secretariat for the extension of further financial and material support and assistance to enable these Muslim communities and minorities to advance in the economic, social and cultural fields and to participate in the progress and development of their countries;

6. Reiterates that education is a legitimate right of every member of society, without any discrimination, in accordance with all relevant international covenants; and calls on the Member States to provide every assistance to support education, including the provision of instructors for the children of Muslim communities, the allocation of scholarships for them to study in schools and universities and inviting Islamic NGOs and civil society organizations to contribute to this endeavor in coordination with the States concerned;

7. Reiterates its calls on the General Secretariat to maintain contacts and continue to engage with Muslim communities in Africa, in implementation of previous Ministerial resolutions, in implementation of previous ministerial resolutions in respect of carrying out field visits to Central Africa, Angola, South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar etc., as soon as possible in order to identify their difficulties and gain information on their conditions; and invites the General Secretariat to continue holding symposia and conferences in countries with Muslim minorities in order to learn of their problems and issues and foster and promote relations between States with Muslim communities and OIC Member States;

8. Follows with deep concern the plight of Muslims in the Central African Republic due to the killing, expulsion and destruction of property they face, referred to by the United Nations Secretary General that ethnic cleansing has become a reality in the country; strongly condemns the shedding of the blood of thousands of innocent citizens and civilians because of their affiliation to Islam; calls on the transitional authorities in Bangui to discharge their duties toward the displaced and refugees fleeing violence and work to ensure their return, and to take necessary measures to protect the Muslims against any violence from the Christian anti-Balaka militia and the ousted President Francois Bozize supporters, and to ensure their civil and religious rights and guarantee religious freedom in the country;

9. Requests the Human Rights Council and relevant institutions to act swiftly in coordination with the African Union and authorities in the Central African Republic to deliver and implement the outcome of the mission of the international fact-finding committee in that country and to urge Central African Republic Government to prosecute those who are responsible in the tragic incidences. Also calls for support of the United Nations Peacekeeping forces to the Central African Republic to commence its mission.

10. Commends the role of the Secretary General in dealing with the crisis in the Central African Republic to coordinate joint international efforts, and the task of H.E. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, the OIC Special Envoy; urges the authorities in the Central African Republic to involve all the concerned parties in the country in the peace process and enhance the Special Envoy’s efforts which aims at restoring security and stability there and create a framework for constructive dialogue and peaceful coexistence among members of the community;

11. Expresses its deep regret over the harassments of, and the arbitrary measures against, the Muslim community in the Republic of Angola, and over the authorities’ destruction of mosque and closure of many of them in various parts of the country. Calls on the Government of the Republic of Angola to review its position towards the Muslim minority and to recognize Islam officially so that the Angolan Muslim community can enjoy its civil and religious rights on an equal basis with other citizens;

12. Expresses deep concern over the growing activity of the extremist Hindu groups against Muslims in India trying to build a Hindu temple on the ruins of the historic Babri Mosque; also expresses concern over the unnecessary delay in determining responsibility for the demolition of the Babri Mosque; and urges the Indian Government to see to it that the Babri Mosque is rebuilt on its original site;

13. Invites the General Secretariat to continue to monitor the situation of Muslims in India and to collect further information on the challenges and difficulties they are facing, politically, socially and economically with a view to offering them the required assistance, and to report on the matter to the next ministerial conference;

14. Urges the Indian Government to take steps to improve the economic conditions of Muslims in India in line with the recommendations of the Sachar Committee Report.

15. Express deep concern over reports regarding ‘Forced Conversion’ of minorities in India by Hindu extremist elements through ‘Ghar Wapsi’ or ‘Home Coming’ campaign and education programmes aimed at obliterating practices and rituals related to other religions and distortion of historic facts.

16. Urges the Government of Sri Lanka to confront the growing manifestations of hostility over the years against the Muslim community in Sri Lanka at the hands of some extremist groups and to take necessary measures to protect them, their properties and their mosques.

17. Expresses satisfaction with the growing relations between the People’s Republic of China and the OIC and with the continued encounters and contacts at all levels, for the exchange of views on the issues related to Muslim Minorities in China and the deepening of these relations between the Islamic world and the People’s Republic of China.

18. Lauds the ongoing efforts of the Secretary General with the Government of Thailand and Muslim community in the south to improve the latter’s conditions by inter-alia, giving them the opportunity to manage their affairs, practice their cultural, linguistic and religions specificities and manage their natural resources, in full respect of the country’s constitution and territorial integrity, consistent with the Joint Communiqué issued by the Government of Thailand and the OIC Secretary General in May 2007.

19. Reiterates its support for the continuation of the peace dialogue process between the Government of Thailand and the representatives of the Muslim community in the Southern Thailand with Malaysia as facilitator, and calls for both parties to carry out necessary confidence building measures towards the commencement of this dialogue, which should have a defined and clear basis to discuss all pending issues concerning them;

20. Calls again on the Government of Thailand to continue its efforts in finding a lasting and just solution to the pending issues, in accordance with the 2007 joint statement of the Government of Thailand and the OIC Secretary General;

21. Reiterates the need to respect the human rights of the Turkish Muslim community in Bulgaria and to return Muslim waqf properties confiscated in previous times; and calls on Muslims in Bulgaria to unite their efforts and work together to enhance the position of their Grand Mufti’s office in furtherance of the interests of Muslims there.

22. Requests the General Secretariat to study the conditions of Muslim communities in the West in order to better understand the current challenges and difficulties they are facing, politically, socially and economically with a view to offering them required assistance.

23. Invites the General Secretariat to follow up the activities of the relevant organizations, regional and international forums so as to keep abreast of developments on the situation of Muslim communities and minorities.

24. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to report hereon to the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

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OIC RESOLUTION No.4/42-E ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE OIC MEMBER STATES, MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN DISPUTED TERRITORIES AND NON-OIC COUNTRIES

The Forty Second Session of the Council of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (Session of joint vision to strengthen tolerance and reject terrorism), held in Kuwait city, State of Kuwait on 9-10 Shaban 1436H (27-28 May 2015),

Recalling the relevant provisions of the Charter of Organization of Islamic Cooperation on enhancing and strengthening the bond of unity and solidarity among Member States,

Pursuant to the Ten Year Programme of Action adopted by the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 7-8 December 2005, particularly the ideals of partnership, mutual assistance and solidarity among the OIC Member States,

Reaffirming the Resolution No.5/41-E adopted by 41th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 18-19 June 2014, with
regard to Economic Assistance to the OIC Member States and Muslim Communities in non-OIC countries.

Being convinced that the development assistance from fellow OIC Member States is meant to support and supplement the national efforts of the needy OIC Member States in solving the most important problems of their socio-economic development,

Recognizing that requests for assistance on the part of the needy OIC Member States are steadily increasing in volume and in scope,

Having considered the Report of the Secretary General,

1. Urges OIC Member States and Financial Institutions to continue to extend all possible assistance to the needy OIC Member States and Muslim Communities in non-OIC countries;

2. Requests OIC Member States to submit, on an annual basis, information on their respective assistance pursuant to this and previous resolutions on this matter.

A. ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO OIC MEMBER STATES

Expressing appreciation for humanitarian and development assistance provided by OIC Member States in the form of capacity building, humanitarian and developmental projects and pursuant to its earlier resolutions,

Noting the growing need for mobilizing external financial and technical support towards addressing the developmental challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, low industrial capacity and infrastructure deficits, among others,

Convinced that development assistance from fellow OIC Member States would underscore Islamic Solidarity and consolidate the growing profile of the OIC as the largest South-South Cooperation platform,

Aware of the need to expand such collaboration to other partners in non-OIC countries within the framework of OIC shared international values and triangular economic cooperation,

1. Commends the various assistance provided by the Government of Malaysia through Malaysian Capacity Building Programme for OIC Countries (CBP4OICC) as evident in successful implementation of the two pilot projects in Mauritania and Sierra Leone as well as the on-going project in Bangladesh, and welcomes the contribution of the other OIC Member States to the programme;

2. Invites the General Secretariat to continue consultations with Government of Malaysia and the IDB for the implementation of next phase of this programme.

A.1. ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN:

Confirming full solidarity of the OIC Member States with the Government and people of Azerbaijan at this very critical time of the country’s history,

Referring to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions regarding this conflict,

Deploring the Armenia-backed aggressive separatism instigated in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by aggression and occupation by Armenia of about 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories and resulted in violent displacement of almost one million Azerbaijani people from their homes, which, as such, resembles the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing,

Conscious of the fact that economic damage inflicted upon Azerbaijan in its territories currently occupied by Armenia already exceeds US$60 billion,

Welcoming and appreciating the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies, United Nations institutions and international organizations,

Emphasizing the fact that despite the efforts and achievements of the Republic of Azerbaijan in solving the problems of Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) and refugees, there is still a need for technical and financial assistance by donor countries and international organizations,

1. Appeals to the Member States, International Community and Islamic Institutions to make available to the Government of Azerbaijan the financial and technical assistance with a view of implementing development projects aimed at improvement of social and living conditions of IDPs;

2. Calls upon the international organizations to continue to support economic and social development activities of Azerbaijan.

B. ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO MUSLIM MINORITIES AND COMMUNITIES IN NON-OIC COUNTRIES

B.1. ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR:

Recalling all previous resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Conference on assistance to the Kashmiri people, particularly Resolution 23/30-E of the Thirtieth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers,

Expressing deep sympathy to the victims, their families and people of Jammu and Kashmir who suffered huge loss of life and socio-economic and environmental damage from the massive earthquake that struck South Asia on 8 October 2005,

Concerned at the reports of Indian government’s selective approach in assisting flood victims on communal basis and ignoring Muslims on the basis of religion,

Also expressing gratitude for the assistance, contributions and pledges of the international community, particularly the Member States for the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the earthquake victims, which reflect the spirit of Islamic solidarity and cooperation to meet the challenges of unprecedented natural disasters,

Acknowledging the interest shown by the Secretary General’s Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador Abdullah Alim in extending financial assistance for development projects in AJK during his to the region in 2013,

Welcoming the Secretary General’s offers of financing development projects in AJK during his visit to Islamabad in 2014,

Further expressing deep appreciation for the assistance extended to the Kashmiris by some Member States and relevant OIC bodies,

1. Calls for expeditiously implementing the recommendations contained in the report of OIC Secretary General’s Special Representative for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the establishment of a Special Trust Fund for the assistance of Kashmiris and focus upon the higher educational needs of the Kashmiri youth through the provision of scholarships to the Kashmiri youth in professional colleges, vocational training and employment generation opportunities;

2. Appeals to Member States and Islamic Institutions, such as the Islamic Solidarity Fund, Islamic Development Bank and Charitable Institutions, to grant generous humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri people whose plight has been aggravated by the devastating earthquake of October 2005;

3. Encourages the international community, particularly donor countries, international financial institutions and relevant international organizations from the Islamic World to continue to provide necessary fund and assistance to support the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction work, in the affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir;

4. Appeals to Member States to contribute, wherever possible, to the rehabilitation of people affected by the earthquake disaster in order to facilitate the economic and social wellbeing since many means of livelihood have been damaged or destroyed;

5. Also appeals to Member States and the Islamic Institutions to grant scholarships to the Kashmiri students in different universities and institutions in the OIC countries.

C. GENERAL PROVISION:

Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this Resolution and submit a comprehensive report on each item appearing from A to B to the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

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OIC RESOLUTION No. 3/42-C ON PROTECTION OF ISLAMIC HOLY PLACES

The Forty Second Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, (Session of Joint Vision to Strengthen Tolerance and Reject Terrorism), held in Kuwait, State of Kuwait, on 09-10 Shaban 1436 H. (corresponding to 27-28 May 2015);

Recalling the decisions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences and other OIC Conferences, in particular the 12th Ordinary and the 3rd Extraordinary Sessions of the Islamic Summit Conferences, the 41st Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), the 8th Session of the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers (ICCM), and the 9th Session of COMIAC;

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;

Affirming those objectives and principles enshrined in the Charter of the OIC aimed at coordinating efforts to safeguard and preserve the Islamic heritage;

Also recalling the Resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 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;

Recalling the Resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the unified stand against the violations of the sanctity of the Sacred Muslim Places:

A) DESTRUCTION OF THE BABRI MASJID IN INDIA AND PROTECTION OF ISLAMIC HOLY PLACES

Noting that the Babri Masjid 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 22nd 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 Islamic Cooperation made several appeals to the Indian Government to prevent any violation of the sanctity of the Masjid and emphasized the responsibility of the Government of India for safeguarding the inviolability of the Masjid and protecting its building against attacks by Hindu extremists:

1. Strongly condemns the destruction of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India, by Hindu extremists on 6 December 1992.

2. Expresses deep regret over the failure of the Indian authorities to take appropriate measures to protect this important Muslim holy site.

3. Condemns the forced and illegal entry of Hindu militants into the site of the Babri Masjid on 17 October 2001.

4. Expresses deep concern over the safety and security of the Muslim minority in India.

5. Further expresses deep concern at the recent provocative statements of BJP leaders about Taj Mahal of having been built on the site of a Hindu temple, and views such statements as reflective of sinister plans to desecrate this historical site.

6. Strongly believes that such statements are totally against historical facts and are only aimed at humiliating Muslim minority in India, and urges the Indian government to ensure the protection of this great historical site.

7. Calls on OIC Member States to raise the case of Babri Mosque at the UNESCO and the Islamic group at UNESCO to follow it up in a result oriented manner in order to prevent occurrence of incidents of desecration of Islamic sites in India in future.

8. Recommends the Member States and the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation to follow up the implementation of the operative paragraphs of Resolution 3/11-C (IS) adopted by the 11th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, Resolution 3/39-C adopted by 39th CFM, Resolution 3/40-C adopted by the 40th CFM and Resolution 3/41-C adopted by the 41st CFM which call 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 Masjid 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 Muslim symbol.

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.

B) THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CHARAR-E-SHARIF ISLAMIC COMPLEX IN KASHMIR AND OTHER ISLAMIC SITES THEREIN

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:

1. Strongly deplores the destruction of the 542 year old Islamic complex at Charare- 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 of Jammu and Kashmir.

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 selfdetermination 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

Emphasizing that pieces of Azerbaijani history, culture, archaeology, and ethnography remaining in its territories occupied by Armenia are an integral part of Islamic heritage, and, therefore, must be protected;

Reaffirming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993), and 884 (1993), which call on the Armenian forces to withdraw immediately, completely and unconditionally from all the occupied Azerbaijani territories, including the Lachin and Shusha areas, and strongly urge Armenia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Reaffirming also that the utter and barbaric destruction of mosques and other Islamic Shrines in Azerbaijani territories occupied by, for the purpose of ethnic cleansing is a war crime and 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;

Stating that such actions by the Republic of Armenia constitute a serious violation of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and 1954 and 1999 protocols thereto;

Fully sharing the anguish of the government and people of Azerbaijan in this regard:

1. Strongly condemns the barbaric acts committed by the Armenian aggressors in the
Republic of Azerbaijan with the aim of total annihilation of the Islamic historic and cultural heritage in the occupied Azerbaijani territories.

2. Vigorously demands the strict and unconditional implementation by the Republic of
Armenia of UN Security Council Resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993), and 884 (1993).

3. Stresses the need to ensure the protection of cultural heritage, cultural property and
sacred sites in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, including, inter alia, the prohibition and prevention of any illicit export, other removal or transfer of ownership of cultural property, any archaeological excavation, as well as any alteration to, or change of use of, cultural property which is intended to conceal or destroy cultural, historical or scientific evidence;

4. Demands that Armenia cease any attempts to introduce Azerbaijani historical and
cultural heritage as its own, including at tourism fairs and exhibitions.

5. Reaffirms its support for 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.

6. Reaffirms also Azerbaijan’s right to claim appropriate reparation for the damages it has sustained, and affirms Armenia’s responsibility to provide such reparation.

7. 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.

8. Thanks the Secretary-General for transmitting the OIC Member States’ position on this issue to the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), UNESCO, 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 programs to implement projects aimed at protecting Islamic holy places in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the issues incorporated in this resolution and report thereon to the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

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