TEHRAN – ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
28 – 29 RABI UL THANI, 1439H
16 - 17 JANUARY 2018
RESOLUTION No. 1-CLADCR/13-CONF
ON
PROMOTING DIALOGUE AMONG CIVILIZATIONS WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON FACING WESTERN CAMPAIGNS AGAINST ISLAMIC VALUES
The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 13th Session, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 28 - 29 Rabi ul Thani 1439 corresponding to 16 - 17 January, 2018,
Recalling the resolutions adopted by the PUIC and the OIC Islamic Summit Conferences, the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers and the Standing Committee on Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC); promoting dialogue among civilizations with special emphasis on facing western campaigns against Islamic values as well as the principles included in the Tehran Declaration adopted by the 8th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in December 1997;
Referring to the Ten-Year Program of Action of the OIC, and reiterating that the principle of dialogue among civilizations based on mutual respect, understanding and equality between nations is a sine-qua-non-for international peace and security as well as for tolerance and peaceful coexistence;
Stressing commitment to the International Declaration on Human Rights which prohibits incitement of hatred against religion.
Commending the initiative of the following States of Member Parliaments to support and strengthen dialogue among civilizations and cultures:
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
• Establishment of a relevant mechanism, namely King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICID), whose headquarters were established in Vienna,
• The document on “The Initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Dialogue among Followers of Religions and Cultures: Achievements and Future Prospects” and its Executive Plan”,
• The Course in Training Journalists to Counter Stereotypes about Islam and Muslims in Western Media,
• Calls on the Member Parliaments to actively contribute with ideas, suggestions, and recommendations of making the Center an effective institution for promoting interfaith and inter civilizational dialogue and to take advantage of the document, in a bid to promote dialogue among cultures and alliance of civilizations,
HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN
• Commends the efforts exerted by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the September 23, 2010, The World Interfaith Harmony Week, which has been observed in every first week of the month of February since the year of 2011.
REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
• Active role for playing in promoting inter-cultural and inter-civilizational dialogue between the Islamic world and the West, and emphasizes the importance of the First Convention of the Global Youth Movement for the Alliance of Civilizations (GYMAoC) co-organized with the UN Alliance of Civilizations and Islamic Conference Youth Forum for the Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) on 9-10 April 2011, in Baku and the 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held in Baku on 18-19 May 2015.
SULTANATE OF OMAN
Commends the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman in promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations and in spreading the culture of coexistence and tolerance, through the following projects:
• The establishment of an exhibition that tours the different States and cities of the world, entitled “Message of Islam from Oman”;
• The efforts of “Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center” in Washington;
• The efforts of “Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers”;
• Sultan Qaboos Academic Chairs in world universities (16 Chairs in 13 universities);
• The organization of the “Human Rapprochement and Harmony Week” in February of each year.
REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
• Reiterates the support by the OIC to the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, convened triennially on the initiative by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, which held its 5th session in Astana on 10-11 June 2015, encourages religious leaders of the OIC Member States and the international community to continue their active participation in that meaningful forum.
• Welcomes the Appeal by the Participants of the IV Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana and acknowledges that the only way to create a safe world is through a dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect and understanding, compassion and forgiveness, justice and solidarity, peace and harmony;
STATE OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
• Commends the efforts of the United Arab Emirates through the Peace Promotion Forum which was established in 2014 under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah and held three sessions in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and Marrakesh, Kingdom of Morocco; It also made significant efforts to promote sound Islamic thought and the civilized image of Islam in dealing with others and protecting non-Muslim minorities in Muslim countries.
• Pays tribute to the extensive efforts made by the United Arab Emirates through the Muslim Council of Elders, sponsored by the United Arab Emirates, which was established in 2014 under the chairmanship of Sheikh Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and has made considerable efforts through dialogue of civilizations between East and West in both Italy and France. Several meetings with the Elders of the West were held to bring together the Islamic and Christian perspectives through the common denominators that unite Islam, Christianity and other monotheistic religions for the sake of peaceful coexistence and cooperation among civilizations to the benefit of mankind.
• Commends the great efforts of the UAE through the launch of the Award for World Peace of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which recognizes individuals and organizations that make outstanding contributions to world peace, the biggest world award of USD 1.5 million, as well as the efforts of the Government of the UAE in promoting moderate Islamic culture in the country and beyond.
KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
Morocco established the Mohamed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates (religious male and female preachers). The Institute is in charge of:
• Training Imams, and preachers having the needed knowledge and qualifications to carry out their tasks.
• Training foreign Imams and preceptors especially from Sub-Saharan African countries to counter terrorism, in addition to mentoring Muslim communities abroad, especially in European countries to protect them from extremism and terrorist networks.
• Carry out the needed research in order to enhance the performance of Imams and preachers.
• Basic training was provided to around 800 imams and preachers, in their countries. Moreover, short-term training sessions were provided to imams working in mosques including 35 from Guinea, 33 from France, 107 from Nigeria, 79 from Chad, and 37 from Tunisia.
REPUBLIC OF CHAD:
Commends the efforts undertaken by Chad to combat religious extremism, and to establish security and peace in the Lake Chad region, and pays tribute to the sacrifices and losses incurred in process. These efforts include:
• Proclaiming December 1 as the National Peace and Peaceful Coexistence Day.
• Proclaiming December 18-24 as the National Arabic Language Week, in order to promote the status of Arabic, and considering Chad as the crossroads of cultures and civilizations.
• Receiving, openheartedly, for long years, all refugees fleeing insecurity in neighboring countries.
1. Invites Member Parliaments and Muslims of different doctrines to unify and respect the other opinion by:-.
1.1 Promoting and facilitating the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes,
1.2. Reconciling tensions between cultures, countries and religions,
1.3 Promoting and facilitating the much-needed dialogue between Muslim societies and other societies around the world,
1.4 Contributing to academic research and enriching the wider debate around peace in the world,
1.5 Organizing diverse cultural, artistic, and scientific events including debates, fora, symposia and seminars designed to encourage exchange between cultures and civilizations,
1.6 Maintaining, and when needed, initiating regular communication with experts in the field as well as with all other foundations or associations with similar or complementary objectives,
1.7 Publication of articles and reports resulting from research carried out and debates at its workshops,
1.8 Calling on the PUIC and OIC General Secretariat, UNESCO, the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) for continuing to engage in interactive dialogues in order to promote dialogue among cultures and civilizations through concrete and sustainable initiatives and symposia. Appeals to the Parliaments of Member States, the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund to extend every financial and moral support for the success of these dialogues,
1.9 Preparing of project through consultation with cultural organs of the OIC, scholars and elites from the different parts of the world to contribute to realization of an effective and constructive dialogue between the Islamic and Western civilizations, and projection of a realistic and positive image of the Islamic civilization,
1.10 Urging citizens worldwide who come across hate speech on social media to forcefully counter it,
1.11 Monitor social media to quickly respond to hate speech in an age when Facebook has over 1.5 billion monthly active users, or Twitter has over 300 million users, and to achieve this with the involvement of citizens of the world, who are going to be our crucial partners in combatting hate speech, and Strongly condemns the growing tide of hatred of religions on the part of extremist elements in all religions, and in this respect strongly condemns the bombings which target mosques, churches, and places of worship.
1.12 Underscoring that the battle is a collective responsibility, not only for Member States, but for everyone, including the media, as crucial partners with the task of deleting content inciting violence or hatred,
1.13 Signing of an action-oriented statement of solidarity and joint commitment by diverse religious leaders toward the goal of advancing shared security and peace and providing youth with guidance to counter extremist influences,
1.14 Calls on governments of Member Parliaments to be vigilant and cautious in securing religious facilities and not to expose them to danger.
2. Calls for coordination among Parliaments of Muslim States to establish through consultation with cultural organs of the OIC, scholars and elites from the different parts of the world:
2.1 Centers and institutions for dialogue among cultures and civilizations,
2.2 Develop a Media Fund to promote productions across cultural, religious, or national issues;
2.3 Develop a project aimed at expanding international student exchange programs;
2.4 Establishing a rapid response media-based mechanism to provide platforms for constructive debate during times of increased tensions around cross-cultural issues;
2.5 Developing an online clearing house of best practices, materials and resources on cross cultural dialogue and cooperative projects;
2.6 Developing a "Group of Friends" network to support the objectives of the Alliance;
2.7 Establishing an Alliance network of good will ambassadors made up of prominent, high-profile, internationally recognized figures drawn from the worlds of politics, culture, sport, business, and entertainment to help in promoting the work of the Alliance, highlighting priority issues and drawing attention to its activities;
2.8 Organizing an International Forum to broaden the influence of the Alliance;
2.9 Importance of establishing national Islamic television channels, broadcasting in foreign languages, to be directed to the West vision, in order to project the real image of Islam, and urges ISESCO to establish specialized channels in this respect;
2.10. Need for adopting a common policy of first priority aimed at preventing the distortion of the image of Islam on the pretext of freedom of expression, particularly through the mass media and the internet and Strongly condemns re-publication of caricature insulting to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) deplores the backing of some European States for this heinous action, and demands cessation of these provocations;
2.11 Calling on the Member Parliaments to enact the necessary legislation in this respect and prosecute those responsible for stereotyping, prejudice, misleading the people through media and internet, particularly with regard to members of Ethnic and religious minorities without bias and warn any person playing with the same;
2.12 Enforcement of laws prohibiting incitement of hatred or violence, inciting sectarianism and doctrinal affiliations and the use of communications to establish a counter-message.
3. Calls on All Muslim and Non-Muslim states to ensure that all persons enjoy their right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion and provide civil rights to all the Muslims, including their right to just humane treatments and have access to halal food and drink in all places and on all occasions.
4. Calls on the Member Parliaments to urge their respective governments to have the international community, specifically the United Nations adopt a resolution calling for ensuring total respect for all divine religions and the inadmissibility of utilizing freedom of expression to insult any religion, calls also for curbing the phenomenon of religious hatred between people and to request the United Nations Global Compact to producing a publication aimed at raising the visibility of best practices in the corporate sector toward supporting cross-cultural relations.
5. Urges States of PUIC Member Parliaments to exert effort to stop sectarian violence among Muslims and condemn the takfir fatwa which lead to killings among Muslims Ummah and to include also the effort of dialogue among different sectarian and among Islamic scholars in the light of uniting the Islamic nations.
6 Affirms that the genuine image of Islam is that which reflects its tolerant message based on the spreading of justice, peace, rejection of violence and the interaction with others aimed at serving humanity and achieving progress for nations and peoples, as well as focusing on confronting those Western campaigns waged against Islamic values and distorting the true image of Islam. "You are the best of the nations raised up for the benefit of men".
7 Seeks adoption of an international resolution which is binding on all UN members and adopts their respective national legislations to criminalize the vilifications of Prophets, religious and sanctities, irrespective of any pretext whatsoever.
8. Expressing grave concern at the outpouring of intolerance and hate speech in public discourse and in the media in recent weeks, which focused particularly on Muslims, senior United Nations human rights officials have urgently called on those in positions of authority and political leadership to act responsibly and with respect for both international and national laws.
9. Strongly and unreservedly condemns all criminal attacks by violent extremists, wherever they may take place and underlined the damaging effects of linking such attacks to a specific population, based on its identity resulting in discrimination and targeting of Muslim populations.
10. Recalls that any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is prohibited under international human rights law and by the national laws or constitutions of many countries.
11. Condemn acts of intimidation and violence against Muslims and Muslim sites, including vandalism of mosques as well as discriminatory, xenophobic and racist statements.
12. Condemns statements which refer to all Muslims – and all refugees and asylum-seekers originating from Syria and Iraq – as “terrorists.”
13. Denounce calls by politicians for Muslims to be prevented from entering the United States, to be registered in a national database, or to be forced to carry identification that would highlight their religion, and other calls for governments to refrain from accepting refugees from Syria and Iraq.
14. Unacceptable that refugees from Syria and Iraq are fleeing precisely the kind of violence that we in the West also fear and them away when they are seeking refuge is an affront to our common humanity.
15. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the outrageous multiple terrorist attacks that took place in several neighborhoods in Paris such heinous attacks are a threat to peace and security, as they will lead to more violence and extends heartfelt condolences to victims’ families and to the Government and people of France.
16. Seeks adoption of an international resolution, which is binding on all UN members and adopts their respective national legislations to criminalize the vilifications of Prophets, religious and sanctities, irrespective of any pretext whatsoever.
RESOLUTION No. 2-CLDCR/13-CONF
ON
THE ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS
The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 13th Session, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 28 - 29 Rabi ul Thani 1439 corresponding to 16 - 17 January, 2018,
Believing in the verses of Holy Quran stating “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (49/13)
Recalling the PUIC Resolution on Strengthening Islamic Unity adopted by the Fifth Conference held on 30-31 January 2008 in Cairo and the PUIC Resolution on Fight Against Intolerance, Islamophobia and Xenophobia No. 21-PFR/8-CONF adopted by the Eighth Conference held on 21-22 January 2013 in Khartoum,
Reminding on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam and all relevant PUIC resolutions on combating Islamophobia and eliminating hatred and hostility against Islam,
Stressing the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation among religions, cultures and civilizations for peace and harmony in the World,
Underlining the importance of the Alliance’s principal goals of stemming the tide of polarization between cultures and religion and recognized the need to fight against the risks of Xenophobia and Islamophobia in the World,
Referring to the OIC’s Ten-Year Program of Action and reemphasizing its premise that inter-civilizational dialogue, based on mutual respect and understanding, and equality amongst peoples are prerequisites for international peace and security, tolerance and peaceful co-existence, acknowledging, in this respect, the valuable contribution of the Alliance of Civilizations, launched jointly,
Recalling also the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Secretariats of the OIC and the Alliance of Civilizations, underlining the significance of the Conclusions of the various AoC global forums in stemming the tide of intolerance, extremism and polarization between the Islamic world and the West as well as encouraging greater cross-cultural understanding,
Emphasizing the importance of membership in the Group of Friends of Alliance of Civilizations to effectively contribute to Alliance’s noble goals,
Noting the Alliance’s adoption of a Regional Strategy for Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Latin America,
Noting with deep concern the continuing instances of intolerance, discrimination, religious hostility and violence against Muslims as well as smear campaign of their religion occurring in many parts of the World,
Emphasizing that education shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and all racial, ethnic or religious groups,
Reiterates its full support for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations initiative co-sponsored by Turkey and Spain and shares the core principles which are mentioned in the Baku Declaration of the Seventh Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 25-27 April 2016 as well as in the Resolution 69/312 adopted by the General Assembly on 6 July 2015,
1. Invites the States of PUIC Member Parliaments to establish and maintain cooperation and promote understanding and cooperation with Non-Muslim states in religions, cultures and civilizations fields
2. Further invites the States of PUIC Member Parliaments to create common will to cope with prejudice, misleading and polarization
3. Appreciates the continuing determination and efforts of the Republic of Turkey in contributing to the overall work of the Alliance and the dissemination of its noble goals.
4. Also supports the efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Secretariats of the OIC and the Alliance of Civilizations, and also for the OIC’s constructive contributions to AoC meetings and for proposing joint projects.
5. Calls on States of PUIC Member Parliaments that have not yet done so, to join the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations.
6. Calls upon States of PUIC Member Parliaments to actively participate in the work of the Alliance, particularly the development and adoption of the Alliance’s regional strategies and related guiding documents, and the implementation thereof.
7. Calls for the Member Parliaments of the PUIC to raise youth awareness in acquire sound knowledge about their own culture as well as the cultures of others
8. Calls upon the PUIC members to increase their joint efforts towards the prevention of misperception and combating against exclusionism, extremism, xenophobia, and islamophobia within the framework of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
9. Emphasizes the central role the authorities play in influencing and educating their communities and raising awareness in maintaining positive attitudes towards other cultures through links with groups such as youth, parents and children
10. Requests the Member Parliaments of the PUIC to develop among students an interest and motivation for culture in general and intercultural communication and cooperation.
11. Expresses its hopes that the Member Parliaments of the PUIC to use traditional and social media effectively to promote the values and goals of the Alliance of Civilizations.
12. Invites the Parliaments of the PUIC Member States to support the African Initiative on Education for Peace and Development through Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue adopted by the UN General Assembly to the resolution A/69/L.41 on 15 December, 2014, and by the 24th Summit of Heads of States and Governments of African Union held in Addis Ababa on 31 January, 2015.
RESOLUTION NO.3-CLDCR/13-CONF
ON
ENCOURAGING THE TEACHING OF THE ARABIC LANGUAGE TO STUDENTS FROM NON-ARABIC-SPEAKING ISLAMIC STATES.
The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 13th Session, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 28 - 29 Rabi ul Thani 1439 corresponding to 16 - 17 January, 2018,
Expressing its concern about the marginalization and loss of the Arabic language vis-à-vis foreign languages in Arab and Islamic States;
Calling for solidarity and cooperation with International Council on the Arabic Language whose constituent assembly met at the Arab League in Cairo on 6/5/2015, for the advancement of the Arabic language at the level of awareness thereof and propagation,
Calling for facilitating the teaching of Arabic language to non-Arabic speaking students, youth and the young in Islamic States, as Arabic is considered the language of the Holy Quran and one of the basic factors for the unity of the Muslim Ummah.
Praising the efforts of ISESCO in the field of propagating and teaching the Arabic language and its sciences to non-Arabic-Speaking people and invites the Member States to support the organization in this respect.
1. Calls on the Arabic speaking Islamic States, particularly those which have financial potentials to support the youth in non-Arabic speaking Islamic countries, and to provide them with scholarships and appropriate educational programs that help the youth of poor Islamic Countries to learn the Arabic language as a means of understanding Islam and to finance these programs and scholarships through the legitimate resources, including Zakat funds.
2. Calls for facilitating giving entry visas to students and young men (non-Arabic speaking Islamic countries) who are financially capable and wish to learn Arabic, in order to let them enter the Arabic speaking Islamic countries where they can find suitable Islamic education.
3. Recommends to the Islamic organizations and bodies, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, and the Islamic Development Bank to support the plans and projects of the World Federation of International Arab Islamic Schools (WF-IAIS) in spreading Arabic language and Islamic culture and to extend every possible assistance for the implementation of such plans and projects.
4. Recommends continued support for the organization of training courses for teachers of Arabic language and Islamic culture in Asia, Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Balkans.
5. Recommends to the IDB and the ISF to contribute towards the printing of textbooks series, prepared by the WF-IAIS, for teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic speakers, the distribution of those books among Muslim learners, and the establishment of a WF-IAIS printing press at its headquarters, as well as other printing presses in central locations in Muslim countries in order to maximize their utilization in those countries and among Muslim communities.
6. Recommends support for the Assistance Fund for International Arab-Islamic Schools and Educational Institutions members of WF-IAIS with a view to helping them promote Islamic education standards, in particular in non-Arabic speaking Islamic countries.
7. Recommends also carrying out comprehensive survey of the schools, which teach the Arabic language in Africa aimed at supporting and developing them so that they may perform their role in the teaching of Arabic language and the Holy Quran. Recommends unifying curricula in the schools so that governments of these States may recognize them.
8. Recommends further extending support to the educational programme relating to the teaching of Arabic in non-Arabic speaking Islamic States through audio-visual media.
9. Commends the actions made by ISESCO to develop educational capacities in the member States and beyond, in the fields of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, literacy and adult education, through its specialized educational centers and delegations in the Republic of Chad, the Union of Comoros, the Republic of Niger, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Guinea and Malaysia, and through such advanced specialized teaching aids as (Al Amal) and (AlarabyaAlmuyassara) series, and lauds the educational and civilizational project on the transcription of Muslim peoples’ languages in the Standardized Quranic Script being implemented by ISESCO in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, and the fruitful efforts exerted by the Organizing in cooperation with the International University of Africa towards digitizing the transcription system of languages in the Standardized
10. Commends the dedication of (16) academic Chairs in the name of H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, Sultan of Oman, in various universities around the world, concerned with Arab and Islamic Studies as well as oriental and Middle Eastern Studies, and the establishment of Sultan Qaboos College for teaching Arabic language to Non-Arabic Speaking students.
11. Requests support for the WF-IAS project to establish an education section at the Imam Shafii College – Comoros Islands University to award Bachelors Degree in all Arabic language specialties in accordance with the agreement signed between the WF-IAIS and the Comoros national Ministry of Education preparatory to Masters and Doctorate studies in Teaching Curricular and Methods in the Section.
12. Recommends support for the Examination Council of International Arab-Islamic Schools Project, set up by the WFIAIS in collaboration with the League of Islamic Universities and the Muslim World League, which aims to set the examinations of private Islamic schools under the supervision of well-known Islamic universities, and to activate this Council and establish its regional branches.
13. Recommends support for the projects undertaken by the WFIAIS to set up the Arabic language centre and forum of civilizations in London, the educational centre in Cairo, and Turkish Arab University in Istanbul.
14. Recommends support for the WFIAIS activities towards the establishment of an examination council in Uganda in collaboration with the Islamic University in Uganda as well as an examination council in Malaysia in collaboration with the International Islamic University in Malaysia.
RESOLUTION No.4-CLDCR/13-CONF
ON
THE PROTECTION OF AL-AQSA MOSQUE AGAINST ZIONIST THREATS
The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 13th Session, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 28 - 29 Rabi ul Thani 1439 corresponding to 16 - 17 January, 2018,
Proceeding from the principles and objectives enshrined in the PUIC Statute and OIC Charter;
Pursuant to the relevant resolutions adopted by the various Islamic Conferences and meetings;
Supportive of the Action Plan of the OIC Ministerial Contact Group on the issue of Palestine and Al-Quds which was adopted at the Ministerial Contact Group meeting in Rabat on 12 November 2014;
Referring to the resolutions of the U.N General Assembly and Security Council concerning the city of Al-Quds and the religious sacred sites therein;
In view of the continuous Israeli threats to demolish the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and build the so-called Temple in its place;
1. Reiterates the necessity of implementing all previous Islamic resolutions on the reservation of the Islamic character and human heritage of Al-Quds.
2. Stresses that Al-Aqsa Mosque is exposed, now more than ever before, to an existential threat due to the grave violations by the occupying power Israel which involve the crime of closing the Mosque and denying the worshippers access to pray in it, together with the storming of the Mosque by occupation force.
3. Condemns in strongest terms the attempts by the Zionist entity, the occupying power to divide the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque through the daily incursions by the extremist settlers and Zionist politicians under the protection of the occupation forces, the restrictions on the freedom of worship of Muslims and the impediments to the work undertaken by the Jordanian Waafs authority, which is responsible for managing the sacred sites.
4. Deplores the intrusion of the Zionist occupation forces into Al-Aqsa Mosque on 5 November 2014 for the first time in history which is a grave insult for the Islamic Ummah and an unprecedented provocation for hundreds of millions of Muslims and believers across the world; and Expresses concern that the Zionist aggressions against Al-Aqsa Mosque could drive the region into religious conflict, and threaten regional and global peace and security.
5. Supports Palestinian people’s resistance to the Zionist occupation and their steadfastness during the uprising at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.
6. Stresses that the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims and that Jews have no right to enter into its precincts to perform their rituals.
7. Supports the resistance of the Maqdisites through financing vital projects in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
8. Calls on the international community to uphold its responsibilities to ensure that Israel, the occupying power, respect the sanctity of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and not to close or endanger it again. Zionist violations against the sanctity of the Mosque and restrictions on the freedom of worship of Muslims there must be ceased. The historical status-quo of Haram Al-Sharif must be maintained.
9. Strongly condemns all the measures and arrangements taken by the Zionist occupation authorities against the safety of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its environs. Demands the immediate cessation of the excavations and demolition works carried out by the occupation authorities beneath the Mosque and in its ramparts.
10. Urges Muslims and Christians in all parts of the World to work together to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque, as the Zionist entity’s attempts to demolish the Mosque constitutes a threat to places of worship for all religions.
11. Affirms the necessity of consolidating Islamic efforts at the political and diplomatic levels for the protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
12. Supports the Action Plan of the OIC Ministerial Contact Group on the issue of Palestine and Al-Quds which was adopted at the Ministerial Contact Group meeting in Rabat on 12 November 2014. Underlines the necessity of its prompt implementation, including visits of OIC Ministerial delegations to various countries and international organizations to convey the OIC message on the importance to protect the Al-Quds and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.
13. Highly appreciates Turkey's proposal to host an independent international Al- Quds Foundation in Istanbul whose membership will be open to all interested OIC member states.
14. Reiterates that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by the Zionist entity, the occupying power, which have altered or purported to alter the character and the status of the Holy City of Al-Quds, in particular the so-called “Basic Law” on Al-Quds and the proclamation of Al-Quds as the capital of the Zionist entity, were null and void and must be rescinded forthwith.
15. Calls for continued urgent and effective action at all Islamic and international levels with a view to compelling the Zionist entity to rescind its decision to annex the city of Al-Quds; reaffirming the City’s Arab-Islamic character; and rejecting its annexation or Judaization, in line with the relevant Resolutions of international legality, particularly UN Security Council Resolutions No. 465 and 478; while exerting all efforts in order to implement these two resolutions in conformity with the resolutions of the United Nations and international legality.
16. Reiterates its condemnation of the Zionist entity’s illegal decision to add the Mosque of al Ibrahimi in Hebron and Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque in Bethlehem to the Zionist heritage list. Considers the Israeli act as looting of Palestinian cultural and heritage sites. Strongly condemns the damage brought to Palestinian cultural and religious heritage by the occupation authorities. Calls upon the international community and UNESCO to fulfill their responsibilities of protecting the places of Palestinian cultural heritage and compel the Zionist entity to stop these provocative actions in contravention of international law and Geneva conventions that undermine the prospect for peace as well as the dialogue and harmony among religions.
17. Urges the Member Parliaments to request from their respective governments to take speedy and effective action in order to prompt the United Nations and its specialized organs to shoulder their full responsibility in pressuring the Zionist entity to comply with its legal obligations, relevant UN resolutions and international commitments and cease its illegal, aggressive and destructive practices in Al-Quds and the rest of the Palestinian territory.
18. Also Urges the Member Parliaments to request from their governments to mobilize and direct their embassies and diplomatic missions abroad to create a world public opinion supportive of the cause of Al-Quds and to throw light on the dangers facing Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as Muslim and Christian holy sites in the City.
19. Requests from the General Secretariat to continue with its coordination with international agencies and institutions and particularly with UNESCO in order to implement the initiative of UNESCO’s Director General to renovate the Holy City; preserve the historical buildings of Al-Quds and the ancient buildings surrounding Al-Quds Holy Sanctuary; close the tunnel; stop the excavation works especially on the south and west of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque; and preclude the implementation of any designs aimed at obliterating the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.
20. 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, in order to enable the Palestinian people to face Zionist assaults and designs aimed at obliterating religious landmarks in the Holy City of Al-Quds, and reaffirms the need to provide all forms of support and assistance to the Palestinian Arab residents of Al-Quds to enable them to renovate their houses, support their steadfastness and protect Islamic shrines in Al-Quds.
21. Urges the Member States to pay attention to school curricula for young generations in the Arab world, especially in the primary and secondary schools, to teach the Palestinian cause, and the cause of Al Quds, in particular.
22. Calls on the States of the PUIC Member Parliaments to pressurize the Zionist entity into halting the destruction of the "Maamanullah Cemetery" in the city of Al Quds, and not to allow the forces of occupation to turn this Islamic historical graveyard into a museum, especially that it includes the graves of a number of the Companions of the Prophet.
23. Condemns terrorism which targets the cultural and civilization heritage of the Islamic Ummah as well as the joint in terms of mosques, churches, museums and forts, as well as the infrastructures and development projects.
24. Urges national parliaments and international parliamentary organizations to play a bigger role in the protection and preservation of the world civilizational and cultural heritage.
25. Rejects all forms of Fatwa which promote incitement to takfir other people, doctrinal incitement, extremism and religious intolerance aimed at shattering the unity and joint living of people.
RESOLUTION No. 5-CLDCR/13-CONF
ON
PROTECTION OF HOLY PLACES IN MUSLIM AND NON-MUSLIM STATES
The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 13th Session, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 28 - 29 Rabi ul Thani 1439 corresponding to 16 - 17 January, 2018,
Recalling the resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences and other OIC conferences in particular the 11th ordinary and the 3rd Extraordinary Sessions of the Islamic Summit Conference, the 39th Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) the 7th session of the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers (ICCM) and the 9th Session of COMIAC;
Reminding about the objectives of PUIC and OIC which stress the need for coordinated efforts 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 PUIC Statute and Charter of the OIC aimed at coordinating efforts to guard and preserve the Islamic heritage;
Also recalling the resolutions of the PUIC and OIC, on the unified stand against the desecration of Islamic Holy Places especially Resolution No.3/6-C(IS) of the 6th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling the Resolutions of the PUIC and the OIC on a unified stand on condemning of the violations of the sanctity of the sacred Muslim Places,
A) DESTRUCTION OF THE BABRI MASJID IN INDIA AND PROTECTION OFISLAMIC 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 20thAnniversary 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 several appeals made 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 17October 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 States of PUIC Member Parliaments 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 governments of the PUIC Member Parliaments to follow up the implementation of the operative paragraphs of Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conference, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the PUIC Conferences which call upon the Government of India to:-
8.1. 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.
8.2. 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.
8.3. Take effective measures to prevent the construction of a temple on the site of the Babri Mosque.
8.4. 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-Adhain 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 Qur’an 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 States of Member Parliaments 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
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 States Member Parliaments.
D- DESTRUCTION OF HOLY PLACES OF WORSHIP
Denouncing strongly the subversive activities against the sanctities and the places of worship in Muslim States,
Deploring strongly the criminal action which target mosques and churches,
1. Stresses the necessity of coordinating efforts to protect holy places, like the mausoleums of Tombouctou in Mali, and the mosques and Islamic and Christian places of worship;
2. Appeals to the international community, and civil society organizations and governments of the PUIC, to exert their utmost efforts to take practical measures to protect religious places especially as they are edifices of Islamic civilization.
3. Condemns suicidal bombings in mosques and holy places, as well as murdering worshippers in places of worship, and the killing of innocent religions people.
4. Calls on governments of Islamic States to submit a draft international law, to be adopted by the United Nations, which prohibits in impinging or and vilifying sanctities, and religious symbols and parameters.
5. Renouncement of all forms of legal opinions that call for judging people unbelievers jurisprudential school-based incitation and religious extremism and fanatism which aim at disintegrating the unity of the Syrian people and its co-existence.
6. Destruction of the mosques of the Prophet Yunus (Jomah) and Prophet Seth Prophet Elias as well as of the shrines of righteous Imams and destruction of Churches and preventing the holding of Christian prayers therein as well as destruction and demolition of Yezidi religious temples.
E. PROTECTION OF ANCIENT LIBRARIES AND BUILDINGS
PROTECTION OF SHRINES AND ANCIENT LIBRARIES IN THE CITY OF TOMBOUCTOU
1. Condemns the terrorist attacks on the cultural heritage and shrines, and calls for preserving the rare historical Islamic manuscripts in Tombouctou.
2. Urges the Member Parliaments and international organizations to play a bigger role in the protection and preservation of world cultural and civilizational heritage.
3. Calls on Islamic States, especially those with financial capabilities, as well as Islamic organizations and bodies, Islamic Solidarity Fund and the Islamic Development Bank to extend all possible assistance in order to contribute to the implementation of plans and projects aimed at making renovations and preserving the historical buildings, through printing and computerizing the manuscripts in the city of Tombouctou.
Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the issues incorporated in this resolution and report thereon to the 13th PUIC Conference.