Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with a membership of 57 states across four continents. It was established in 1969 in Rabat, Morocco, following the arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The organization aims to safeguard the interests of the Muslim world and promote international peace and cooperation.

History

The founding catalyst was the 1969 arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a major holy site, which prompted the first Islamic Summit Conference in Rabat. Key founding figures included King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and King Hassan II of Morocco. Initially named the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, its early focus was on Palestinian issues and solidarity against Israel. A significant early achievement was the establishment of the Islamic Development Bank in 1974. The organization underwent a major reform and name change to its current title during the 2011 session in Astana, Kazakhstan, reflecting a broader strategic vision beyond political coordination.

Structure and governance

The supreme authority is the Islamic Summit of Heads of State, which convenes every three years in cities like Istanbul or Mecca. The Council of Foreign Ministers meets annually to implement policies, often in locations such as Niamey or Dhaka. The permanent administrative body is the General Secretariat, headquartered in Jeddah and led by the Secretary General, a post held by figures like Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu and the current Hissein Brahim Taha of Chad. Subsidiary organs include the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission and specialized institutions like the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization based in Rabat.

Member states and observers

The 57 member states span from Indonesia in Southeast Asia to Senegal in West Africa, including major nations like Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Nigeria. Several states with significant Muslim populations, such as Russia and Thailand, hold observer status. Other observers include the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as entities like the Moroccan National Council of Human Rights. Notably, India is not a member despite its large Muslim community, primarily due to the membership of Pakistan and the ongoing Kashmir conflict.

Objectives and activities

Core objectives are outlined in the OIC Charter, focusing on strengthening Islamic solidarity, protecting holy sites like Mecca and Jerusalem, and supporting the Palestinian people. The organization actively engages in conflict mediation, notably in the Rohingya crisis involving Myanmar and in the Afghanistan conflict. It promotes economic cooperation through the Islamic Development Bank and sets Halal standards via the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries. Culturally, it works to combat Islamophobia through dialogues at forums like the United Nations Human Rights Council and supports educational projects in member states.

Criticism and controversies

The organization has been criticized for internal divisions, such as the rift between the Saudi-led bloc and Qatar during the Qatar diplomatic crisis, and between Turkey and several Arab states. Its human rights record is often questioned, with critics pointing to inconsistent stances on issues like the Uyghur genocide in China, a member state, and the Yemeni Civil War. Resolutions are frequently seen as declaratory with limited enforcement, and the group has struggled to present a unified voice on global challenges, with its effectiveness hampered by the diverse political systems of members ranging from monarchies like Brunei to republics like Iran.