Organisation of Islamic Cooperation#Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers

On 21 August 1969, a fire was started in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Amin al-Husseini, the former Mufti of Jerusalem, called the arson a "Jewish crime" and called for all Muslim heads of state to convene a summit.{{cite book|editor1-last=Ciment|editor1-first=James|editor2-last=Hill|editor2-first=Kenneth|title=Encyclopedia of Conflicts Since World War II, Vol. 1|date=2012|publisher=Routledge|pages=185–186|isbn=9781136596148|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uox4CAAAQBAJ&q=oic+1969+fire+jerusalem&pg=PA185|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122227/https://books.google.com/books?id=uox4CAAAQBAJ&q=oic+1969+fire+jerusalem&pg=PA185|url-status=live}} The fire, which "destroyed part of the old wooden roof and an 800-year-old pulpit"{{cite web|last1=Lieber |first1=Dov|title=PA, Hamas [allege] Jews planned 1969 burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-hamas-rehash-lie-that-jews-planned-1969-burning-of-al-aqsa-mosque/|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=17 November 2017|date=22 August 2017|archive-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118225728/https://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-hamas-rehash-lie-that-jews-planned-1969-burning-of-al-aqsa-mosque/|url-status=live}} was blamed on the mental illness of perpetrator Australian Christian fundamentalist Denis Michael Rohan{{snd}}by Israel, and on Zionists and Zionism by the Islamic conference.

On 25 September 1969, an Islamic Conference, a summit of representatives of 24 Muslim majority countries (most representatives were heads of state), was held in Rabat, Morocco.[https://web.archive.org/web/20131030064136/http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv2/page/?p_id=52&p_ref=26&lan=en About OIC]. Oic-oci.org. Retrieved 7 November 2014. A resolution was passed stating:

Muslim governments would consult with a view to promoting among themselves close cooperation and mutual assistance in the economic, scientific, cultural and spiritual fields, inspired by the immortal teachings of Islam.

In March 1970, the First Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.{{cite web|title=The organization 'Islamic Conference' (OIC)|url=http://ebrary.net/1069/economics/organization_islamic_conference|website=elibrary|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103234029/http://ebrary.net/1069/economics/organization_islamic_conference|archive-date=3 January 2017|url-status=dead}} In 1972, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference was founded.Esposito, 1998, p. 164.

While the al-Aqsa fire is regarded as one of the catalysts, many Muslims aspired to a pan-Islamic institution that would serve the common political, economic, and social interests of the ummah (Muslim community) beginning in the 19th century. In particular, the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the Caliphate after World War I left a vacuum.{{citation needed|date= November 2022}}

According to its charter, the OIC aims to preserve Islamic social and economic values; promote solidarity amongst member states; increase cooperation in social, economic, cultural, scientific, and political areas; uphold international peace and security; and advance education, particularly in science and technology.

The OIC emblem contains three main elements that reflect its vision and mission as incorporated in its Charter: the Kaaba, the Globe, and the Crescent.{{citation needed|date= November 2022}}

On 5 August 1990, 45 foreign ministers of the OIC adopted the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam to provide guidance in matters of human rights in as much as they are compatible with Sharia (Quranic Law).{{cite web|url=http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/cairodeclaration.html|title=Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, 5 August 1990, U.N. GAOR, World Conf. on Hum. Rts., 4th Sess., Agenda Item 5, U.N. Doc. A/CONF.157/PC/62/Add.18 (1993) [English translation]|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=5 August 1990|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-date=3 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603093031/http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/cairodeclaration.html|url-status=live}}

The Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUOICM) was established in Iran in 1999, and its head office is situated in Tehran. Only OIC members are entitled to membership in the union.{{cite web |title=وب سایتهای ایرنا – Irna |url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0702153662195331.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217191642/http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0702153662195331.htm |archive-date=17 February 2012 |access-date=23 March 2011}}

In March 2008, the OIC revised its charter to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, and good governance in member states. The revisions removed any mention of the Cairo Declaration. Within the revised charter, the OIC supported the Charter of the United Nations and international law, without mentioning the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.{{cite web|title=OIC Charter|url=http://www.oicun.org/2/24/20140324031549266.html|access-date=8 December 2015|location=Ch 1, Art 1, Sect 7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911151816/http://www.oicun.org/2/24/20140324031549266.html|archive-date=11 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

On 28 June 2011, during the 38th Council of Foreign Ministers meeting (CFM) in Astana, Kazakhstan, the organisation changed its name from Organisation of the Islamic Conference ({{langx|ar|منظمة المؤتمر الإسلامي}}; {{langx|fr|Organisation de la Conférence Islamique}}) to its current name.{{cite news|url=http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=100388|title=OIC Rightly Changes Its Name |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023092323/http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=100388 |archive-date=23 October 2014 |newspaper= Pakistan Observer}} The OIC also changed its logo at this time.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

File:Minnikhanov on 15th OIC Summit 44.jpg at the 15th OIC Summit in Gambia on 4 May 2024]]

According to the UNHCR, OIC countries hosted 18 million refugees by the end of 2010. OIC members continued to absorb refugees from other conflicts, including 2011 uprising in Syria. In May 2012, the OIC addressed these concerns at the "Refugees in the Muslim World" conference in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.{{cite news|title=OIC to hold conference on refugees in Muslim world in Turkmenistan|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-278419-oic-to-hold-conference-on-refugees-in-muslim-world-in-turkmenistan.html|work=Zaman|date=24 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503181729/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-278419-oic-to-hold-conference-on-refugees-in-muslim-world-in-turkmenistan.html|archive-date=3 May 2012}}

On 27 June 2007, then-United States President George W. Bush announced that the United States would delegate an envoy to the OIC. Bush said of the envoy, "Our special envoy will listen to and learn from representatives from Muslim states, and will share with them America's views and values."{{cite news |last=Feller |first=Ben |date=2 June 2007 |title=Bush to Name Envoy to Islamic Conference |url=https://www.theguardian.com/worldlatest/story/0,,-6740455,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202125420/http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0%2C%2C-6740455%2C00.html |archive-date=2 December 2007 |work=The Guardian |location=London}} {{As of|June 2015}}, Arsalan Suleman is acting special envoy. He was appointed on 13 February 2015.{{cite web |title=Arsalan Suleman |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/237813.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121114442/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/237813.htm |archive-date=21 January 2017 |access-date=3 July 2015 |publisher=US Department of State}} In an investigation of the accuracy of a series of chain emails, Snopes.com reported that during the October 2003{{spaced ndash}}April 2004 session of the General Assembly, 17 individual members of the OIC voted against the United States 88% of the time.{{cite web |date=3 December 2007 |title=United Condemnations |url=http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/unvote.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122212/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/united-condemnations/ |archive-date=20 February 2023 |access-date=18 July 2012 |website=Snopes}}

{{main|Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}}

{{Supranational Islamic Bodies|align=right|size=400px}}

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has 57 members, 56 of which are also member states of the United Nations. The exception is Palestine. Some member countries-Ivory Coast, Guyana, Gabon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Suriname, Togo and Uganda are not Muslim-majority.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1587249/6-will-stand-palestine/|title=Who will stand up for Palestine?|date=19 December 2017 }} Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Central African Republic, Thailand, Russia, and Northern Cyprus (under the name "Turkish Cypriot State") are observer states, and other organisations and groups participate as observers.{{cite web |url=https://www.oic-oci.org/page/?p_id=179&p_ref=60&lan=en |title=Observers |publisher=Organisation of Islamic Cooperation |access-date=14 January 2023 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909014619/https://www.oic-oci.org/page/?p_id=179&p_ref=60&lan=en |url-status=live }}

Syria’s OIC membership was suspended on 14–15 August 2012, because of the government’s use of heavy weapons against civilians and its refusal to engage in peaceful dialogue.{{cite web | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/syrias-oic-membership-suspended/343617 | title=Syria's OIC membership suspended }}{{cite web | url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/the-organization-of-islamic-cooperation-suspended-the-membership-of-syria-at-the-extraordinary-summit.en.mfa | title=From Rep. Of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs }} On March 7, 2025, Syria officially restored a full membership after the fall of the Assad regime.{{cite web | title=Foreign Ministry welcomes OIC decision to resume Syria's membership following Assad regime fall | website=Syrian Arab News Agency | date=2025-03-07 | url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=348938 | access-date=2025-03-16}}{{cite web | title=OIC restores Syria's membership after more than decade of suspension | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2025-03-09 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250309-oic-restores-syrias-membership-after-more-than-decade-of-suspension/ | access-date=2025-03-16}}

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• {{flag|Algeria}}
• {{flag|Benin}}
• {{flag|Burkina Faso}}
• {{flag|Cameroon}}
• {{flag|Chad}}
• {{flag|Comoros}}
• {{flag|Djibouti}}
• {{flag|Egypt}}
• {{flag|Gabon}}
• {{flag|Gambia}}
• {{flag|Guinea}}
• {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
• {{flag|Ivory Coast}}
• {{flag|Libya}}
• {{flag|Mali}}
• {{flag|Mauritania}}
• {{flag|Morocco}}
• {{flag|Mozambique}}
• {{flag|Niger}}
• {{flag|Nigeria}}
• {{flag|Senegal}}
• {{flag|Sierra Leone}}
• {{flag|Somalia}}
• {{flag|Sudan}}
• {{flag|Togo}}
• {{flag|Tunisia}}
• {{flag|Uganda}}

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• {{flagicon|Afghanistan|2013}}/{{flag|Afghanistan}}
• {{flag|Azerbaijan}}
• {{flag|Bahrain}}
• {{flag|Bangladesh}}
• {{flag|Brunei}}
• {{flag|Indonesia}}
• {{flag|Iran}}
• {{flag|Iraq}}
• {{flag|Jordan}}
• {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
• {{flag|Kuwait}}
• {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
• {{flag|Lebanon}}
• {{flag|Malaysia}}
• {{flag|Maldives}}
• {{flag|Oman}}
• {{flag|Pakistan}}
• {{flag|Palestine}}
• {{flag|Qatar}}
• {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
• {{flag|Syria}}{{cite web | url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=348938 | title=Foreign Ministry welcomes OIC decision to resume Syria's membership following Assad regime fall | date=7 March 2025 }}
• {{flag|Tajikistan}}
• {{flag|Turkey}}
• {{flag|Turkmenistan}}
• {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
• {{flag|Uzbekistan}}
• {{flag|Yemen}}

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• {{flag|Albania}}

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• {{flag|Guyana}}
• {{flag|Suriname}}

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The OIC, on 28 March 2008, joined the criticism of the film Fitna by Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders, which features disturbing images of violent acts juxtaposed with alleged verses from the Quran.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/28/islam.film/index.html|publisher=CNN|title=Muslims condemn Dutch lawmaker's film|access-date=20 May 2010|archive-date=29 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029191253/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/28/islam.film/index.html|url-status=live}}

In March 2015, the OIC announced its support for the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen against the Shia Houthis.{{cite news|url=http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/723946|agency=Arab News|title=OIC supports military action in Yemen|date=27 March 2015|access-date=12 July 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232525/http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/723946|url-status=live}}

The OIC supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{cite web |title=OIC calls for two-state solution despite cease-fire announcement |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1862496/middle-east |website=Arabnews.com |date=21 May 2021 |publisher=Arab News |access-date=10 September 2023}}

The OIC calls for a boycott of Israeli products in an effort to pressure Israel into ending the occupation of the Palestinian territories.{{cite web|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/03/07/oic-calls-ban-israeli-products.html |date=March 7, 2016 |first1=Liza |last1=Yosephine |website=The Jakarta Post |title=OIC calls for ban on Israeli products|access-date=24 June 2016|archive-date=3 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103121346/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/03/07/oic-calls-ban-israeli-products.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv2/subweb/cfm/41/cfm/en/docs/final/RES-IBO.pdf|title=Resolution on Islamic Office for the Boycott of Israel |website=Organisation of Islamic Cooperation |date= June 2014 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005225104/http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv2/subweb/cfm/41/cfm/en/docs/final/RES-IBO.pdf|archive-date=5 October 2015}}

At a 2013 meeting in Conakry, Guinea, Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said that foreign ministers would discuss the possibility of cutting ties with any state that recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel or that moves its embassy to its environs.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/8453-oic-proposes-severing-ties-with-countries-that-recognise-jerusalem-as-israels-capital#sthash.Pjw7pAyh.dpuf|work=Middle East Monitor|title=OIC proposes severing ties with countries that recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital|date=22 November 2013 |access-date=22 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124002510/http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/8453-oic-proposes-severing-ties-with-countries-that-recognise-jerusalem-as-israels-capital#sthash.Pjw7pAyh.dpuf|archive-date=24 November 2013|url-status=dead}}

At a December 2017 extraordinary meeting held in response US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem, the "Istanbul Declaration on Freedom for Al Quds". was adopted.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/site_media/html/oic-extraordinary-summit-istanbul-declaration-on-freedom-for-al-quds.pdf |title=Istanbul Declaration On 'Freedom For Al Quds' Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conf (OIC/EX-CFM/2017/PAL/Declaration) |date=13 December 2017 |website=Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216210742/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/site_media/html/oic-extraordinary-summit-istanbul-declaration-on-freedom-for-al-quds.pdf |archive-date=16 December 2017 |url-status=live }}

In September 2019, the OIC condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex the eastern portion of the occupied West Bank known as the Jordan Valley.{{cite news |title=UN condemns Israeli PM's West Bank annexation plans |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/saudi-arabia-israel-west-bank-jordan-valley-1.5278863 |publisher=CBC News |date=11 September 2019 |access-date=18 September 2019 |archive-date=11 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911210919/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/saudi-arabia-israel-west-bank-jordan-valley-1.5278863 |url-status=live }} In January 2024, the OIC expressed support for South Africa's ICJ genocide case against Israel.{{cite news |title=Genocide case against Israel: Where does the rest of the world stand on the momentous allegations? |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/515627.aspx |work=Al-Ahram |date=13 January 2024}}

{{Further|Islam in India}}

Islam is the second-largest religion in India after Hinduism. Over 200 million Muslims constitute approximately 15% of the country's population.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Muslim-population-growth-slows/article10336665.ece|title=Muslim population growth slows|work=The Hindu|access-date=28 July 2017|language=en|archive-date=7 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107231443/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Muslim-population-growth-slows/article10336665.ece|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/india-has-79-8-percent-hindus-14-2-percent-muslims-2011-census-data-on-religion-2407708.html|title=India has 72.8% Hindus, 18 to 20% Muslims, says 2011 census data on religion|date=26 August 2017|work=Firstpost|access-date=28 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502175602/https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-has-79-8-percent-hindus-14-2-percent-muslims-2011-census-data-on-religion-2407708.html|url-status=live}} India has the largest Muslim population other than Muslim-majority or Islamic states. However, India's relationship with Pakistan (an Islamic state), has featured hostilities and armed conflict since the 1947 Partition of India. The poor relationship between them impacted India–OIC relations due to Pakistan's status as a founding member. India pushed for the OIC to accept it as a member state, arguing that Indian Muslims comprise 11% of the world's Muslim population; Pakistan has staunchly opposed this.{{cite web|first=Raymond|last=Chickrie|url=http://www.caribbeanmuslims.com/blogs/116/Eight-Countries-Seek-OIC-Membership.html|title=Eight Countries Seek OIC Membership|publisher=Caribbean Muslims|date=23 January 2011|access-date=29 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118195555/http://www.caribbeanmuslims.com/blogs/116/Eight-Countries-Seek-OIC-Membership.html|archive-date=18 January 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/73763/|title={{-'}}Pak will match India weapons{{'-}}|work=The Indian Express|date=3 July 2005|access-date=29 November 2011|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122157/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/pak-will-match-india-weapons/|url-status=live}}

Pakistan cites its conflict with India over the Kashmir region as its rationale. It frequently accuses India of perpetrating human rights abuses against Kashmiris in the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has experienced an ongoing militant uprising since the 1980s.{{cite journal|last=Orakzai|first= S. |date=April 2010 |title=Organisation of The Islamic Conference and Conflict Resolution: Case Study of the Kashmir Dispute |journal=Pakistan Horizon |volume=63 |issue=2: Security Concerns in South and West Asia |pages= 83–94 |jstor=24711087}} The OIC has been urged to press India on the Kashmir dispute, and has faced pushback from Indian officials for occasional references to Jammu and Kashmir.{{cite web |last=Wahab|first=Siraj|url=http://arabnews.com/world/article464642.ece |title=OIC urged to press India on Kashmir issue|work=Arab News|date=30 June 2011|access-date=25 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726132323/http://arabnews.com/world/article464642.ece |archive-date=26 July 2011}} Historically, the Muslim world has largely lent its support to Pakistan on the issue.

The first OIC summit held in 1969 in Rabat did not address the dispute, while granting India membership was discussed. The head of the Indian delegation addressed the summit. The erstwhile President of Pakistan, Yahya Khan, reportedly expressed mixed views. The Indian delegation, led by then Indian President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad, was scheduled to attend the summit but ultimately was not allowed in due to Pakistan's controversial boycott threat. Differences between the two states led Pakistan to keep India out for the final session of the 1969 conference and all OIC subsequent summits.{{cite news|url=https://m.khaleejtimes.com/editorials-columns/why-not-india-in-oic|title=Why not India in OIC|work=Kjaleej Times|date=10 October 2009|access-date=1 March 2019|first=Abdulaziz|last=Sager|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122206/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/editorials-columns/why-not-india-in-oic|url-status=live}}

On 14 February 2019, a suicide-bombing attack by a Muslim militant in Jammu and Kashmir killed over 40 Indian soldiers, for which responsibility was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist group. In March 2019, India conducted airstrikes in Pakistani territory, which subsequently led to the 2019 India–Pakistan military standoff.

After these events, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj was invited to participate in an OIC summit.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indias-global-stature-and-islamic-component-help-it-get-oic-invite/articleshow/68145827.cms|title=India's 'global stature' and 'islamic component' help it get OIC invite|date=25 February 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122215/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indias-global-stature-and-islamic-component-help-it-get-oic-invite/articleshow/68145827.cms|url-status=live}} However, Pakistan protested this development and demanded that India be blocked from the event, accusing the latter of an unprovoked violation of Pakistani airspace while Indian officials claimed that the strike was carried out on terrorist-training camps.{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/defence-establishment-has-evidence-of-air-strikes-in-balakot-in-terms-of-sar-imagery-363053.html|title=Indian Airforce Force official statement|last=Gupta|first=Kriti|date=2 March 2019|work=The Times of India|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305035327/https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/defence-establishment-has-evidence-of-air-strikes-in-balakot-in-terms-of-sar-imagery-363053.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite journal|last=Orakzai|first=Saira Bano|date=2010|title=Organisation of The Islamic Conference and Conflict Resolution: Case Study of the Kashmir Dispute |journal=Pakistan Horizon|volume=63|issue=2|pages=83–94|jstor=24711087|issn=0030-980X}} Following requests by Pakistan shortly after the 14 February attack, the OIC held an emergency meeting on 26 February.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1465810|title=OIC calls emergency meeting of Kashmir contact group on Pakistan's request|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|date=25 February 2019|website=Dawn|location=Pakistan|language=en|access-date=25 February 2019|archive-date=25 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225054120/https://www.dawn.com/news/1465810|url-status=live}} The organization subsequently condemned India's military response to the attack and advised both sides to exercise restraint.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/oic-slams-strikes-advises-india-and-pakistan-restraint/articleshow/68177136.cms|title=OIC slams strikes, advises India and Pakistan restraint|date=27 February 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122216/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/oic-slams-strikes-advises-india-and-pakistan-restraint/articleshow/68177136.cms|url-status=live}}

For the first time in five decades, the United Arab Emirates invited India as a "guest of honour" to attend the inaugural plenary 46th meeting of OIC foreign ministers in Abu Dhabi on 1 and 2 March 2019, overriding protests by Pakistan.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/india-invited-as-guest-of-honour-to-oic-meet-sushma-swaraj-to-attend-1550913750935.html|title=India invited as 'guest of honour' to OIC meet, Sushma Swaraj to attend|newspaper=Live Mint|date=24 February 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|first=Elizabeth|last=Roche|archive-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228151158/https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/india-invited-as-guest-of-honour-to-oic-meet-sushma-swaraj-to-attend-1550913750935.html|url-status=live}} In response Pakistan boycotted the meeting. Indian Foreign Minister Swaraj headed the Indian delegation at the summit.

On 18 April 2020, OIC issued a statement, urging the Modi administration of India to take urgent steps to "stop the growing tide of Islamophobia", citing attacks by Hindu nationalists against Indian Muslims and the allegation against Muslims of spreading COVID-19 in the country.{{cite news |title=Why Arabs are speaking out against Islamophobia in India |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/arabs-speaking-islamophobia-india-200423112102197.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=30 April 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502123240/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/arabs-speaking-islamophobia-india-200423112102197.html |url-status=live }}

{{main|Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy}}

Cartoons of Muhammad, published in a Danish newspaper in September 2005, offended a number of Muslims. The Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in December 2005 condemned publication of the cartoons, resulting in broader coverage of the issue by news media in Muslim countries. Subsequently, violent demonstrations throughout the Islamic world resulted in multiple deaths.{{cite news|title=How a meeting of leaders in Mecca set off the cartoon wars around the world|work=The Independent|date=10 February 2006|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article344482.ece|location=London|first1=Daniel|last1=Howden|first2=David|last2=Hardaker|first3=Stephen|last3=Castle|access-date=14 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708204534/http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article344482.ece|archive-date=8 July 2008}}

OIC created the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam. Proponents claim it is not an alternative to the UDHR, but rather complementary to it. Article 24 states that "all the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Shari'ah" and Article 25 follows with "the Islamic Shari'ah is the only source of reference for the explanation or clarification of any of the articles of this Declaration." Attempts to have it adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council met criticism, because of its contradiction of the UDHR, including from liberal Muslim groups.[http://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/16/1unupdate.pdf?rd=1 "Human Rights Brief" United Nations Update] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325023127/https://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/16/1unupdate.pdf?rd=1 |date=25 March 2009 }} Accessed 10 March 2009. Critics of the CDHR state bluntly that it is "manipulation and hypocrisy," "designed to dilute, if not altogether eliminate, civil and political rights protected by international law" and attempts to "circumvent these principles [of freedom and equality]."Fatema Mernissi: Islam and Democracy, Cambridge 2002, Perseus Books, p. 67. {{ISBN?}}Ann Mayer, "An Assessment of Human Rights Schemes", in Islam and Human Rights, p. 175. Westview 1999, Westview Press. {{ISBN?}}Robert Carle: "Revealing and Concealing: Islamist Discourse on Human Rights", Human Rights Review, Vol: 6, No 3 April–June 2005.

Human Rights Watch says that OIC "fought doggedly" and successfully within the United Nations Human Rights Council to shield states from criticism, except criticism of Israel. For example, when independent experts reported violations of human rights in the 2006 Lebanon War, "state after state from the OIC took the floor to denounce the experts for daring to look beyond Israeli violations to discuss Hezbollah's as well. OIC demands that the council "should work cooperatively with abusive governments rather than condemn them." HRW responded that this works with those who are willing to cooperate; others exploit the passivity.{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2006 |title=How to Put U.N. Rights Council Back on Track |url=https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2006/11/02/how-put-un-rights-council-back-track |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413055509/https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2006/11/02/how-put-un-rights-council-back-track |archive-date=Apr 13, 2009 |website=Human Rights Watch}}"[https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2007/07/25/un-human-rights-council The UN Human Rights Council]", Human Rights Watch Testimony Delivered to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 25 July 2007. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404195211/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2007/07/25/un-human-rights-council |date=4 April 2014 }}.

OIC has been criticised for failing to discuss the treatment of ethnic minorities within member countries, such as the oppression of the Kurds in Syria and Turkey, the Ahwaz in Iran, the Hazaras in Afghanistan, the 'Al-Akhdam' in Yemen, or the Berbers in Algeria.{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/multiculturalody00kyml_1 |url-access=registration |title=Multicultural Odysseys: Navigating the New International Politics of Diversity|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New York |isbn=978-0-19-928040-7 |year=2007|page=[https://archive.org/details/multiculturalody00kyml_1/page/308 308]|first=Will|last=Kymlicka|access-date=25 March 2011}}

Along with OIC's 2008 charter revisions, the member states created the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC). The IPHRC is an advisory body, independent from OIC, composed of eighteen individuals from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. IPHRC has the power to monitor human rights within the member states and facilitates the integration of human rights into all OIC mandates. IPHRC also aids in the promotion of political, civil, and economic rights in all member states.{{cite journal|last=CISMAS|first= I. |year=2011|title= Statute of the OIC independent permanent human rights commission, introductory note. International Legal Materials, 50(6)|journal= International Legal Materials |volume= 50 |issue= 6 |pages= 1148–1160|doi= 10.5305/intelegamate.50.6.1148 |jstor=10.5305/intelegamate.50.6.1148|hdl= 1893/21712 |s2cid= 153014795 |hdl-access= free|issn = 0020-7829 }}

In September 2017, the Independent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the OIC strongly condemned the human rights violations against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1155966/saudi-arabia|title=OIC condemns abuses against Rohingya in Myanmar|website=Arab News|date=5 September 2017|access-date=26 October 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024750/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1155966/saudi-arabia|url-status=live}}

In December 2018, the OIC tentatively raised the issue of China's Xinjiang internment camps and human rights abuses against the Uyghurs.{{cite news |title=A wall of silence around China's oppression of its Muslim minority is starting to crumble |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/muslim-countries-standing-up-to-china-over-uighur-muslim-oppression-2018-12 |work=Business Insider |date=2 March 2019 |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302183009/https://www.businessinsider.com/muslim-countries-standing-up-to-china-over-uighur-muslim-oppression-2018-12 |url-status=live }} The OIC reversed its position after a visit to Xinjiang, and in March 2019, the OIC issued a report on human rights for Muslim minorities that praised China for "providing care to its Muslim citizens" and looked forward to greater cooperation with the PRC.{{cite news |last=Perlez |first=Jane |date=8 April 2019 |title=With Pressure and Persuasion, China Deflects Criticism of Its Camps for Muslims |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/08/world/asia/china-muslims-camps.html?module=inline |work=The New York Times |access-date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219131622/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/08/world/asia/china-muslims-camps.html?module=inline |url-status=live }}{{cite web| url = https://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=4447&refID=1250| title = Resolutions in Muslim Communities and Muslim Minorities in the Non-OIC Member States | access-date = 6 November 2019| archive-date = 12 November 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191112170913/https://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=4447&refID=1250| url-status = live}} In December 2020 a coalition of American Muslim groups criticized OIC for failing to speak up to prevent the abuse of the Uyghurs and accused member states of being influenced by Chinese power. The groups included the Council on American-Islamic Relations.{{cite web |last1=AFP |title=US Muslim groups accuse OIC of abetting China's Uighur 'genocide' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/18/us-muslims-press-organization-of-islamic-cooperation-on-china |website=www.aljazeera.com |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 April 2021 |archive-date=30 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430040639/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/18/us-muslims-press-organization-of-islamic-cooperation-on-china |url-status=live }}

{{main|LGBT rights at the United Nations}}

{{see also|LGBT in Islam}}

In March 2012, the United Nations Human Rights Council held its first discussion of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, following the 2011 passage of a resolution supporting LGBT rights proposed by the Republic of South Africa.{{cite web|url=http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session19/PanelDiscussionsHRC19.pdf|title=List of Panel Discussions to take place during 19th session|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323215259/http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session19/PanelDiscussionsHRC19.pdf|archive-date=23 March 2012|url-status=live}} Pakistan's representative addressed the session on behalf of the OIC, denouncing the discussion and questioning the concept of sexual orientation, which he said promoted "licentious behaviour ... against the fundamental teachings of various religions, including Islam". He stated that the council should not discuss the topic again. Most Arab countries and some African countries walked out of the session.{{cite news |title=Islamic states, Africans walk out on UN gay panel|url=http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82702T20120308?sp=true|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022151231/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82702T20120308?sp=true|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 October 2012|date=8 March 2012 |first=Robert |last=Evans |work=Reuters|access-date=18 July 2012}}{{cite news |title=Historic UN Session on Gay Rights Marked By Arab Walkout |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/arab_states_leave_un_gay-rights_debate/24508579.html |date=7 March 2012 |first=Richard |last=Solash |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718062200/http://www.rferl.org/content/arab_states_leave_un_gay-rights_debate/24508579.html |url-status=live }}[http://mg.co.za/article/2012-03-09-sa-leads-un-on-gay-rights South Africa leads United Nations on gay rights | National | Mail & Guardian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424072939/http://mg.co.za/article/2012-03-09-sa-leads-un-on-gay-rights |date=24 April 2013 }}. Mg.co.za (9 March 2012). Retrieved 27 September 2013.

Nonetheless, OIC members Albania, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Suriname and Sierra Leone signed a 2011 UN declaration supporting LGBT rights in the General Assembly.{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/es/documents/ior40/024/2008/es/ |title=Documento |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=25 April 2014 |archive-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207072231/https://www.amnesty.org/es/documents/ior40/024/2008/es/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Geneva |first=U. S. Mission |date=2011-03-22 |title=Over 80 Nations Support Statement at Human Rights Council on LGBT Rights |url=https://geneva.usmission.gov/2011/03/22/lgbtrights/ |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva |language=en-US}} Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey legalized homosexuality.

In May 2016, 57 countries including Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation requested the removal of LGBT associations from 2016 High Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, sparking protests by the United States, Canada, the European Union and LGBT communities.{{cite news|author=James Rothwell |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/18/muslim-countries-ban-gay-and-transgender-reps-from-united-nation/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/18/muslim-countries-ban-gay-and-transgender-reps-from-united-nation/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Muslim countries ban gay and transgender reps from United Nations meeting on Aids |work=The Telegraph|date=18 May 2016 |access-date=18 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last=Nichols |first=Michelle |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-lgbt-aids-idUSKCN0Y827F |title=Muslim states block gay groups from U.N. AIDS meeting; U.S. protests |work=Reuters |date=4 April 2013 |access-date=18 May 2016 |archive-date=30 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830163354/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-lgbt-aids-idUSKCN0Y827F |url-status=live }}

The Astana Declaration is a policy guidance adopted by OIC members at the Astana Summit. The Astana Declaration commits members to increase investment in science and technology, education, eradicate extreme poverty, and implement UN Sustainable Development Goals.{{cite web|title=Astana Declaration |url=http://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=1604&refID=1067|publisher=OIC|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916052837/http://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=1604&refID=1067|archive-date=16 September 2017|url-status=dead}}

In 1999, OIC adopted the OIC Convention on Combatting International Terrorism.{{cite web|url=http://www.oicun.org/articles/55/1/OIC-Convention-on-Combating-International-Terrorism/1.html|title=OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism|publisher=OICUN|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718212122/http://www.oicun.org/articles/55/1/OIC-Convention-on-Combating-International-Terrorism/1.html|archive-date=18 July 2011|url-status=dead}} Human Rights Watch reported that the definition of terrorism in article 1 describes "any act or threat of violence carried out with the aim of, among other things, imperiling people’s honour, occupying or seizing public or private property, or threatening the stability, territorial integrity, political unity or sovereignty of a state." HRW described this as vague, ill-defined, and including much that is outside the generally accepted concept of terrorism. In HRW's view, it labels, or could easily be used to label, as terrorist actions, acts of peaceful expression, association, and assembly.[https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2008/03/10/letter-secretary-general-organisation-islamic-conference Organisation of the Islamic Conference: Improve and Strengthen the 1999 OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502034627/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2008/03/10/letter-secretary-general-organisation-islamic-conference |date=2 May 2015 }} Human Rights Watch 11 March 2008.

Legal scholar Ben Saul argued that the definition is subjective and ambiguous and concluded that it left a "serious danger of the abusive use of terrorist prosecutions against political opponents" and others.Ben Saul: [http://ssrn.com/abstract=1292164 Branding Enemies: Regional Legal Responses to Terrorism in Asia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122216/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1292164 |date=20 February 2023 }} ‘'Asia–Pacific Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law, 2008'’ Sydney Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 08/127, October 2008.

HRW is concerned by OIC's apparent unwillingness to recognise as terrorism acts that serve causes endorsed by their member states. Article 2 reads: "Peoples' struggle including armed struggle against foreign occupation, aggression, colonialism, and hegemony, aimed at liberation and self-determination." HRW suggested that OIC embrace "longstanding and universally recognised international human rights standards", a request that has not led to any results.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}

During a meeting in Malaysia in April 2002, delegates discussed terrorism but failed to reach a definition of it. They rejected, however, any description of the Palestinian fight with Israel as terrorism. Their declaration was explicit: "We reject any attempt to link terrorism to the struggle of the Palestinian people in the exercise of their inalienable right to establish their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Shrif (Jerusalem) as its capital." In fact, at the outset of the meeting, the OIC countries signed a statement praising the Palestinians and their "blessed intifada." The word terrorism was restricted to describe Israel, whom they condemned for "state terrorism" in their war with the Palestinian people.[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ed20020409a1.html The OIC's blind eye to terror] The Japan Times 9 April 2002. {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

At the 34th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM), an OIC section, in May 2007, the foreign ministers termed Islamophobia "the worst form of terrorism".[http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=96276&d=17&m=5&y=2007 ‘Islamophobia Worst Form of Terrorism’] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927045612/http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=96276&d=17&m=5&y=2007 |date=27 September 2008 }} Arab News 17 May 2007.

Thailand responded to OIC criticism of human rights abuses in the Muslim majority provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat in the south of the country. In a statement issued on 18 October 2005, secretary-general Ihsanoglu vocalised concern over the continuing conflict in the south that "claimed the lives of innocent people and forced the migration of local people out of their places".{{cite web|url=http://www.patanipost.com/090418OIC.html |title=Ihsanoglu urges OIC Member States to accord greater attention to Muslim minority issues |publisher=Patanipost.com |access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715051741/http://www.patanipost.com/090418OIC.html |archive-date=15 July 2011 }} He stressed that the Thai government's security approach to the crisis would aggravate the situation and lead to continued violence.

On 18–19 April 2009, exiled Patani leader Abu Yasir Fikri was invited to the OIC to speak about the conflict and present a proposal to end the violence between the Thai government and the ethnically Malay Muslims living in the neglected south. The group has been struggling against Thai assimilation policy and for self governance since the area was annexed by Thailand in 1902. Fikri presented a six-point solution at the conference that included obtaining the same basic rights as other groups when it came to rights of language, religion, and culture. He suggested that Thailand give up its discriminatory policies against the Patani people and allow Patani to at least be allowed the same self-governing rights as other regions in Thailand, citing that this does not go against the Thai constitution since it had been done in other parts of Thailand.{{cite web|url=http://www.patanipost.com/OIC090419.html |title=Welcome to Patani Post! PULO President invited to speak at OIC meeting 18–19 April 2009 |work=Patani Post|access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316105054/http://www.patanipost.com/OIC090419.html |archive-date=16 March 2011 }} He criticised the Thai government's escalation of violence by arming and creating Buddhist militia groups and questioned their intentions. He added that Thai policies of not investigating corruption, murder, and human rights violations perpetrated by Bangkok-led administration and military personnel was an obstacle for achieving peace and healing the deep wounds of "third-class" citizens.{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/region/thailand|title=Thailand|publisher=Amnesty International|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-date=14 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314112008/https://www.amnesty.org/en/region/thailand|url-status=dead}}

Thai foreign minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon said in response: "We have made it clear to the OIC several times that the violence in the deep South is not caused by religious conflict and the government grants protection to all of our citizens no matter what religion they embrace." The Foreign Ministry issued a statement dismissing the OIC's criticism and accusing it of disseminating misperceptions and misinformation about the situation in the southern provinces. "If the OIC secretariat really wants to promote the cause of peace and harmony in the three southern provinces of Thailand, the responsibility falls on the OIC secretariat to strongly condemn the militants, who are perpetrating these acts of violence against both Thai Muslims and Thai Buddhists."{{Cite web|url=http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2005-10/20/article08.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080823154242/http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2005-10/20/article08.shtml|url-status=unfit|title=Thailand Rebuffs OIC Criticism Over South Crisis|archivedate=23 August 2008|website=IslamOnline}}{{cite web|url=http://www.patanipost.com/OicResolution.html |title=OIC Resolution |work=Patani Post|access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715051807/http://www.patanipost.com/OicResolution.html |archive-date=15 July 2011 }} HRW{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/asia/thailand |title=Thailand |publisher=Human Rights Watch |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-date=25 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325040448/http://www.hrw.org/asia/thailand |url-status=live }} and Amnesty International offsered the same concerns as OIC, rebuffing Thailand's attempts to dismiss the issue.

Various OIC meetings have attracted global attention.

The ninth meeting of Parliamentary Union of the OIC member states (PUOICM) was held on 15 and 16 February 2007 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=February2007&file=Local_News2007021523026.xml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016074912/http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=February2007&file=Local_News2007021523026.xml|url-status=unfit|title=Nation News In Brief: Permission needed to take GCC vehicles out of region|archivedate=16 October 2015|website=The Peninsula Newspaper}} The speaker of Malaysia's House of Representatives, Ramli bin Ngah Talib, spoke at the inaugural ceremony. One main agenda item was stopping Israel from continuing its excavation at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount / Masjid Al-Aqsa, Islam's third holiest site.{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=247167 |title=Malaysian National News Agency |agency=Bernama |access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929090226/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=247167 |archive-date=29 September 2007 }} OIC also discussed how it might send peacekeeping troops to Muslim states, as well as the possibility of a name change and charter changes. Return of the sovereignty right to the Iraqi people along with withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq was another one of the main agenda items.{{Cite web |title=Blog |url=https://www.indianmuslims.info/blog/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106072622/http://www.indianmuslims.info/blog/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=6 November 2006 |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=元カノ復縁しつこい รวบรวมประวัติและวัฒนธรรมมุสลิมอินเดีย |language=th}}

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri stated on 14 February that the secretary general of OIC and foreign ministers of seven "like-minded Muslim countries" would meet in Islamabad on 25 February following meetings of President Musharraf with the heads of Muslim countries to discuss "a new initiative" for the resolution of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[http://www.pakistanlink.com/Headlines/Feb07/15/05.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007071428/http://www.pakistanlink.com/Headlines/Feb07/15/05.htm|date=7 October 2008}}

In December 2012, IPHRC met in Washington, D.C. for the first time. The IPHRC held meetings at the National Press Club, Capitol Hill, and Freedom House discussing the issues of human rights in the OIC member states. During their roundtable discussion with Freedom House, the IPHRC emphasised the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rejection of the Cairo Declaration by the OIC.{{cite web|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/event/upcoming-event-roundtable-discussion-oics-human-rights-commission|title=Upcoming Event: Roundtable Discussion with the OIC's Human Rights Commission|publisher=Freedom House|date=13 December 2012|access-date=21 January 2013|archive-date=23 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223114852/http://www.freedomhouse.org/event/upcoming-event-roundtable-discussion-oics-human-rights-commission|url-status=dead}}

The September 2014's high-level Summit of the OIC, in New York, ended without adopting any resolutions or conclusions, for the first time in several years, due to a dispute regarding the status of one of its Observer states. Egypt, Iran and the United Arab Emirates demanded that the OIC remove the term 'Turkish Cypriot State' in reference to the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which had observer status within the organization. Egypt's president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi insisted that any reference to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or Turkish Cypriot State" was unacceptable and was ultimately the reason for the OIC not adopting any resolutions or conclusions in the 2014 summit.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20141013023934/http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/145743/egypts-sisi-demands-turkish-cypriots-removed-from-oic]}} The World Bulletin news: Egypt's Sisi demands Turkish Cypriots removed from OIC[http://sheikyermami.com/egypt-sisi-tells-turks-to-get-out-of-cyprus/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012082714/http://sheikyermami.com/egypt-sisi-tells-turks-to-get-out-of-cyprus/|date=12 October 2014}} Egypt's Sisi tells Turks to get out of Cyprus[https://web.archive.org/web/20141012144555/http://www.newsit.com.cy/default.php?pname=Article&art_id=152107&catid=7] OIC says «NO» to «Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus»

{{main|Ninth Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference|2023 Arab League summit}}

On November 11, 2023 the group and the Arab League met in Riyadh for a special summit on the Gaza humanitarian situation created by the Gaza war.Al Arabiya reporters. (11 November 2023). "Arab, Muslim leaders slam Israel at Saudi-hosted summit on Gaza". [https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2023/11/11/Extraordinary-joint-Islamic-Arab-summit-on-Gaza-conflict-kicks-off-in-Saudi-Arabia Al Arabiya English] Retrieved 24 November 2023.

On 5 August 2024 Iran called for an emergency meeting of the OIC on 7 August because it wanted to drum up support for its war against Israel in the wake of the Tehran assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/iran-calls-meeting-of-islamic-nations-for-wednesday-to-press-right-to-strike-israel/ |title=Iran calls meeting of Islamic nations for Wednesday to press right to strike Israel |date=5 August 2024 |publisher=Times of Israel }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/05/iran-says-it-has-moral-duty-to-punish-israel-law-breaking-and-adventurism |title=Iran says it has duty to punish Israel over killing of Hamas leader in Tehran |newspaper=The Guardian |last1=Wintour |first1=Patrick |last2=McKernan |first2=Bethan }} Jeddah, Saudi Arabia hosted the meeting, and Iran's foreign minister Ali Bagheri said Ayatollah Khomeini has no other choice but to use his right to self-defense. Other participants raised concerns about a wider regional conflict and Bagheri's motion failed to carry.{{cite news |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240808_03/ |date=7 August 2024 |title=Iran seeks support for retaliation against Israel at meeting of Islamic nations |publisher=NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)}}

{{Further|Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States}}

{{More citations needed section|date=September 2017}}

File:13. Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.jpg, Turkey, April 2016]]

The OIC is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia{{cite web | title=OIC meeting to discuss global Muslim rights issues | website=Arab News | date=2021-11-23 | url=https://arab.news/9hg6x | access-date=2022-02-07 | archive-date=20 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220122216/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1973286/saudi-arabia | url-status=live }} with regional offices in New York, Geneva, Brussels, Iraq, Kabul, and Indonesia.{{cite web | title=Offices | website=Organisation of Islamic Cooperation | date=2021-12-07 | url=https://www.oic-oci.org/page/?p_id=289&p_ref=100&lan=en | access-date=2022-02-07 | archive-date=7 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207145824/https://www.oic-oci.org/page/?p_id=289&p_ref=100&lan=en | url-status=live }}

The OIC system consists of:

{{Main|Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}}

The largest meeting, attended by the heads of state and government of the member states, convenes every three years.{{Clarify|the last one took place when?|date=July 2011}} The Islamic Summit takes policy decisions and provide guidance on all issues pertaining to the realisation of the objectives as provided in the Charter and consider other issues of concern to the Member States and the Ummah.[http://www.oic-oci.org/page_detail.asp?p_id=53 Welcome to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation official website]. Oic-oci.org. Retrieved 27 September 2013. {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{Main|OIC Council of Foreign Ministers}}

Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers meets once a year to examine a progress report on the implementation of its decisions taken within the framework of the policy defined by the Islamic Summit.

The OIC sponsors four universities: the Islamic University of Technology, a subsidiary organ; and three affiliated institutions; the Islamic University in Uganda; the Islamic University of Niger; and the International Islamic University Malaysia.{{cite web |date=2021-12-07 |title=Islamic Universities |url=https://www.oic-oci.org/page/?p_id=238&p_ref=80&lan=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202122915/https://www.oic-oci.org/page/?p_id=238&p_ref=80&lan=en |archive-date=2 February 2022 |access-date=2022-02-08 |website=Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}}

{{Main|Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation}}

The Secretary General is elected by the Council of Foreign Ministers for a term of five years, with a maximum of two terms. The Secretary-General is elected from among nationals of the Member States in accordance with the principles of equitable geographical distribution, rotation and equal opportunity for all Member States with due consideration to competence, integrity and experience.[http://www.oic-oci.org/page_detail.asp?p_id=38 Welcome to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation official website]. Oic-oci.org. Retrieved 27 September 2013. {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

The Permanent Secretariat is the executive organ of the Organisation, entrusted with the implementation of the decisions of the two preceding bodies, and is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

File:Five Fundamentals Gate, Islamic University of Technology.jpg was set up by the OIC in Bangladesh]]

• The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries, in Ankara, Turkey
• The Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), located in Istanbul, Turkey
• The Islamic University of Technology, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh
• The Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade, located in Casablanca, Morocco
• The Islamic Fiqh Academy, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• The Islamsate Islamic Network, located at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• The Executive Bureau of the Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• The Islamic University in Niger, located in Say, Niger.
• The Islamic University in Uganda, located in Mbale, Uganda.
• The Tabriz Islamic Arts University, located in Tabriz, Iran.

• The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), located in Rabat, Morocco.
• The Islamic States Broadcasting Organisation (ISBO) and the International Islamic News Agency (IINA), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), located in Karachi, Pakistan.
• World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Organisation of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Sports Federation of Islamic Solidarity Games, located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC), located in Benghazi, Libya.
• Islamic Shipowners Association (ISA), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• World Federation of International Arab-Islamic Schools, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• International Association of Islamic Banks (IAIB), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC), located in Istanbul, Turkey.
• General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI), located in Manama, Bahrain.
• Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), located in Istanbul, Turkey.[http://www.smiic.org/ "About SMIIC"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210062952/http://www.smiic.org/ |date=10 February 2014 }}. Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries. Retrieved 12 September 2012.

OIC has been criticised by many Muslims for its lack of engagement and solutions for Muslim countries in crisis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/general/2009/10/200910261043188533.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801041646/https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/general/2009/10/200910261043188533.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 August 2018|title=OIC: 40 Years of Frustrations {{!}} {{!}} Al Jazeera|date=1 August 2018|access-date=17 June 2019}} It is said to have made progress in social and academic terms but not politically.

In 2020, Pakistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs SM Qureshi criticized OIC for its stand with regard to Kashmir issue.{{cite news |author1=Harsha Kakar |title=Pakistan isolated on Kashmir |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/pakistan-isolated-kashmir-1502915906.html |access-date=12 August 2020 |work=The Statesman |date=11 August 2020 |archive-date=21 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821114823/https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/pakistan-isolated-kashmir-1502915906.html |url-status=live }}

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has been criticized for advocating for limitations to the freedom of speech and freedom of religion by interpreting apostasy and heresy as anti-Islamic speech and Islamophobia.{{cite book | last1=Marshall | first1=Paul | last2=Shea | first2=Nina | title=Silenced: How Apostasy and Blasphemy Codes are Choking Freedom Worldwide | publisher=Oxford University Press | date=1 December 2011 | isbn=978-0-19-981226-4 | doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199812264.001.0001 | page=}}

{{portal|Islam}}

• Azerbaijan–OIC relations
• Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam
• D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation
• Flag of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
• Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition
• Islamic Reporting Initiative
• Islamic University of Technology
• List of largest cities in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member countries
• Demographics of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
• Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

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{{Reflist}}

• Al-Huda, Qamar. "Organisation of the Islamic Conference". Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World. Edited by Martin, Richard C. Macmillan Reference, 2004. Vol. 1. p. 394, 20 April 2008.
• Ankerl, Guy. Coexisting Contemporary Civilisations: Arabo-Muslim, Bharati, Chinese, and Western. Geneva, INUPress, 2000, {{ISBN|2-88155-004-5}}.

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{{Organisation of the Islamic Conference}}

{{International power}}

{{Iran–Saudi Arabia relations}}

{{Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict}}

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