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Organization of Islamic Cooperation

Report Prepared By
Muhammad Atif bsf2004238
Muhammad Zain Ul Abidin bsf2004195
BBA Sec. A (2020-24)
International Business and Trade
Submitted to
Dr. Adnan Sial
Introduction
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization
consisting of 57 member states, representing the collective voice of the Muslim
world. Founded in 1969, the OIC aims to promote solidarity, cooperation, and
coordination among its member states on various political, economic, social, and
cultural issues. It works to safeguard the rights and interests of Muslims globally,
advocate for peace and security, and address common challenges facing the Muslim
world. The OIC provides a platform for diplomatic dialogue, consensus-building, and
joint action, serving as a key forum for Muslim-majority countries to address shared
concerns and pursue collective goals on the global stage.

History
The OIC was established by the decision of the First Islamic Summit Conference held
in Rabat on 22-25 September 1969, upon the reactions of the Islamic World,
provoked by the arson attack against Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holy site in Islam
and located in Israeli occupied Jerusalem, by an Australian extremist Jew on 21
August 1969.
The name of the organization was changed to the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) from Organization of Islamic Conference, at the 38th meeting of
the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (CFM) held in Astana on 28-30 June 2011.
The Office of Secretariat General was established at the 1st Meeting of the Council
of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in March 1970, a Secretary General was appointed
and it was decided that the Secretariat would operate in Jeddah until the liberation
of Jerusalem.

Background
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was created in response to several
key factors and events that highlighted the need for greater solidarity and
cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. Here are some of the primary
reasons behind the establishment of the OIC:
Al-Aqsa Mosque Fire (1969):
One of the pivotal events that led to the creation of the OIC was the fire at
the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in 1969. This incident, perceived as an
attack on a sacred site for Muslims, sparked outrage and concern among
Muslim-majority countries. It underscored the vulnerability of Muslim
religious sites and the need for collective action to protect them.
Palestinian-Israeli Conflict:
The ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, particularly the
occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, has been a central concern for
many Muslim-majority countries. The establishment of the OIC provided a
platform for member states to collectively address issues related to the
Palestinian cause and advocate for the rights of Palestinians.
Colonial Legacy and Independence Movements:
Many Muslim-majority countries were former colonies that gained
independence in the mid-20th century. The legacy of colonialism, coupled
with struggles for self-determination and national sovereignty, prompted
these countries to seek solidarity and support from other Muslim nations.
The OIC offered a forum for cooperation in addressing common challenges
faced by newly independent states.
Promotion of Islamic Solidarity:
The OIC was founded with the aim of promoting solidarity and unity among
Muslim-majority countries. This sense of solidarity is based on shared
religious, cultural, and historical ties, as well as a common desire to protect
and promote the interests of the global Muslim community. The organization
seeks to foster cooperation in various fields, including politics, economics,
culture, and humanitarian affairs.
Global Political Realignment:
The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed significant shifts in global politics,
including the emergence of new power blocs and alliances. Against this
backdrop, Muslim-majority countries sought to assert their collective
 influence on the world stage and address common concerns through a
unified platform like the OIC.
The creation of the OIC was a response to the need for greater solidarity,
cooperation, and collective action among Muslim-majority countries in the face of
shared challenges, including political conflicts, socio-economic development, and
the promotion of Islamic values and interests on the global stage.

Name
Originally, the organization was called the "Organization of the Islamic Conference"
when it started in 1969. But later in 2011, it changed its name to the "Organization
of Islamic Cooperation." This change showed that it's more than just a conference.
It focuses on working together and helping each other among

Terms for Membership

Muslim countries. So, while it used to be called the Organization of the Islamic
Conference, now it's known as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Muslim-Majority Status: The OIC is primarily composed of countries with a
Muslim-majority population. Therefore, eligibility for membership generally
requires the applicant country to have a predominantly Muslim population.
Recognition by Other Member States: Prospective member states typically
need to be recognized by existing OIC member countries. This recognition
serves as an acknowledgment of the applicant's adherence to Islamic
principles and its eligibility for membership.
Commitment to OIC Principles: Applicant countries are expected to
demonstrate their commitment to the principles and objectives outlined in
the OIC Charter. This includes promoting solidarity and cooperation among
member states, supporting the rights and interests of Muslim peoples, and
advocating for peace, security, and stability in the region.
Application and Approval Process: The process for joining the OIC usually
involves submitting a formal application to the organization's General
Secretariat. The application is then reviewed by member states, and approval
for membership is granted through consensus or a specified voting
mechanism.
 Ratification: Once approved for membership, the applicant country typically
ratifies its membership through its national legislative or executive bodies.
This formalizes its status as a member state of the OIC and enables it to
participate fully in the organization's activities and decision-making
processes.

Member Countries
The OIC has 57 members.
Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, the United Arab
Emirates (UAE), Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Djibouti, Chad,
Indonesia, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, Palestine, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea
Bissau, Guyana, Iraq, Iran, Cameroon, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Comoros,
Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Maldives, Malaysia, Mali, Egypt, Mauritania, Mozambique,
Niger, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somali, Sudan, Surinam,
Syria, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Oman,
Jordan, Yemen.

Organs of OIC
1. Islamic Summit: The Islamic Summit is the highest decision-making body of
the OIC. It consists of the heads of state or government of member countries.
The summit convenes periodically to discuss major issues facing the Muslim
world, set priorities, and adopt resolutions and declarations.
2. Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM): The Council of Foreign Ministers is
composed of the foreign ministers of member states. It meets annually to
review the implementation of the OIC's policies and decisions, discuss
regional and international developments affecting the Muslim world, and
formulate strategies and initiatives to address common challenges.
3. General Secretariat: The General Secretariat serves as the administrative
arm of the OIC. It is responsible for implementing the decisions and
resolutions of the Islamic Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers. The
General Secretariat also coordinates the organization's activities, manages its
finances, and represents the OIC in external affairs.
 4. Standing Committees: The OIC has several standing committees, each
focusing on specific areas such as political affairs, economic affairs, social
affairs, and cultural affairs. These committees are composed of experts and
representatives from member states and are tasked with studying issues,
proposing policies, and recommending actions in their respective fields.
5. Subsidiary Organs and Specialized Institutions: The OIC has established
various subsidiary organs and specialized institutions to address specific
issues and promote cooperation in different areas. These include:
• Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO):
ISESCO aims to promote education, science, and culture in member
states and facilitate cooperation in these fields.
• Islamic Development Bank (IDB): The IDB provides financial assistance
and support for development projects in member countries, with a
focus on economic and social development.
• Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF): The ISF offers financial assistance to
member states in times of need, such as during emergencies, disasters,
or humanitarian crises.
• Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Center for
Islamic Countries (SESRIC): SESRIC conducts research, provides
training, and offers technical assistance to member states in the areas
of statistics, economics, and social development.
6. Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC): The IPHRC is
tasked with promoting and protecting human rights in member states, in
accordance with Islamic principles and international standards

Charter
The Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) serves as the
fundamental document governing the organization's objectives, structure,
functions, and principles. Here's a detailed breakdown of its key components:
1. Preamble: The preamble of the Charter typically sets the tone and context
for the document, reaffirming the commitment of member states to the
principles of the United Nations Charter and the values of peace, justice,
equality, and solidarity among peoples. It often highlights the historical and
cultural significance of the Islamic world and the need for cooperation to
address common challenges.
2. Objectives:
• Enhancing Solidarity and Cooperation: The Charter articulates the
primary objective of the OIC, which is to promote solidarity and
cooperation among member states. This includes fostering mutual
understanding, supporting joint initiatives, and strengthening ties
among Islamic countries.
• Safeguarding Rights and Interests: Another key objective is to
safeguard the rights and interests of Muslim peoples worldwide. This
may involve advocating for the protection of human rights, addressing
discrimination and Islamophobia, and supporting communities facing
oppression or conflict.
• Promoting Peace and Security: The Charter underscores the
importance of promoting peace, security, and stability in the region
and globally. This includes efforts to resolve conflicts through peaceful
means, support for conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms,
and cooperation on counter-terrorism and counter-extremism
initiatives.
• Supporting the Palestinian Cause: A significant objective outlined in
the Charter is to support the Palestinian cause and defend the rights
of Palestinians. This involves advocating for the establishment of an
independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and
providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees.
• Fostering Cooperation: The Charter emphasizes the importance of
fostering economic, social, cultural, and scientific cooperation among
member states. This includes promoting trade and investment,
 enhancing educational and cultural exchanges, and advancing
scientific and technological collaboration.
• Combating Terrorism and Extremism: Addressing terrorism and
extremism is another key objective of the OIC. This involves developing
strategies to prevent and counter terrorism, addressing the root
causes of extremism, and promoting moderation and tolerance within
Muslim societies.
3. Structure and Decision-Making:
• General Secretariat: The Charter typically outlines the structure and
functions of the General Secretariat, which serves as the
administrative arm of the OIC. It is responsible for implementing
decisions, coordinating activities, and providing support to member
states.
• Council of Foreign Ministers: The Charter establishes the Council of
Foreign Ministers as the highest decision-making body of the OIC. It
convenes annually to discuss and formulate policies on various issues
affecting the Muslim world.
• Islamic Summit: The Charter may also establish the Islamic Summit as
a forum for heads of state and government to address major
challenges and set priorities for the organization. The summit typically
convenes every few years.
4. Functions and Powers:
• The Charter outlines the functions and powers of various organs and
bodies of the OIC, including the General Secretariat, specialized
committees, and subsidiary organs. This includes specifying their roles
in implementing decisions, conducting research, and facilitating
cooperation among member states.
• It also delineates the responsibilities of member states in upholding
the principles and objectives of the organization, including adhering to
international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
other states, and promoting good governance and democracy.
 5. Cooperation with Other Entities:
• The Charter emphasizes the importance of cooperation with other
international and regional organizations, as well as non-governmental
organizations, in advancing the goals of the OIC. This includes
promoting dialogue, partnership, and collaboration with entities
sharing similar objectives, such as the United Nations, the Arab
League, and the African Union.
6. Amendments and Ratification:
• The Charter typically includes provisions for its amendment, specifying
the procedures and requirements for making changes to the
document. This may involve the approval of a specified majority of
member states and the ratification of amendments by national
governments. Once ratified, the amended Charter becomes the legal
framework guiding the activities and operations of the OIC.

Pakistan in OIC
Pakistan maintains strong and active relations with the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) as one of its founding members. Pakistan consistently supports
OIC initiatives and resolutions, particularly concerning Muslim causes like the
Palestinian issue and Kashmir conflict. It advocates for the rights of Muslims globally
and collaborates with the OIC on humanitarian assistance, development projects,
cultural exchanges, and diplomatic efforts. Pakistan's engagement with the OIC
strengthens Islamic solidarity and addresses shared challenges faced by Muslim-
majority countries.

Failed Objectives of OIC

Resolution of Conflicts: Despite its efforts, the OIC has not been able to
effectively resolve several long-standing conflicts within the Muslim world,
such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Kashmir issue, and various intra-
state conflicts in member countries. While the organization has consistently
advocated for peaceful resolutions, achieving tangible progress has been
challenging due to complex political dynamics and external influences.
 Promotion of Economic Cooperation: Although economic cooperation is one
of its key objectives, the OIC has faced challenges in promoting meaningful
economic integration among its member states. Economic disparities, trade
barriers, and political tensions have hindered efforts to foster trade,
investment, and economic development within the Muslim world.
Coordination on Political Issues: The OIC's effectiveness in coordinating
political positions and responses to global issues has been limited at times
due to divergent interests and priorities among member states. Achieving
consensus on sensitive political issues, such as intervention in conflicts or
addressing human rights violations, has proven difficult, leading to a
perceived lack of cohesive action.
Addressing Internal Challenges: The OIC has struggled to effectively address
internal challenges within member states, including governance issues,
human rights abuses, and socio-economic disparities. While the organization
advocates for good governance and respect for human rights, its ability to
influence member states' domestic policies and practices is constrained by
the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
Countering Extremism and Terrorism: Despite efforts to combat extremism
and terrorism, the OIC has faced difficulties in effectively addressing these
threats within its member states. Factors such as political instability, socio-
economic grievances, and external interventions have complicated efforts to
counter radicalization and violent extremism effectively.
Enhancing Institutional Capacity: The OIC has encountered challenges in
enhancing its institutional capacity and operational efficiency. Issues such as
bureaucracy, funding constraints, and divergent priorities among member
states have hampered the organization's ability to implement its programs
and initiatives effectively.

Achievements
Promotion of Islamic Solidarity: One of the primary objectives of the OIC is
to foster solidarity and cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. Over
the years, the organization has played a crucial role in promoting unity,
mutual understanding, and collective action among member states,
particularly on issues of common concern.
Advocacy for Muslim Causes: The OIC has been a vocal advocate for the
rights and interests of Muslims worldwide. It has consistently raised
awareness and mobilized support for issues such as the Palestinian cause, the
Kashmir conflict, and the Rohingya crisis. Through diplomatic efforts and
advocacy initiatives, the OIC has helped elevate these issues on the global
agenda.
Humanitarian Assistance: The OIC, through its specialized agencies and
mechanisms, provides humanitarian assistance to member states in times of
need. This includes support for refugees, disaster relief efforts, and
humanitarian aid delivery in conflict-affected areas. The organization's
humanitarian initiatives have helped alleviate suffering and provide essential
support to affected populations.
Islamic Development: The OIC has played a significant role in promoting
economic development and cooperation among member states. Initiatives
such as the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund
(ISF) provide financial assistance, investment, and technical support for
development projects in member countries, contributing to poverty
alleviation and socio-economic progress.
Cultural and Educational Exchange: The OIC facilitates cultural and
educational exchange programs among member states, promoting mutual
understanding, dialogue, and cooperation. Initiatives such as the Islamic
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) support
educational and cultural initiatives, including scholarships, academic
exchanges, and preservation of Islamic heritage.
Combating Extremism and Terrorism: The OIC is actively engaged in counter-
terrorism efforts, promoting dialogue, cooperation, and capacity-building to
address the root causes of extremism and terrorism. Through initiatives such
as the Islamic Counter-Terrorism Coalition (ICTC) and the Independent
Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), the organization works to
promote moderation, tolerance, and the rejection of violence and
extremism.
 Diplomatic Engagement: The OIC serves as a platform for diplomatic
engagement and dialogue among member states, as well as with other
regional and international actors. It provides a forum for addressing common
challenges, resolving disputes, and promoting peaceful coexistence among
diverse communities.

Current Failure in Gaza

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been criticized for its limited
effectiveness in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite issuing
statements of solidarity and providing some aid, the OIC has faced challenges in
brokering peace, delivering sufficient humanitarian assistance, and overcoming
internal divisions among member states. Critics argue that the OIC needs to take
more decisive action and mobilize greater resources to address the situation in Gaza
effectively.

OIC Overall
OIC was created with objective to ensure rights of Muslim Ummah, in some way
they have achieved it but most of time they have failed to deliver particularly in
recent times. Nowadays OIC considered as just clown due to lack of seriousness by
its most impactful members like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan etc. that were very
important players in the past achievements that’s happening because of West
pressure on these countries and they are playing in west’s hands.