OIC calls for multi-dimensional approach to contain terror

Statement issued by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on commemorating victims of 9/11 on its 10th anniversary

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins the international community in remembering the horrendous and cowardly act of terrorism and the tragic loss of thousands of innocent human lives. The OIC was among the first in expressing shock and horror at the dastardly terrorist attack and in condemning it in the strongest terms.

The OIC seizes this opportunity to reiterate its firm position of condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to underscore that terrorism is a repugnant malady that seeks to destroy the fundamental ethos of humanity. This principled position of the OIC against terrorism and extremism is clearly stated in the OIC Ten Year Programme of Action adopted by the Heads of State and Government in 2005.

Peace and tolerance

The perpetrators of terror have no respect for human life or dignity and pursue an agenda of hate and destruction. They have no character, follow no faith and live by a dogma of violence. The OIC that is guided by principles of peace and tolerance and moderation and modernization, is a major partner of the international community in combating terrorism. In doing so, the OIC Member States have themselves become the targets of terrorists and have paid a heavy price in terms of human life and damage to property.

The OIC endeavours to combat terrorism at its roots whatever its possible underpinnings, whether political, economic, social or technological. This stand has been evidenced over the past decades through the organization’s endeavours to mobilize energies and efforts to fight against terrorism. The OIC’s efforts were further strengthened with the establishment of the Convention on Combating Terrorism in July 1999. Perhaps, it is the only available Convention which defines terrorism, so far.

Discriminatory agenda

In its firm belief that combating terrorism requires a multi dimensional approach and not only the use of military means to guarantee sustainable peace, the OIC attaches enormous importance to identifying and addressing the root causes of conflicts and disputes. Dealing with conflict through the comprehensive approach obviously carries huge potential benefits.

In this regard, the OIC has been vocal in calling for historical reconciliation among different religions, cultures and civilizations, which would be seen as catalyst to debunk the myth of ‘clash of civilizations’ elevated by the tragic events of 9/11, which have, also, helped, unfortunately, the Islamophobes to pursue with their discriminatory agenda towards Islam and Muslims.

It is worth mentioning that the OIC has always emphasized that the international community should act in the spirit of moderation and dialogue to eliminate all forms of hatred, intolerance and discrimination.

The OIC believes that the limits of discrimination and racism have already been defined by existing international human rights instruments, including the consensually adopted HRC Resolution 16/18. It is equally important to recall the need to observe the UNGA Resolution 62/272 of September 5, 2008, which negates the association of Islam to terrorism. The OIC, in this regard, calls for the full adherence to these and other similar resolutions and instruments.

While commending the initiatives of the international community on combating terrorism, the OIC reiterates its readiness to cooperate with any credible initiative in addressing the root causes and consequences of terrorism with a view to having a safer world free from the evil faces of terrorism for our future generations.