Understanding the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 2: International Relations– Various International Organizations, their mandate and functioning.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in News

• Recently, General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) “condemned and denounced” the comments on Prophet Muhammed made by two erstwhile national spokespersons of the BJP.
• In Response, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India rejected the OIC Secretariat’s “unwarranted” and “narrow-minded” comments.
• India said that the views expressed by the two individuals did not reflect the views of the Indian government and that relevant authorities had already initiated strong actions against them.

Key Facts about Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

• About: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established at a 1969 summit in Rabat (Morocco).
• Mandate: OIC endeavours to-
  • Establish solidarity among member states, support restoration of complete sovereignty and territorial integrity of any member state under occupation;
  • Protect, defend and combat defamation of Islam, prevent growing dissention in Muslim societies and
  • Work to ensure that member states take a united stand on the international stage such as the UN General Assembly, Human Rights Council.
• OIC Charter: First OIC Charter was adopted in 1972. Since then, the OIC charter has been revised multiple times in line with emerging conditions in the developing world. The present OIC charter was adopted in March 2008 at Dakar in Senegal.
  • It enshrines that all members be guided and inspired by the noble Islamic teachings and values alongside committing themselves to the purposes and principles of the UN charter.
  • Member states are expected to uphold and promote good governance, democracy, human rights, fundamental freedom and the rule of law — settling disputes through peaceful means and refraining from the use of threat or force.
• OIC Programme of Action (PoA): the OIC carves out a 10-year Programme of Action (PoA). Last instituted for the decade ending 2025, the PoA calls for measures to combat all aspects of terrorism globally.
  • It also talks of implementing social schemes to eliminate two-thirds of extreme poverty and spurring industrialisation, investment, trade and overall economic and social growth among member states.
• OIC Membership: UN members with a Muslim majority can join the organisation. The membership is to be ratified with full consensus at the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers.
  • The same provisions apply for acquiring an observer status.
  • All decision-making in the forum requires a quorum defined by the presence of two-thirds of the member states and complete consensus.
  • In case a consensus cannot be reached, decisions shall be made by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
• OIC Financing: The OIC is financed by the member states proportionate to their national incomes.
• Suspension of Membership: Should a member fail to meet their obligations such that the amount of arrears equals or exceeds the amount of contributions due from it for the preceding two years, their voting rights are suspended.
  • The member is only allowed to vote if the Council of Foreign Ministers is satisfied that the failure is due to conditions beyond the member’s control.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)- COP15 of UNCCD

How does the OIC function?

• OIC Summit: It is composed of Kings and heads of state. OIC Summit is the supreme authority of the organisation.
  • OIC Summit is convened every two years.
  • Mandate: OIC Summit deliberates, takes policy decisions, provides guidance on issues relevant to the organisation and considers issues of concern to the member states.
• Council of Foreign Ministers: it is the chief decision-making body and meets annually to decide on how to implement the OIC’s general policies.
  • In addition, it also appoints, for a period of five years, the Secretary General, who is the chief administrative officer of the grouping.
• Secretary General of OIC: S/he, appointed by Council of Foreign Ministers, follows up on-
  • Implementation of the decisions,
  • Directs attention to competent organs’ specific issues of concern,
  • Creates a channel for coordination among the varied organs and
  • Submits annual reports on the work undertaken.
• Information Sharing: The OIC also has standing committees for cooperation on information and cultural affairs, economic and commercial matters, scientific and technological initiatives and for Jerusalem.

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