By: Camp Correspondent
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims and other Muslim minorities in Myanmar. During the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held this week in Istanbul, the Rohingya issue was raised as a top priority.
In its final Istanbul Declaration, the OIC expressed deep concern over the continued suffering of the Rohingya people and called for urgent international action to ensure justice, safety, and a pathway back home.
“The rights of Rohingya and other persecuted Muslim communities must be protected. The world must act now,” the declaration stated.
Support for International Justice and Safe Return
The OIC reaffirmed its strong support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case filed by The Gambia against Myanmar—describing it as a vital legal step in holding Myanmar accountable for the Rohingya genocide.
At the same time, the organization stressed the need for a swift and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland in Rakhine State. Ministers from OIC member countries called for the creation of safe, dignified, and sustainable conditions in Myanmar to make return possible.
Wider Global Issues Addressed
Beyond Myanmar, the OIC session also focused on broader conflicts affecting Muslim populations. Ministers condemned recent Israeli military actions in Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, calling them violations of international law and regional peace. A decision was made to form a Ministerial Contact Group to follow up on these issues and promote peace.
The session also denounced the rising wave of Islamophobia, hate speech, and religious discrimination in various parts of the world, urging global action to stop racism and promote intercultural understanding.
A Unified Voice for Justice
Foreign ministers and heads of delegation from across the Muslim world came together under the theme: “The OIC in a Transforming World.” The session reaffirmed the OIC’s responsibility to defend the rights of vulnerable Muslim communities worldwide—especially the Rohingya, who have faced years of persecution, displacement, and injustice.
“This declaration is more than just words,” said one Bangladeshi diplomat present at the session. “It reflects growing unity and urgency within the Muslim world to ensure that the Rohingya are not forgotten.”
