The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an international organization that represents the collective voice of Muslim-majority countries, recently came into the spotlight due to an interaction with India. This development brought forward pertinent questions about the functioning of the OIC and India’s relationship with it. It’s important to dissect this relationship alongside examining the criticisms that the OIC garners.
About the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Founded in 1969 following the arson at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the OIC consists of 57 member countries. However, India is not a member of this organization. The OIC seeks to establish solidarity among member states and support restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity of any member state under duress. It also aims to protect and defend the image of Islam and ensure united stand among member states at international platforms such as the U.N. General Assembly and Human Rights Council. The OIC’s headquarters are currently located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with plans to move to East Jerusalem once the disputed city is ‘liberated’.
OIC Charter and Functioning
The OIC adheres to a charter that outlines its principles, objectives, and operating mechanism. The existing charter was adopted in 2008 in Dakar, Senegal. The OIC functions through consensus-based decision-making which may require a two-thirds majority in the absence of a consensus. The organization’s finances come from member states proportionate to their national incomes. The OIC council of foreign ministers meets annually for decision-making and the Islamic Summit, composed of Kings and heads of member states, convenes every three years to take policy decisions and consider issues of concern.
Criticisms faced by the OIC
However, the OIC has faced criticism for various reasons. Critics argue that the OIC prioritizes the rights of Muslim minorities in non-member states over the human rights violations within its member countries. It is also criticized for not having enough power or resources to investigate human rights violations or enforce its decisions. The organization is largely restricted to arbitrating conflicts where both parties are Muslims. Moreover, despite its member states’ differing economic statuses, the OIC has failed to establish significant cooperative ventures among them.
India and the OIC
India’s relationship with the OIC has been ambivalent due to several reasons including concerns over communal pressure on bilateral relations with individual member states. Despite having the world’s second-largest Muslim community, India has avoided becoming a member of this religion-based organisation. However, India was invited as a “guest of honour” to the 2019 OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting, marking a first in the history of India-OIC interactions. This has been seen as a diplomatic victory for India especially amidst rising tensions with Pakistan. However, India continues to emphasize that issues such as Kashmir are internal matters, discrediting any intervention from the OIC.
International Observer Status and the UN General Assembly
Lastly, it’s important to understand the observer status at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Non-member states of the UNGA which are part of one or more specialised agencies can apply for the status of Permanent Observer. These observers have access to most meetings and relevant documentation and can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.