While the OIC, the collective voice of the Muslim world, has urged India to uphold international law and not discriminate against minorities, one cannot forget how selective it has been in the fight for Muslims
The Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) expressed concerns over the latest developments in India over the newly amended citizenship law and NRC.
In a statement the 57-member Islamic bloc urged India to uphold obligations under the international law for non-discrimination against minorities.
What is the OIC?
The official website of the OIC says that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organisation is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavours to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
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The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 12th Rajab 1389 Hijra (25 September 1969) following the criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, the website also states.
What OIC said about citizenship law and NRC:
The OIC said that it expresses concern over the recent developments pertaining to both the issue of citizenship rights and the Babri Masjid case. It reiterates its call to ensure the safety of the Muslim minority and the protection of Islamic holy places in India.
The OIC also said that any action contrary to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and relevant international covenants that guarantee the rights of minorities without any discrimination would have serious implications on peace and security across the region.
And now the hypocrisy:
It is a well-known fact that when it comes to the persecution of Muslims, China leads the pack. There are horror tales when it comes to the persecution of the Uighur Muslims. Stories of mass murders, detention camps and abuse are often brushed aside by China.
The OIC on the other hand has remained silent on this issue. In 2015, the OIC had issued a drab statement in which it said that it was concerned whether these people would be able to celebrate Ramadan. Turkey which is part of the OIC it may be recalled refrained from signing the 22 states’ letter condemning acts by the Chinese against the Uighur Muslims.
Similarly, there was no word from the OIC as the Islamic State targeted the Yazidi women and took them as sex slaves.
However, the most defining silence on the part of the OIC was witnessed when the Rohingya Muslims were persecuted and chased away from Myanmar. There was hardly a whimper from the OIC, but it said that it had taken a decision to move the International Court of Justice. It said that it was the ICJ to address the question of accountability and justice regarding the gross human rights violations against the Rohingyas. The OIC has also remained largely quiet when the Sunnis targeted the Shias.
India is not Pakistan:
The OIC has on several occasions disregarded the fact that India is a democracy. It remains quiet when Pakistan rules with an iron fist in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Balochistan. The human rights violations in these places is not condemned. However, the OIC does freely comment on Jammu and Kashmir, where elections have been held for years.
The OIC also remains mum about the persecution of the Ahmadiyas in Pakistan. Pakistan does not even recognise the Ahmadiyas as Muslims. Horror tales of their persecution are often reported and spoken about, but the OIC turns a blind eye to all of that.
Further the amended citizenship law should not worry the OIC as it is clear that it does not affect the Muslims in India. The act is aimed at providing citizenship to the persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is in no way aimed at taking away the citizenship of any Indian.
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