Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 24/11/2017
Dr. Yusuf bin A. Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has called on Member States to address violence against women, to keep taking necessary measures to prevent and criminalize such practices, which are not in line with the values of compassion and love and the principles of the Islamic Religion. It also called on Member States to adhere to the relevant international conventions. He added that the OIC organs and institutions should act in order to support workers in this field in the Member States and to build the capacities of religious scholars in order to play an effective role by sensitizing the public toward the elimination of such practices.
This initiative falls in the framework of the celebration by the international community, on the 25th of the month of November of each year, of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The occasion constitutes an opportunity to evaluate the achievements and obligations towards eliminating violence against women in all its forms in order to protect women and provide them with support to become effective partners in achieving the objectives of society.
The Secretary General pointed out on this occasion that the OIC’s efforts aim at the advancement and empowerment of women, especially those living under occupation and in situation of armed conflicts. OIC focuses on the efforts towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and the protection of their rights, poverty eradication, promotion of women participation in decision-making, providing equal opportunities for women and men. Moreover, it stressed the need for Member States to develop comprehensive plans to overcome the challenges and difficulties facing women in achieving sustainable development, in the framework of a partnership between women and men in the process of building and achieving the well-being of society.
