A five yearly Council Meeting of the World Muslim Congress (Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islami) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Nov 13-14, 2011 supported the demand for admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations and expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for their right to self-determination.
The WMC Council Meeting also welcomed the establishment of the centre for dialogue and anti-terrorism in Vienna by Malik Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.
The WMC meeting reviewed the popular uprising termed as 'Arab Spring' and hoped that the new leadership would bring peace and stability in their societies.
The situation in and around Sudan was also reviewed and he necessity of good neighbourly relations and cooperation between two new entities was stressed. The conference hoped that legitimate rights of the Muslim minority in South Sudan will be protected.
The conference also observed that Somalia in slowly coming back to normally and new general elections will be held there within the next eight months.
At the outset, the conference expressed profound gratitude to the government of President Mahinda Rajapakse for their hospitality.
The conference was hosted by the Sri Lanka Islamic centre and its opening session was addressed by Hon. D.M. Jayarathna Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Hon. Prof G.L. Peiris Minister for External Affairs.
Following is the text of the Declaration adopted at the Council Meeting.:
DECLARATION
A two days five yearly assembly of the World Muslim Congress (Motamar Al Alam Al Islami) was held in Colombo, Capital of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on November 13th and 14th, 2011. The delegates included members of the executive council, eminent scholars and leaders from all parts of the world. The Conference was hosted by Sri Lanka Islamic Centre. The Honourable D. M. Jayarathna, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Honourable Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister for External Affairs addressed the opening session with their speeches full of wisdom and understanding of the Muslim faith.
The conference expressed their profound gratitude to the government of President Mahinda Rajapakse for their hospitality and cooperation in making this conference a success. The conference expressed its deep appreciation of the government of Sri Lankan Republic for ridding the country from three decades of violence and internal strife, which had blocked its progress and stability.
Statement of Policy
We as Muslims believe in the equality of all human beings as the off springs of Adam and Eve. This principle of universal fraternity ensures equality of all nations and states. Mutual recognition, coexistence and cooperation for the welfare of all mankind regardless of race, religion, colour or creed is an article of faith, based on the eternal teachings of the Holy Quran.
World Muslim Congress deeply appreciates and eulogises the establishment of a Centre for Dialogue and Anti-terrorism in Vienna by Malik Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz besides international conferences on this topic in the United Nations Headquarters and in Spain for promoting the cause of international peace and understanding. World Muslim Congress will fully cooperate with these noble efforts and would continue with renewed vigour, the efforts for Interfaith Dialogue and understanding, as a basic creed of the organisation.
Islam's agenda for human life is founded on the establishment of justice amongst all human being, strengthening the values of mutual respect and generosity.
The conference noted with concern the attitude of some of the establishments and societies against Muslims which displays prejudice and utter lack of understanding. The conference hoped that with the passage of time the efforts of Muslim individuals and organisations based on a positive and constructive attitude will improve the atmosphere.
The conference reviewed the popular uprising termed as "Arab Spring" in some of the Muslim countries and hoped that the new leadership would bring peace and stability in their societies without further violence and come up to the expectations of their general public.
The conference of the World Muslim Congress also reviewed the situation in and around Sudan and observed the necessity of good neighbourly relations and cooperation between the two new entities, in the interest of their peoples and calls upon the neighbouring countries to help both of them to overcome their economic and political difficulties. We also hope that the Muslim minority in South Sudan will have their legitimate rights protected including their representation in the democratic setup.
The Conference observed that Somalia is slowly coming back to normalcy and the new general elections are to be held within the next eight months. This devastated country deserves humanitarian relief from International relief organisations. Motamar Al Alam Al Islami is already playing its role under the umbrella of the OIC. These efforts need acceleration.
The Conference discussed in detail the issue of Palestine and took stock of negative and positive developments. The demand for the recognition of Palestine as the full member of the United Nations is a legitimate demand and we appreciate the support by a large number of members of the United Nations, to admit Palestine as a full member and also expect a positive response from the members of the UN Security Council.
The Conference expressed its disappointment at the reaction of the United States in stopping its contribution towards UNESCO after the admission of Palestine in this organisation with the support of one hundred and seven members.
The Conference reiterates its appeal to different factions of the Palestinian people for internal unity and mutual cooperation as a national imperative in their struggle for achieving their national rights and providing protection to life and property of their people. This would also enhance International support for their legitimate demands including the right of the Palestinians to return to their homeland.
The Conference expressed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are struggling for their legitimate right to self determination, as the only peaceful and democratic method of resolving this issue.
The conference appreciates the role of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. This conference demands the inclusion of the true representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the negotiations to resolve this issue.
The conference appeals to the human rights institutions to take practical steps to protect life and honour of the Kashmiri men and women being violated under the protection of draconian emergency laws.
The conference observed that the basic decision of the OIC Summit for setting apart a specific amount for the work of Islamic Dawah by each member state should be revisited with the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of the member states in the field of Dawah and also to improve the methods as well as coordination.
The conference took note of the demonstrations in several capitals of the world, especially in the US and Europe, against the negative effects of the capitalistic and exploitative economic system. There is a general rejection of the present economic order. It is the time that Muslim scholars and economic experts put forth a blue print for the third option based on the principles of Islamic economic system. Many economists have already made substantial contribution under this title. Boards have been established to advance usury free banking modes but there has to be a comprehensive Islamic economic order. World Muslim Congress would encourage efforts in this direction.
The conference also expressed its concern over the pitiable condition of the stranded people in Bangladesh, who need generous international relief and support.
