The Experts Committee charges with devising a plan for protecting the rights of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has concluded its proceedings in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Among those who were present during the closing session were the OIC Secretary- General Dr. Ezzeddin Laraki, Jordanian Minister of Endowments, the Ambassador of Kuwait and representatives from 40 Islamic organizations in South America. The meeting adopted several resolutions and recommendations.

This is the second such meeting of the Experts Committee ... The first (was) held in Madrid, Spain in December 1998 ...

The Committee (was of the) opinion that ... some basic principles have to be observed ... the maintenance of the bonds that link the Muslim Ummah together, respect for human rights, acceptance of plurality (and) positive dialogue between cultures and civilizations, in order to bring about understanding and cooperation.

Other principles include respect for the sovereignty and integrity of the non-member countries and non-interference in their internal affairs (and duty of) Muslims in those countries to conduct themselves properly and work for the advancement of their respective countries.

Furthermore, ... the Committee (held) that ... living in Muslim countries should be accorded similar rights, as those accorded to Muslim minorities.

The Committee stressed ... that the situation of Muslim minorities differs from country to country and therefore, it is not possible to treat them all equally. Some Muslim minorities are enjoying their rights, while others are still striving for such rights; and others still are facing annihilation through ethnic cleansing.

In the light of the foregoing, the Committee came to the conclusion that Muslim minorities should be protected and their identity preserved, lest they be absorbed (and) culturally assimilated. The role of Muslim countries, organizations, and people should also be activated in helping such minorities ... They should also unite and appoint individuals, who would represent their interests with the governments of those countries ...

The Committee also (felt) that the Muslim minorities  should try to get rid of their sectarian and denominational differences ...

The Committee also considered it important that the minorities should form educational institutions (at) all stages and levels of education, but with the inclusion of Islamic Studies (so that) they can preserve their children's Islamic identity and outlook, within the societies in which they live.

The Committee also recommended that the OIC-member countries, as members of the OIC, as well as international Islamic organizations and foundations should help the Muslim minorities by extending support to their educational institutions, and also facilitating the exchange of experience with such minorities.

It also called on the member-countries (and) the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (ISESCO) in conjunction with the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Solidarity Fund and others to increase the scholarships (for) students from such minorities ...

The Committee recommended that the IDB and other Islamic financial institutions should consider investing in projects relating to Muslim minorities, so as to support their economic upliftment and development ...

The Committee was of the opinion that dialogue with other civilizations and cultures should be encouraged ... as recommended by the current Chairman of the OIC President Muhammad Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Committee also recommended ... the setting up of a database with regard to Muslim minorities in non- member countries of the OIC

The Committee also recommended the setting up of a Website on the Internet, with the aim of letting people know about the conditions and problems facing Muslim minorities, and pass on information and data to the bodies and agencies that are concerned with minorities' persecution or discrimination.

The Committee opined that the OIC Contact Group should be reactivated in both New York and Geneva (to) follow. up violations of the human rights of Muslim minorities ..

... The Committee also recommended that competent and qualified Da'wah activists (be trained) to work among the Muslim minorities. (Source: The Muslim World League Journal, June, 2000)