THE OIC AND THE MUSLIM MINORITIES IN NON-MEMBER STATES

This comprehensive study examines the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's approach to protecting and supporting Muslim minorities in non-member states during the early 1980s. The article explores the conceptual framework underlying OIC engagement with Muslim minority issues and analyzes the institutional mechanisms established to address their concerns. The research investigates case studies of Muslim minorities in different regions including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, examining how the OIC responds to their diverse challenges and needs. The study assesses OIC diplomatic interventions, humanitarian assistance programs, and cultural preservation initiatives for Muslim communities living as minorities. The article analyzes the legal and political principles that guide OIC action on minority issues, including human rights norms, religious freedom standards, and international law provisions. The research also evaluates the effectiveness of OIC approaches and identifies challenges in balancing sovereignty principles with minority protection concerns. Furthermore, the analysis considers the future evolution of OIC engagement with Muslim minorities in an increasingly interconnected world.

The protection of Muslim minorities in non-member states has emerged as an increasingly important dimension of OIC activity, with this article providing a comprehensive examination of the organization's approaches and mechanisms during the early 1980s. The research begins by examining the historical evolution of OIC engagement with Muslim minority issues, tracing how concerns about specific communities gradually developed into a systematic institutional approach. The analysis explores the conceptual framework guiding OIC action, examining how the organization balances religious solidarity with respect for state sovereignty and international legal norms. The article investigates the institutional architecture for minority protection, analyzing the roles of the OIC Secretariat, specialized committees, humanitarian agencies, and diplomatic channels in addressing minority concerns. The study examines specific case studies of OIC engagement with Muslim minorities in different regional contexts, including the Philippines, Ethiopia, Burma, and various European countries, analyzing how approaches are adapted to different political and social environments. The research assesses OIC diplomatic strategies, examining how the organization uses bilateral diplomacy, multilateral forums, and international organizations to advocate for Muslim minority rights. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article identifies both achievements and limitations in OIC approaches to minority protection and analyzes the factors that determine effectiveness in different contexts. The findings provide valuable insights into how international organizations can address transborder religious community concerns while respecting state sovereignty, and contribute to understanding the evolving role of religious solidarity in international relations.