JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on public and private media in its member states to produce cinematic, television, radio, journalistic, and social media content that addresses and confronts Islamophobia and insults against religious symbols. The OIC emphasizes the importance of promoting the tolerant principles of Islam, advocating for coexistence, tolerance, and respect for others, while denouncing violence, intolerance, and hatred.
The Director of the OIC Information Department, Mr. Wajdi Ali Sindi, delivered this statement during the emergency meeting of the OIC States Broadcasting Union (OSBU) held virtually on Wednesday. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a mechanism for countering the desecration of religious sanctities in the media, following the recent incident of burning a copy of the Holy Qur’an in the Swedish capital.
OIC Emergency Meeting to Address Islamophobia
Mr. Sindi highlighted that the Final Communique of the OIC Emergency open-ended meeting of the Executive Committee, held on July 2, 2023, included 26 items that constitute a comprehensive roadmap and plan to address the recurrence of such incidents and the insulting of sacred religious symbols. The Communique stressed the need for collective efforts at the national level, involving parliaments, media outlets, and civil society organizations, to promote the OIC’s position and urge authorities to implement necessary legislative measures to criminalize such attacks.
Furthermore, Mr. Sindi emphasized that the OIC, through its Department of Information and the Islamophobia Observatory, is working diligently with its partners, including the Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC), the OIC States Broadcasting Union (OSBU), and the Union of News Agencies (UNA). Together, they are striving to enhance understanding of responsible freedom of expression in the media and establish national mechanisms to hold accountable those media outlets that propagate hate speech and intolerance. The OIC is also implementing its media strategy to combat Islamophobia.
The OIC’s call to the media reflects its commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding among different cultures and religions. By producing media content that promotes tolerance and combats Islamophobia, the OIC aims to counteract the negative narratives and stereotypes that contribute to division and hostility.
