The recent targeted killings of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar’s western state has finally been demanded to be investigated by a neutral committee by the UN. Myanmar, Assam, Kashmir, Palestine and, of course, Afghanistan and Iraq are Muslim countries in the headlines every day for reports of war, violence and terrorism.
The upcoming OIC conference called by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz for the 27th Ramazan, the holiest of nights, is the best opportunity for these affected countries to unite and address the tragedies being suffered by them. If the OIC cannot expedite justice and the upholding of the legal and human rights for Muslim citizens and countries across the world, it will be a damning admission of its own ineffectiveness. The OIC must play a role in resolving these issues, to prove itself as a relevant and influential platform, which there is no reason for it not to be, given the sheer numbers it represents. All eyes are turned towards the leaders of the OIC, in the expectation that now more than ever, they will realise the gravity of the issues that face them and the possibility of coming together for peace and stability to become the emblems associated with Muslim nations around the world, instead of the present unpleasant uncertainty.