Resilience Building Studies » Conflicts, Peace and Security

The OIC, since its inception in 1969, has been working assiduously to promote global peace, stability, harmony, security, and development. The OIC stature and influence rest heavily on the fundamental principle of Islamic solidarity and fraternity, which bring together the Ummah to strive for the common good. Promoting the welfare of Muslim communities also remain high on the OIC’s agenda for promotion of peace, harmony, and stability.

SESRIC research points out that almost 60 per cent of current worldwide conflicts occur in OIC countries. The consequences of the raging violence in OIC countries has been devastating. It is a human tragedy that has taken its toll on people’s lives. More than 80% of global conflict fatalities and almost 90% of global terrorism fatalities have taken place in OIC countries. Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes. Two third of the world refugees originate from OIC countries. In addition, certain Muslim minorities and communities living in non-OIC countries are in conflict situation or facing security challenges.

The above has rendered achieving peace and security as a priority of the highest order for the OIC and its Member Countries. The OIC has a major role and responsibility to play in establishing peace and security. This is in fact engrained in the DNA of the OIC. In the OIC’s Charter, the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed their determination: “to preserve and promote the lofty values of peace, compassion, tolerance, equality, justice and human dignity as well as to contribute to international peace and security” and “to contribute to international peace and security, understanding and dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions and promote and encourage friendly relations and good neighbourliness, mutual respect and cooperation.”

SESRIC research in the area of peace and security is undertaken in close collaboration with the Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution Unit (PSCU) at the OIC. SESRIC research delves into the trends of violence and conflict in OIC countries, and their driving factors and implications. SESRIC research goes beyond explanations to probing the required ingredients for conflict prevention and management in OIC countries; enhancing the OIC peace and security architecture; developing Institutional Mechanisms for Sustainable Peace and Security in OIC Countries; and exploring alternative paths for achieving enduring peace.