Cotonou Declaration on Al Quds
Republic of Benin, 20 February 2018
We, the members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF);
Bearing in mind the main motive for founding the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation that isdefending the Cause of Palestine and Al Quds for the whole humanity,
Stressingour commitment to the principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,
Referring to the resolutions adopted by the Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Al Quds Committee and the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Palestine and Al Quds,
Recalling the Resolution 1/11-INF on Role of the Media in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Member States in Supporting the Cause of Palestine and Al Quds adopted by the 11th Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers on 21 December 2016 in Jeddah,
Underlyingthe resolutions adopted by the United Nations on Palestine and Al Quds, in particular the Security Council Resolution 181 in 1947 on the international status of Al Quds and the Security Council Resolution 478, adopted in 1980,
Reiterating the significance of preserving the sacredness and historical status of Al Quds and Haram al-Sharif for the Muslim world,
Emphasizingthe vital importance of sustaining multi-religious nature of Al Quds, where the holy places of threegreatmonotheistic faithsexist together as a historical outcome of a strong sense of tolerance inherent in Islam, a religion promoting social harmony and peaceful coexistence embedded in its call for compassion and moderation,
Rememberingthe unique religious identity of Al Quds and itsinviolability,and the unbearablesufferings stemming from its violations,
Reaffirmingthat protecting Al Quds’ specific characteristic is the basis for creating a sense of reason, justice and mutual understanding in the region and beyond,
Are aware of the importance;
To act in cooperation and coordination to defend the cause of Palestine and Al Quds in the field of audio-visual media.
To advise broadcasting regulatory authorities to ensure broadcasters under their authority to use a sensitive audio-visual language while making programmes about Al Quds
To recommend public service broadcasters (PSB) to publish reports, to produce programmes and documentaries on Al-Quds, and to continue monitoring developments of the Palestinian cause.
To encourage broadcasters for providing space in media to underline the great importance of protecting the multi-cultural and multi-religious character of Al Quds for establishing peace and stability in the region and in the World as a whole.
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