‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The Cairo Declaration of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Human Rights
The Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), keenly aware of theplace of mankind in Islam as vicegerent of Allah on Earth; proceeding from the deep belief inhuman dignity and respect for human rights, and from the commitment to ensuring andprotecting these rights as safeguarded by the teachings of Islam;
Aiming to contribute to the efforts of mankind to assert human rights, to protect human beings
from exploitation and persecution, and to affirm their freedom and right to a dignified life inaccordance with the Islamic values and principles;
Cognizant of their virtuous and time-honored mores, credited with the oldest human rights
pact in Islam; the Charter of Medina, the last sermon of the Prophet Mohamed Peace Be Upon
Him and the values of justice, equality and peace of Islamic civilization which should underpin
the conception of human rights;
Reaffirming the OIC Charter which provides for the promotion of human rights andfundamental freedoms, good governance, rule of law, democracy and accountability in
Member States in accordance with their constitutional and legal systems, their international
human rights obligations; promotion of confidence and encouraging friendly relations, mutual
respect and cooperation between Member States and with other States;
Reiterating that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated andmust be treated globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the sameemphasis; and that it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural
systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms while keeping in
mind the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural andreligious backgrounds;
Affirming that the Right to Development is an inalienable human right, and that equality ofopportunity for development is a right of both States and peoples;
Reaffirming the OIC support to the struggle of the Palestinian people, who presently are under
foreign occupation, and the determination to empower them to attain their inalienable rights,
including the right to self-determination, and to establish their sovereign state with Al Quds Al
Sharif as its capital, while safeguarding its historic and Islamic character and the holy places
therein;Taking into account the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the International Bill of Human
Rights; the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, Durban Declaration and Programmeof Action, and the Outcome Document of the Durban Review Conference 2009, and otherrelevant international human rights conventions and instruments;
In pursuance of coordination, solidarity, integration and interdependence among Member
States in all fields, and to deepen links, communication and cooperation among their peoples
in the field of human rights;
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Pursuant to the principles of brotherhood and equality among all human beings which arefirmly established by all Divine religions;Without prejudice to the principles of Islam which affirm human dignity and the respect andprotection of human rights.
Have agreed the following:
ARTICLE 1:
Human Dignity
a. All human beings form one family. They are equal in dignity, rights and obligations, without
any discrimination on the grounds of race, color, language, sex, religion, sect, politicalopinion, national or social origin, fortune, age, disability or other status.
b. Gross and systematic human rights violations, and also slavery, servitude, forced labor andtrafficking in persons, shall be prohibited in all forms, and under any circumstances.
ARTICLE 2:
Right to Lifea. The right to life is the fundamental right of every person, a gift by Allah Almighty, and shallbe protected by law. It is the duty of State to protect this right from any violation. No one
shall be arbitrarily deprived of this right.
b. Sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with thelaw in force at the time of the commission of the crime. This penalty can only be carried out
pursuant to a final judgment rendered by a competent court, and in full compliance with theprovisions of Art 22 of the present Declaration.
c. Anyone sentenced to death shall have the right to seek pardon or commutation of thesentence. Amnesty, pardon or commutation of the sentence of death may be granted in allcases, as appropriate.
d. Sentence of death shall not be imposed for crimes committed by minors and shall not be
carried out on pregnant and nursing women.
e. It is forbidden to resort to such means that may result in genocide or the annihilation of
mankind.
ARTICLE 3:
Inviolability
Every human being is entitled to inviolability and the protection of his/her good name andhonor, during his/her life, and after his/her death. The State and society shall protect his/herremains and burial place.

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ARTICLE 4:
Right to liberty and safety and not to be subjected to torturea. Every person has the right to liberty and security. No one shall be subjected to arbitraryarrest or detention, kidnapping or enforced disappearances. No one shall be deprived ofhis/her liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are
established by law.
b. No person shall be subjected to physical or psychological torture or to cruel, inhuman ordegrading treatment or punishment.
c. No person shall be subjected to inhuman treatment while in custody; defendants shall beseparated from convicted persons.
d. No person may be subjected to medical or scientific experiments, nor can their organs beused, without their free and informed consent and full heeding of potential medical
complications.
e. It is the duty of the State to ensure everyone’s safety from bodily harm, in accordance with
its legal system and international obligations.
ARTICLE 5:
Protection of the Family and Marriage
a. The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society. It is based on marriage
between a man and a woman.
b. Men and women of marrying age have the right to marry and to found a family according
to the rules and conditions of marriage. No marriage can take place without the full and freeconsent of both espouses. The laws in force guarantee the rights and duties of man andwoman as to marriage, during marriage and after its dissolution.
c. The State and society shall ensure the protection of the rights of the family and its members,
strengthening of the family ties, and the prohibition of all forms of violence or abuse in therelations among its members, particularly against women, children, persons with disabilities
and the elderly.
ARTICLE 6:
Rights of Womena. Women and men have equal human dignity, rights and responsibilities as prescribed byapplicable laws. Every woman has her own legal status and financial independence, and theright to retain her maiden name and lineage.
b. The State shall take all necessary legislative, and administrative measures to eliminate
difficulties that impede the empowerment of women, their access to quality education, basic
healthcare, employment and job protection and the right to receive equal remuneration forequal work, as well as their full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms andPage 3 of 9effective participation in all spheres of life, at all levels.
c. Woman and the girl child shall be protected against all forms of discrimination, violence,
abuse and harmful traditional practices. The State and society shall ensure such protection.
d. Every woman has the right to motherhood in line with Allah’s creation. The State shallprovide adequate pre-natal and maternal healthcare services.
ARTICLE 7:
Rights of the Child
a. Every child shall have, without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of his or her parent’s
or legal guardian’s race, color, sex, language, religion, sect, political or other opinion,
national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status, the right to suchmeasures of protection as are required by his status as a minor, including nursing, education
as well as material, and moral care, on the part of his family, society and the State. Both thefetus and the mother must be protected and accorded special care.
b. Every child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have a name, and entitledto a nationality.
c. Parents and legal guardians have the primary responsibility to ensure that children rights
are respected, protected and fulfilled in all settings. The State shall also ensure that allmeasures taken to promote and protect the rights of the child are guided by his/her bestinterests. The State shall take all necessary measures in law and practice to prevent childabuse, sexual exploitation, and violence.
d. The State shall respect the responsibilities, rights and duties of the parents, and whenapplicable, legal guardians to choose the type of education of their children, including thereligious and moral education, in conformity with their religious beliefs and ethical values
while taking into consideration child’s best interest as well as their evolving mental andphysical capacities.
e. Children have commitments toward their parents, relatives and kin.
f. The State shall take all necessary legislative, administrative and judicial measures toguarantee the survival, development and well-being of the child, especially orphans andthose with disabilities, as well as to protect them from all forms of violence and exploitation,in an atmosphere of freedom and dignity. The State shall also ensure alternative carethrough appropriate institutions for children who are deprived temporarily or permanentlyof the family environment and encourage the guardianship system, when needed.
ARTICLE 8:
Right to recognition before the law
Everyone shall have the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
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ARTICLE 9:
Right to Educationa. Education is a fundamental human right and is a tool to promote respect for human rights,
understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and peoples. Human Rights
Education is an integral part of the right to education.
b. The seeking of knowledge is a responsibility and the provision of education is the duty ofsociety and the State. The State shall ensure the availability of ways and means to acquire
education and shall guarantee educational diversity in the interest of society.
c. Primary education shall be compulsory and free. Higher and technical education shall bemade available by all appropriate means.
d. Every human being has the right to receive education from various institutions of educationand guidance, including the family in an integrated and balanced manner as to develop
his/her personality, and to promote his/her respect for and defense of both rights andobligations.
ARTICLE 10:
Right to Self-determinationa. Foreign occupation, subjugation and colonialism of all types are totally prohibited. Peoples
suffering from occupation, or colonialism have the full right to freedom and selfdetermination. It is the duty of all States and peoples to support the struggles for theelimination of all forms of colonialism and occupation.
b. The right to self-determination is an inalienable human right. By virtue of this right all suchpeoples freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social andcultural development.
c. All Member States have the right to protect their political independence, nationalsovereignty, territorial integrity and unity, as enshrined in the UN Charter.
ARTICLE 11:
Freedom of Movementa. Every human being shall have the right to freedom of movement, and to select his/her placeof residence whether inside or outside his/her country in accordance with the internationallaw and domestic legislations.
b. No one may be arbitrarily or unlawfully prevented from leaving any country, including
his/her own, nor unlawfully prohibited from residing, or compelled to reside, in any part ofthat country.
c. No one may be exiled from his/her country or prohibited from returning thereto including
the right of return of refugees to their countries of origin.

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ARTICLE 12:
Rights of migrants and refugees
Refugees and migrants are entitled to the same universally recognized human rights andfundamental freedoms, which must be respected, protected and fulfilled at all times. All formsof discrimination, including racism, xenophobia and intolerance, against migrants and theirfamilies, must be eliminated by adopting appropriate legislations.
ARTICLE 13:
Nationality Rights
Everyone has the right to a nationality, granting of which is governed by law. No one shall be
arbitrarily or unlawfully deprived of his/her nationality nor denied the right to change his/hernationality.
ARTICLE 14:
Right to Worka. State and Society shall take all measures to guarantee the right to work for each person able
to work. Everyone shall be free to choose the work that suits him/her best and which serves
his/her interests and of society.
b. The employee shall have the right to safety and security as well as to all other social
guarantees. He/she may neither be assigned work beyond his/her capacity nor be subjected
to compulsion or exploited or harmed in any way.
c. The employee shall be entitled - without any discrimination - to fair wages for his/her workwithout delay, rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours as well as
to the holiday allowances and promotions, which he/she deserves, in accordance with law
and regulations in place.
d. The States should establish mechanisms to guarantee that employers are fair and ethical,
and employees are protected against all forms of exploitation and abuse and guaranteed
decent work.
e. Everyone has the right to form with others and to join trade unions, in accordance with law
and regulations in place, for the protection of his/her interests.

ARTICLE 15:
Right to Legitimate Economic and financial Gains
a. Everyone shall have the right to legitimate gains without monopolization, deceit or harmto oneself or to others.
b. Usury is absolutely prohibited.
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ARTICLE 16:
Right to Own Property
a. Everyone shall have the right to own property, individually or in partnership with others,
acquired in a legal way, and shall be entitled to the rights of ownership, without prejudice
to oneself, others or to society in general. Expropriation is not permissible except for therequirements of public interest and upon payment of full and fair compensation.
b. No one may be unlawfully deprived of his/her property.
ARTICLE 17:Intellectual Property Rights
a. Everyone shall have the right to enjoy the benefits of his/her scientific, intellectual,
literary, artistic or technical production, and protection of the moral and materialinterests stemming therefrom.
b. States shall ensure that benefits of such scientific progress and its application are also
enjoyed by everyone, including through the encouragement and development ofinternational cooperation in the scientific and cultural fields.
ARTICLE 18:
Right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental healtha. Everyone shall have the right to live in a safe and clean environment, an environment thatwould foster his/her moral and self-development. It is incumbent upon the State and society
in general to guarantee this right.
b. Everyone shall have the right to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental
health, and to all public amenities, provided by the State, within the limits of available
resources.
c. The State, within its means, shall ensure the right of the individual to a decent living which
will enable him/her to meet all his/her requirements and those of his/her dependents,
including food and water, clothing, housing, education, health care and all other basic
needs.
ARTICLE 19:
Protection of Privacy
a. Everyone shall have the right to live in security for him/herself, and his/her religion,
dependents, honor and property.
b. Everyone shall have the right to privacy in the conduct of his/her private affairs, in home,among family, with regard to property and social relationships. It is not permitted to spy
on, to be placed under surveillance or to besmirch his/her good name. The State shallprotect him/her from arbitrary interference.
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c. A private residence is inviolable in all cases. It will not be penetrated or entered without
permission from its inhabitants, or its dwellers be evicted in any unlawful manner.
d. All individuals have the rights to have their confidential and personal data protected by law.
ARTICLE 20:
Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
a. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Freedom to
manifest one's religion or belief may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed bylaw and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the rights andfundamental freedoms of others.
b. No one shall be subject to coercion, which would impair his/her freedom to have or to
adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
ARTICLE 21:
Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
a. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.
b. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression. The exercise of this right carries
with it special duties and responsibilities. The State has the obligation to protect andfacilitate the exercise of this right while also protecting its legitimate national integrity andinterests, as well as promoting harmony, welfare, justice and equity within society. Any
restrictions on the exercise of this right, to be clearly defined in the law, and shall be limited
to the following categories:
i. Propaganda for war.
ii. Advocacy of hatred, discrimination or violence on grounds of religion, belief,
national origin, race, ethnicity, color, language, sex or socio-economic status.
iii. Respect for the human rights or reputation of others.
iv. Matters relating to national security and public order.
v. Measures required for the protection of public health or morals.
c. The State and society shall endeavor to disseminate and promote the principles of tolerance,
justice and peaceful coexistence among other noble principles and values, and to discourage
hatred, prejudice, violence and terrorism. Freedom of expression should not be used for
denigration of religions and prophets or to violate the sanctities of religious symbols or toundermine the moral and ethical values of society.
ARTICLE 22:
Right to Access to Justice and fair trial
a. All individuals are equal before the law, without distinction. The right to due process andjustice is guaranteed to everyone through competent, independent authorities and impartial
tribunals, established by law, within a reasonable time.
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b. Criminal liability is personal.
c. A defendant is innocent until his/her guilt is proven, through due process, by a final
judgment by a competent court, established by law, in which he/she shall be given all theguarantees of defence and fairness.
d. There shall be no crime or punishment except as provided for in the law at the time of thecommission of crime.
e. Victims of lawfully proven miscarriage of justice shall have the right to be compensatedaccording to law.
ARTICLE 23:
Right to Participate in the conduct of Public Affairs andFreedom of peaceful assembly and association
a. Authority is a trust; and abuse or malicious exploitation thereof is absolutely prohibited, sothat human rights and fundamental freedoms may be guaranteed.
b. Everyone shall have the right to participate, directly or indirectly through freely chosen
representatives in the administration of his/her country's public affairs. He/she shall also
have the right to assume public office in accordance with the principles of equality ofopportunity and non-discrimination, in accordance with national legislation.
c. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association in accordance withnational legislation.
ARTICLE 24:
Fair treatment during situations of war and armed conflicta. International Humanitarian Law shall be applied in all situations of war and armed conflicts
to safeguard the rights of all persons protected by its rules, including but not limited to noncombatants, older persons, the infirm, persons with disabilities, women, children, civilians,
journalists, humanitarian workers and prisoners of war.
b. During situations of war and armed conflicts, it is prohibited to desecrate holy places andplaces of worship, damage natural resources and environment and cultural heritage.
ARTICLE 25:
General Provisions
a. Everyone has the right to exercise and enjoy the rights and freedoms set out in the present
declaration, without prejudice to the principles of Islam and national legislation.
b. Nothing in this declaration may be interpreted in such a way as to undermine the rights andfreedoms safeguarded by the national legislation or the obligations of the Member States
under international and regional human rights treaties as well as their sovereignty andterritorial integrity.
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