Such a measure is conducted as part of Kuwait’s diplomatic efforts to encourage member states to ratify the court’s statute.
n his opening speech, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, Justice Saleh Al-Raqdan, stated that this two-day forum represents “a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise and views on legal issues of interest to Islamic countries and to strengthen cooperation between judicial institutions in the framework of justice and fairness.”
Al-Raqdan emphasized that Kuwait has been “at the forefront” in calling for the establishment of the International Islamic Court of Justice as a judicial framework for resolving disputes among Islamic states. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s continuous commitment, through its religious, academic, and judicial institutions, to hosting and supporting such conferences and forums “as part of its wise policy that values knowledge and scholars.”
He further pointed out that Kuwait remains committed to its moderate stance, following a balanced approach and rejecting all forms of religious extremism and sectarian intolerance.
Al-Raqdan expressed his hope that the forum would produce practical and actionable recommendations that contribute to strengthening justice and consolidating the principles of rights and equality in Islamic countries. He added, “We hope that this forum will mark the beginning of continuous cooperation among all concerned parties to achieve our shared goals in the service of justice and humanity.”
For his part, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, stated that this forum reflects the firm commitment to continuing joint efforts toward activating the International Islamic Court of Justice—the OIC’s primary judicial body—so that it becomes “a platform that promotes justice and the rule of law in accordance with Islamic Sharia and international legal principles, providing a mechanism for resolving legal disputes among OIC member states.”
Sheikh Jarrah emphasized that achieving this goal requires fruitful dialogue and sustained efforts to overcome common challenges and reach agreements that contribute to building a comprehensive Islamic legal system based on justice, fairness, and equality.
He reaffirmed that Kuwait’s hosting of this forum stems from “its deep belief in joint Islamic action and its continued role in supporting efforts to establish the International Islamic Court of Justice.”
Sheikh Jarrah noted that these efforts began at the Third Islamic Summit in Makkah in 1981, recognizing the need for an international Islamic judicial body to enhance legal cooperation among OIC member states. This process culminated in 1987, when Kuwait hosted the Fifth Islamic Summit, during which the court’s statute was approved, and Kuwait was designated as its official headquarters.
He stressed that activating the court would constitute “a fundamental addition” to both Islamic and international legal systems, enhancing stability, justice, and equality based on mutual understanding and respect.
Sheikh Jarrah also referred to relevant resolutions issued by successive Islamic summits and ministerial meetings urging member states that have not yet ratified the court’s statute to expedite the ratification process.
He emphasized the importance of Islamic cooperation among member states, recalling the words of the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may he rest in peace, who stressed ‘the necessity of cooperation among Islamic nations to achieve progress.’” Sheikh Jarrah expressed his hope that the forum would yield practical decisions that enhance justice and Islamic cooperation.
For his part, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the OIC, Ambassador Youssef Al-Dobeay, stated that the OIC General Secretariat had made “great efforts” in coordination with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute to organize this forum, “which we hope will enrich discussions on activating the court and provide appropriate recommendations to the Council of Foreign Ministers.”
Ambassador Al-Dobeay added that the OIC General Secretariat, in consultation with Kuwait, had carefully selected international experts in law and international and regional judicial affairs to lead the discussions in this forum.
Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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