BAKU DECLARATION

OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE HEADS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE MEMBER STATES

April 21-22,2009 Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku

We, the chiefs of the law enforcement agencies of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States,

Expressing our respect to the Charters of the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference and to the principles of international law,

Stating our determination to respect, protect and defend the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States,

Reaffirming our dedication to the lofty tenets of our faith which enshrines the values of peace and tolerance, as well as respect for humankind and all creations,

Underlining the necessity of close coordination and cooperation among the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States in fight against crime with a view to achieve welfare and development, and recognizing the significance of the use of new methods and means of cooperation respectively,

Emphasizing that the prevention of indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures will contribute to the international cooperation, which is among the most important elements to combat international crimes, in particular terrorism, and reaffirming that no terrorist act can be justified in any circumstances,

Highlighting that all measures taken by states for combating terrorism shall be in line with their obligations under international law, and the importance of adoption of such measures in compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law, in particular international human rights law, refugee law and humanitarian law,

Noting the necessity of promotion and deepening of cooperation among the law enforcement agencies for more effective elimination of threats faced by the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice,

Generally recognizing the necessity of developing relevant methods and means for further strengthening of joint actions of the law enforcement agencies of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States against serious crimes of global character,

Aiming at the establishment of necessary infrastructure for regional and sub-regional cooperation of criminal justice institutions and law enforcement agencies to prevent and effectively investigate all forms of transnational crimes with special emphasis on organized crime,

Considering the deeply affecting character of international terrorism, extremism in all its forms and manifestations, aggressive separatism, illicit trafficking of weapons, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, human trafficking, networks used for illegal migration, money laundering, financing of terrorism, and corruption on the territorial integrity, security and stability of the states.

Emphasizing that transnational crimes, as well as the existence of crimes and threats in uncontrolled territories endangers international peace and security,

Noting the outcome of the First Conference of the Heads of Police of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States held on May 15-17, 2006, in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran,

Affirming the importance of conducting mutually agreed policy in combating such crimes

Declare the following:

We reaffirm the necessity of strengthening and unifying of our position in combating threats and challenges related to transnational and organized crimes;

We emphasize our determination to take concrete steps in examining methods of effective implementation of all coordinated measures to be taken against all kinds of crimes, including terrorism, illicit trafficking of weapons, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, human trafficking, illegal migration, cyber crime, money laundering, financing of terrorism, and corruption;

We underline the importance of the joint efforts of Islamic peoples in liberation of the occupied territories, restoration of the territorial integrity of states and condemn aggression and separatism.

•          We note the necessity of examination of joint fighting methods against extremism and aggressive separatism, and implementation of relevant mechanisms;

We reaffirm our will to fight against separatist regimes and groups and to prevent any connections of any persons or entities of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States with them;

We consider it necessary to develop ways and means of effectively educating and enlightening that Islam rejects in absolute terms all acts of terrorism regardless of ideologies and ethnicities of offenders, and of all forms and manifestations of crimes, and note the importance of identification of the root causes of terrorism and developing measures to eliminate them;

We emphasize the special role of ensuring without any delay the promotion of coordinated strategies among the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States in the field of border and customs control, as well as in fighting against international terrorism, illicit trafficking of weapons, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, human trafficking, illegal migration, cyber crime, money laundering, financing of terrorism, corruption and other kinds of transnational crimes, and challenges and crimes that endanger international security and stability in occupied and uncontrolled territories;

We emphasize the importance and the necessity of support of victims of terrorism and looking after their rights as a basic element in the comprehensive strategy for combating terrorism.

We consider it necessary to promote the direct contacts among the law enforcement agencies of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States in various formats, as well as the cooperation on technical assistance, sharing best practices, studies in the field of legislation concerning the activity of the law enforcement agencies;

We endorse the promotion of coordination and cooperation among the law enforcement agencies, establishment of effective systems on sharing best practices, operational experiences, specialized publications and legislative acts;

We emphasize holding trainings, courses and seminars, conduct of exchange programs among the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States in all aspects of law enforcement activities;

We further emphasize the significance of holding discussions on creating cooperation mechanism in the field of mutual legal assistance and extradition, and preparation of relevant documents in this field;

We express our interest in strengthening of cooperation between the Organization of the Islamic Conference and other international organizations in the field of fighting against transnational organized crimes and mutual legal assistance;

Endorsing the proposals and recommendations put forward in the Expert Meeting in preparation of the Conference of the Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States, held in Baku on October 22-23, 2007, we note that the Conference of the Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States shall be held once every two years, and extraordinary sessions of the Conference shall be convened if requested by any Member State and this request is approved by a two-third majority of the Member States;

We approve holding a relevant expert meeting before each Conference of the Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States to elaborate agenda and prepare the list of issues to be discussed in the Conference;

The venue and exact date of the second Conference of the Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States shall be agreed with the Member States by the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Member States shall be informed about it.