Participation in the 38th session
 of Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs ( ICECSA)
March 31-April 2, 2015 
Jeddah - Saudi Arabia

The 38th session of ICECSA held at the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in March 31 to April 2, 2015, Jeddah - Saudi Arabia, was attended by the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent(ICIC) delegation consisting of:
1. HE Mr. Ali M. Buhedma ,ICIC President.
2. Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali , ICIC Executive Director.

HE Mr. Iyad Madani,OIC  Secretary General opened   the meeting  in the presence of the  delegations of OIC Member States , the delegations of all the subsidiary organs, specialized institutions and affiliated organizations. The deliberations of this session centered over four days to discuss the activities  reports of the OIC General Secretariat , subsidiary organs and specialized institutions of the organization's during the  past year 2014 and work programs for 2015, and discussed the draft resolutions and recommendations  which will be presented to the 42nd  session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers to be held on 27 - 28 May 2015 in Kuwait, and approval, including the ICIC  draft resolution  on 2014 and the work program on2015.
Many contacts and meetings in this session have been made with the OIC Member States delegations, directors of Humanitarian Affairs, international conferences departments and heads of delegations of Libya, Qatar, Iran, Morocco, Iraq, Senegal, Tunisia, Cameroon, Algeria, UAE who were handed over ICIC correspondence and discuss topics of common interest.
Many contacts and meetings made with delegations of Islamic organizations and institutions that participated in this meeting, such as  Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Islamic University in Niger, the Islamic University in Uganda, the center of Istanbul for the Arts history  and the Islamic heritage, the Standing Committee for Information and culture , the discussion in these meetings focused  on issues of common interest.
The ICIC  delegation conducted  meetings with Dr. Ali Al-Zawawi Legal Adviser  of the Islamic Development Bank, to follow up a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Bank and the ICIC, which regulates the issues of cooperation in the humanitarian, health, social and cognitive domains and discuss the amendments made by the Bank's and agreed on a draft of the MoU content and submitted to His Excellency the President of the IDB Group to fix a date for signature, also met with His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Ahmed Hubhb general director of programs and sponsorships, and the Secretary General in charge of the world Islamic Relief in his office at the headquarters of the Authority in Jeddah in the presence of some of his collaborators , the ICIC president  thanked  Islamic Relief on announcing its  financial contribution to help the Libyan displaced  persons in the cities exposed to armed clashes and discussed  special arrangements to make remittance the amount to the ICIC  by the  OIC General Secretariat - Jeddah, and the possibilities for future cooperation between the two parties .

The ICIC  delegation met with Ambassador Hesham Youssef, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and  signed a MoU cooperation between the two parties  in the humanitarian fields and   discussed  future cooperation, and the possibility   to present  the draft resolution  on adopting  a national day of international humanitarian law and Islamic sharia  at the level of OIC member states  , and presented it to the senior staff meetings to be submitted to the next  42nd session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers to be held in Kuwait on May 2015  ,.
Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali,ICIC  Executive Director met with HE. Ambassador Abdullah Al-Mansour, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs, thanking the OIC  General Secretariat for its cooperation with the ICIC   regarding some of the administrative and financial facilities. He also met with HE Mr. Ibrahim khozaim, Executive Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF), thanking the ISF for its announcement  of  financial contribution to the ICIC  for the benefit of children of Libyan families displaced, in order to provide humanitarian assistances , and to discuss the transfer  of this  contribution to the ICIC account   , and agreement on the possibility of the ICIC cooperation with the ISF to participate in the implementation of humanitarian assistance in favor of Syrians refugees in Jordan, he made contact with the president of the Jordanian Red Crescent Society (JRCS) for information  on the

 proposed assistance consisting  materials and medical supplies,   requesting  information to identify needs and quality and available supplies , The JRCS accepted  to cooperate with the ICIC regarding the submission of the proposed humanitarian assistances , and received  required information and program specific proposal to provide medicines and supplies for Syrians refugees in Jordan with chronic diseases, and forwarded it to the ISF.

OIC signs MOU with Islamic Committee of the International Crescent
The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OIC (through its Department of Humanitarian Affairs) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) on the 2nd of April 2015 at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Jeddah with a view to promoting cooperation,

 partnership and coordination between the two sides on humanitarian assistance response as well as cooperation in the field of International Humanitarian Law. The MoU also aims to establish regular consultations between the two sides and set up a joint working group to elaborate operational procedures for cooperation and consultation blueprints in the field of humanitarian policies, exchange of information, capacity building and resource mobilization for humanitarian disasters and crises as well as other issues of common interest
 

 The Islamic Committee of International Crescent (ICIC)

Tunis - Republic of Tunisia

Tuesday 26-27 Jumada I, 1436 H

Corresponding to March 17-18, 2015

The ICIC held its  30th  session  at Hotel Africa ,started on 17/3/2015 at 09 am  in the presence of HH Sami neget representative of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Tunisia,  HE Ambassador Hichem Youssef,  OIC Assistance General Secretariat , HE Dr. Abdul Latif Obeid Assistant Secretary General , president of the Arab League Center in Tunisia , members of the Committee and a number of heads and members of the diplomatic missions in Tunisia and in the presence of Dr. Muftah Etwalib,Head office  of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to North Africa - Tunisi, Mr. Marx Proman, representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Mr. Mazen Abu Shanab representative of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). the ICIC members, observers, , representatives of some international and regional organizations, the International Federation of Red Cross/ Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of Red Cross, and a number of Presidents  , Secretary  generals and  representatives of the Red Crescent and the Red Cross National Societies invited as guests,. The ceremony began with a recitation of verses from the Holy  Qur'an .

HE Mr.  Ali Mahmoud Buhedma , ICIC President , opening ceremony by a speech in which he expressed his thanks and appreciation to the government of the Tunisian Republic and Tunisian Red Crescent Society for  hosting  this session and the warm hospitality and facilities provided for the success of its works , and his wishes for the progress of the people. He welcomed the presence of HE Mr. Sami Naga representative of the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hesham Youssef, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and expressed his happiness  for his  election to this important position .He talked about the ICIC role and  efforts to strengthen and expand the areas of Islamic humanitarian work ,and to increase coordination and partnership especially to provide humanitarian aid to Islamic countries , which are exposed  actually to  natural disasters  or armed conflicts . He expressed his sincere thanks to the host country of the ICIC (Libya)  for the  support and facilities provided to the ICIC

.

HE Ambassador Hichem Youssef  , representative  of  OIC general secretariat, delivered his  speech in which he extended to  the audience the greetings of His Excellency Mr. IyadMadani , OIC  Secretary General to  this session , and   expressed them  his best wishes for the success of the works of this session . He noted the importance of the ICICwork and expressed the readiness of ICHAD for furthercooperation with the ICIC in the fields of humanitarian work. He also addressed the humanitarian situation in some areas of the Islamic world, and called on all the humanitarian organizations to cooperate in order to provide them more humanitarian assistances and support.

Then HE Ambassador Sami Naga representative of the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement in which he welcomed the convening of the session in Tunisia, wishing  success of its work and pointed out that the two Arab and Islamic world face tense  and crises resulting in severe consequent human suffering and  that forces us to pay more attention to humanitarian work and seek to develop, support and coordination with some  international organizations active in this area to increase cooperation and exchange of information, expertise and finance joint humanitarian programs .

Dr Taher Cheniti Secretary General of the Tunisian Red Crescent Society delivered a speech to welcome the ICIC members , invited persons and participants in the session, and he indicated that his organization accord special attention to the cooperation with other humanitarian organizations especially the ICIC, he expressed his wishes for the success of the work of this session.

At the conclusion of this meeting was  the ICIC President  and President of Tunisian Red Crescent Society signed  a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the ICIC  and Tunisian Red Crescent.

Then the ICIC held  its  meeting attended by the  ICIC members as  follows :

1- H.E.. Ali Mahmoud Buhedma ,            ICIC President

2 - Mr.   Omar Tasli,                                 ICIC Vice President.

3 - H.E.  Hichem Youssef,                       ICIC  member, OIC  gensecretariat representative.

4 - Dr. Taher Cheniti,                               ICIC  member .

5 - Dr  Habib Makhtom,                          ICIC  member

6 - Mr. Famory Ndiaye,                           ICIC member.

The following ICIC Members  were absents with excuse:

1 - Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-attar,               ICIC  member

2 - Dr. Mustafa  Mohagheg ,                   ICIC  member

3 - Dr. Mohammed Al- Maadeed ,           ICIC member

4-  Mr. Fayez  Al- Ahmary,                      ICIC member

The presence of the delegation of the ICIC Administration  , consisting of :

1 .Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali         ICIC Executive Director.

2 . Mr. Ramzi Touati                     ICIC Head of Office of relations Dept.

3 . Mr. Hassan bin Fayed              ICIC Head of Office of Administrative Dept.

4 . Mr. Omar  Al-Sheikh .             ICIC Finance Dept.

5 . Mr. Hassan Shoshtari .             ICIC delegate .

6. Mr. Bader Bu Azaiza                Economic expert

The presence of the external auditor of ICIC:

1 – Mr.  Saad Alfrjani.

The ICIC subsidiary organ:

Dr. Fawzi Oussedik , Chairman of the Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law (IFIHL).

MS. Radhiya Sahraoui, Media Advisor of the Islamic Forum.

The presence of :

1-    Mr. Moez Alhudhali,  Director of Legal Affairs of the Arab Organization of   Red Crescent / Red Cross .

2-    Dr. Muftah Etwilb President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for the Office North Africa - Tunisia

The presence of representatives of invited National Societies  of RC/RC:

1. Dr Ali Dawood Salman , vice president of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society.
2. Mr. Jafar Osman, Secretary General of the Sudanese Red Crescent.
3. DrGafar AskarZadeh, vice president of Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society .
4. Mr. Zaka Zeynalov, interpreter, Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society .
5. Mohamed Hadid, President of the Jordanian Red Crescent Society.
6. Mr. Bayarm Selvi, International Relation, Turkish Red Crescent.
7. Mr. Tidiane ChikhGueye, representing the Senegalese Red Cross Society.

The ICIC  approved its  agenda,  which contained ,reports of  the International Crescent Administration , the Islamic Forum of international humanitarian law ,the  ICIC Regional Office for Central Asia and Europe, and a report on the social peace-building program, and the report of irregular migration program.

On the Islamic vision of human global humanitarian summit was confirmed the importance work of humanitarian organizations and national societies  of Red Crescent and Red Cross and respected its role in humanitarian work, to be presented the proposed vision in  the ICIC next session, and the International Crescent administration  will follow-up meetings and arrangements for the preparation of World Humanitarian Summitin coordination and participation with relevant  organizations, also approved to recommend the National Day of international humanitarian law and Islamic Shariaato be celebrate  on  this day in all OIC Members States , to be present in the next session of OIC Conference of Foreign Ministers in Kuwait.

The importance of developing  ICIC code of conduct  to work in cases of cooperation and partnership between the ICIC , the  RC.\RC National Societies and other humanitarian organizations, governmental and non-governmental to present its drafted  in  the next ICIC session for  adoption  and adopted  the mechanism of humanitarian appeals for cooperation and partnership in the humanitarian situation in the OIC States , and approve the ICIC  financial report , the ICIC  report of external auditor for 2014, the ICIC draft budget for 2015, the ICIC annual work program for 2015

the Tunisian Red Crescent visit

January 29 to February 4, 2015

Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali , ICIC Executive Director visited Tunis on January 29 - February 4, 2015, to develop necessary arrangements for the ICIC 30th  session  scheduled on 17-18  March, 2015 in collaboration with the Tunisian Red Crescent Society, where he met with His Excellency Dr. Atahir Cheniti Secretary General of Tunisian Red Crescent Society and his assistants, and special arrangements were discussed in this session and agreed upon, namely:

- Choose the hotel to accommodate the participants delegations.

- Choose the halls for opening session, ICIC meetings and the arrangements for the interpretation of the ICIC three working languages.

- List of countries participants delegations for obtaining visas to Tunisia.

- Reception and farewell arrangements from and to the airport.

- Invited ambassadors from countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international organizations, Municipality of Tunis, press and television.

- Choose the interpretation team and providing the requirements equipment.

- Assigned the committees of reception and services from the Tunisian Red Crescent members.

Consultative meeting

of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Institutions

On the OIC  Programme of Action 2015 - 2025

Jeddah, December 7 - 8, 2014

Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director participated in the work of the consultative meeting of the OIC institutions   on the OIC Programme of Action 2025, which was held in Jeddah, December 7 - 8, 2014, in the presence of 40 participants from 20 delegations of the OIC components, the organs and specialized organizations and institutions, the work of this meeting was opining by HE. Ambassador Abdel Moez Bukhari ,OIC Secretary General adviser, who welcomed the attendees and said that the involvement of institutions and organization and  evaluation of  the Ten-Year program of action  2005 - 2014 and  to discuss the Ten-Year program 2015 - 2025 as they are operational mechanisms, and took their observations in consideration .

The draft of this program was presented, which covers all activities and actions that will work on the implementation of all OIC  components, in the  Section 5, item (13) contained the theme ((Joint Islamic humanitarian action)), which was based on the ICIC  proposal , where in his speech  thanks the OIC General Secretariat for inclusion in this program this theme for the first time, and request to add the subject of coordination as well as the inclusion a new item in  the measures which is ((strengthening cooperation and partnership to coordinate the response to the requirements of rehabilitation the humanitarian institutions work in post-disaster and humanitarian crises)) and some other amendment and  modifications, including an attempt to include the topic of social peace building  in the peace and security objectives.

The  deliberations take over two days, the meeting was concluded review the draft program of action in light of the delegations interventions  and in preparation for sending it to the  OIC member states before being submitted to the next Conference of Foreign Ministers.

Dr. Elasbali made  a number of meetings at the OIC  headquarters of the General Secretariat, with HE. Ambassador Hesham Youssef, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and HE. Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Sabeel ,senior advisor and  the Director General of the OIC  Secretary General Cabinet, and HE. Dr. Fathela Grain ,the director of Women's Affairs Department , the  discussion with those seniors  was concentrated on the relationship between the OIC  Secretariat departments and the ICIC, where emphasis was placed on closer cooperation relations and  invitation to the ICIC  delegations to participate in the OIC activities and meetings held in the OIC's headquarters and work on the signing of a memorandum of understanding in this regard, and to urge OIC member states parties in the ICICestablishment Agreement to pay their mandatory contributions in the ICIC annual budget. Other meeting took place with HE. Dr. Ahmed Singdoa Rector  of the Islamic University in Uganda, the discussion  topics was on Third moot court program for students of the three law  faculties in the Islamic University in Uganda, and that the implementation of this program will be in the last half of March 2015, and the court of this year's topics will  be on the issues considered by the Arusha court, as well as  identified on the results, turned out for the Diploma of international affairs and humanitarian diplomacy program, and  how to deal with the procedures of  the financial donation for technical college of Girls.

Other meeting took place with Prof. Moncef  JAZZAR  the new president of the Islamic University in Niger, the discussion was on ICIC identified  and former assistance  to this university, and emphasized  to continued  relationship between the ICIC and the university and willingness to cooperate in any future programs that can be implemented in Niger.

Dr. Elasbali  visited  the headquarters of International relief Islamic world Organization (IIROSA’s ) ,and  he has met  with Dr. Abdullah Mohamed Ahmed Habhab  director general of programs and welfare  and the IIROSA’s Secretary General in charge, at this meeting he made a definition on  ICIC , its activities and topics of common interest, the discussion concentration on  the foundations of cooperation between the ICIC and the IIROSA’s  in the areas of humanitarian assistance  where it was raised the possibility in future to  draft a memorandum of understanding in this regard.

Other visit were made to the Islamic Development Bank headquarters, he met with Dr. Ali Al-Zawawi, Legal Adviser at Legal Department, and then met with Dr. Awad Salem Asama, Director of Special Aid Administration and Mr. Essam Noor Fadel Shanqeeti ,Director of the Division in this Administration , the definition was made on ICIC  and its activities and topics of common interest, and the possibility of provide humanitarian assistances  for the Libyans displaced.

There was a visit by Dr. Elasbali to the headquarters of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF), he  met with HE. Ibrahim Alcuozaim, ISF Executive Director and Br. Abdel Razek , ISF head of programs Department , the discussion was on  humanitarian assistances  for  the Libyans displaced, and  to agree to make a contact  with  the OPEC Secretary General to  instructor  the OPEC Fund for International Development to provide financial support to both the ICIC and ISF.

Participation in the third meeting of peace-building working group

Baghdad on November 21, 2014

 Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali ICIC Executive Director participated in the third meeting of the peace-building at the kind invitation of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in its headquarters in Baghdad on Friday, November 21, 2014, in the presence of the working group members : Dr. Habib Maktum, head of the working group and ICIC member, Dr. Yaseen Ahmed Abbas, IRCS President, Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, head  of the Department of International Relations in Qatar Red Crescent, and Dr. Fayez  Omar Hamad Jamea , president of the Center for Peace and Development Studies in Bahri  University - Sudan.

This meeting was attended by some IRCS administrative board members ,Dr. Zaid Abdul Kareem Abdul Latif, IRCS Vice president, Mr. Mohamed Abdul-Sahib al-Kaabi, Mr. Mohamed Esmat Ibrahim, Mr. Dawood Attar, and Mr. Saad al-Rubaie, in the opening session of this meeting was  attended  by H.E. Ambassador Hamid Ali Mohamed figs, OIC head Office in Iraq , H.E. Mohammed Omar Moussa, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan in Iraq  and  Dr. Hany El Banna Chairman of the Forum humanitarian.

  In the opening session, speeches have been made by Dr. Yasin Abbas, Dr. Yaseen Ahmed Abbas, IRCS President, Dr. Habib Maktum, head of the working group , H.E. Ambassador Hamid Ali Mohamed figs, OIC head Office in Iraq , H.E. Mohammed Omar Moussa, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan in Iraq ,Dr. Mohamed Elasbali ICIC Executive Director.

Dr. Fayze Omar Hamad, head of Center for Peace and Development Studies at the University of Bhari- Sudan, presented a summary of the project peace-building strategy and some questions  have been raised by participants in the opening session.

The project  strategy was discussed as stated in all aspects of the peace topics, by all participants , they made  some amendments and additions to it , and requested the working group  members to provide any comments or additions to the project strategy by end of December 2014.  emphasized that the peace-building strategy, is a contribution theory proposal to international efforts to peace building, in the light of Islamic values, and can ensuing practical program about social peace-building, and welcomed the reaffirmation of IRCS commitment to a program of peace-building as one of the co-operation programs between the ICIC and IRCS , according to a memorandum of understanding between them . the Working Group work on the preparations for the fourth meeting in the first week of January 2015, to prepare a project of the peace-building strategy that takes into account what came out in the dissuasion of working group  , and to make  contact  with the Turkish Red Crescent as a member of the working group by Dr. Yassin Abbas to inform them of what came out in this meeting request them for any comments or additions to the project of the peace-building strategy,

discuss the possibility of hosting the fourth meeting of the Working Group.

The Working Group registered its thanks and appreciation to each of the IRCS President and members on hosting precious and facilities provided for the successful realization of this meeting and the work of  head  and members of peace-building program working group , Dr. Fayez Omar, for his  effort made in the preparation of the peace-building strategy project, and the meeting ended at three o'clock in the afternoon it was commissioned by Dr. Mohamed Elasbali to draft its meeting proceedings .

Dr. Mohamed Elasbali met  with H.E. Ambassador Dr. Walid Hamid Chltag President of neighboring States and legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, and Dr. Yaseen Ahmed Abbas, IRCS President , where they discussed bilateral relations between the ICIC and the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the IRCS, agreed that to inclusion the areas of cooperation under the memorandum of Understanding that will be developed and discussed and signed in the next phase.

Participation in the Seminar on the diplomacy in the service of humanity

24 – 25 November, 2014

Manama – Bahrain Kingdom

The ICIC delegation participated in the Seminar on the diplomacy in the service of humanity in Manama , the Kingdom of Bahrain on  24 - 25 November 2014, organized by the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCRO) in cooperation with the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS)  and the Ministry of Foreign  Affairs  in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and  the ICIC delegation consists from:

- H.E. Ambassador Ali  Mahmoud Buhedma, ICIC President.

- Dr. Mohamed Hamed Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director.

The participation in the work of this seminar are (70) participants representing the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross National Societies, regional and international organizations such as the International Federation of Red Crescent and Red Cross IFRCS , the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ,the Organization  of Islamic Cooperation , the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) , the Islamic Relief Organization and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth.

The proceedings of this seminar were opened by H.E. Mr. Sadiq Shehabi, Health Minister  and BRCS vice president and H.E. Ambassador Mr. Karim Ibrahim Alshokar,  Deputy Foreign Ministry of Bahraini for International Affairs , Dr. Abdullah Mohamed Al-Hazza, ARCO Secretary General, Mr. Elias Ghanem, Director of the Middle East and North Africa in the IFRCS, and Mr. Yehia Khalil Deputy regional Commissioner of the (ICRC).

At this Seminar (14) researches intervention  in six sessions were presented , Dr. Mohamed Hamed Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director , in the fifth session presented, intervention on the (humanitarian diplomacy: communication tools in ICIC perspective), and H.E.Ambassador Ali Buhedma ICIC President chaired the sixth session.

At the end of the seminar participants recommended the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to make the humanitarian diplomacy permanent mechanism within the movement's policy and work to disseminate as widely as possible particularly on areas of conflict and cases of serious violence, and to take advantage of the information presented at the seminar  as a nucleus of a training program held periodically between Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies, and documenting what has been discussed in this seminar and issuance to enrich the Arabic library in humanitarian diplomacy brochure, call the ARCO to form a special team to follow up on the results of this seminar and invite national societies  to participate in making recommendations to the relevant government agencies, and need to continue to hold such  seminar on a regular basis to talk the issue of humanitarian diplomacy  between the Red Crescent and Red Cross societies and relevant government bodies and political decision-makers.

Participants appreciated all effort of BRCS and the ARCO, for the warm reception and hospitality for seminar good preparation, which had an impact on access to these expected results, and thanks to all , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health for supporting the seminar events and activities.

The ICIC delegation held several contacts and meetings with H.E. Ambassador  Karim Ibrahim Alshokar , Deputy  of Foreign Ministry for International Affairs, Dr. Fawzi Amin, BRCS secretary general , HE Fayez Alhmari Vice president of the Saudi Red Crescent Authand ority , Mr. Fayeg  Alhrfi , Adviser  of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and Mr. Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary General of the UAE Red Crescent for international assistance  , HE Mr. Suleiman Abdul Latif Al-Awadi Director of OIC  Humanitarian Affairs Department , HE Dr. Meteeb Alshawe, legal advisor of  the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, and held several other meetings with Red Crescent and Red Cross  societies delegations of Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Comoros, Palestine, and regional and international organizations, the ARCO ,IFRC and ICIC, where they discussed bilateral relations , issues of common interest and agreed to communicate for the benefit of all parties of humanitarian work.

Participation in the seminar
 on the Maghreb Irregular immigration  to Europe in the framework

of the regional shifts
Tunisia 6 - 7 November 2014

First – Seminar :
The  seminar of Maghreb Irregular immigration to Europe in the framework of the regional shifts," organized by the Arab League Centre held in Tunis on November 6 -7, 2014, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)in presence  representatives of the immigration sector in a number of Arab countries and European and Arab and international experts in the field of migration, who considered that  to eliminate the phenomenon of irregular migration requires ,the adoption of a comprehensive approach that combines humanitarian, security, legal, economic and social aspects in between each of the Maghreb countries.

  They considered that the deterrent laws and security solutions alone will not succeed in putting an end to this phenomenon, stressing the need to develop a migration policy that takes into account the economic and social conditions, human rights and the needs of development in the exporting countries of irregular migrants and the implications for immigration to the receiving countries waves.
The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent(ICIC) delegation consists of:
- Mr. Ali Mahmoud Buhedma,  ICIC President.
- Dr. Mohamed Hamed Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director.
  This seminar work was opened by  Mr. Ahmed Ammar  Allyanbaai  Tunisian Minister of Social Affairs, who said that irregular migration recorded in crease during the recent period as a result of an upward pattern of political and social changes witnessed by the Southern Mediterranean countries, which led to a large influx of irregular migrants towards Europe.   He said that Tunisia has developed a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening the costly structures to act in the migration and further briefing migrants Tunisians and protect their gains and defend their rights, reminding the law of 2003, which provides for tougher penalties for organized gangs of irregular migration and labor to intensify control over the Tunisian coast.
He also noted that irregular migration represents between 10 and 15 percent of the total migrants in the world, adding that more than 40 thousand irregular migrant workers have died in various parts of the world since the year 2000, according to the latest IOM statistics. Allyanbaai added that Europe is the most dangerous area of the geographic region for irregular migrants, as the same report indicates that more than 22 thousand migrants lost when they try crossing the Mediterranean Sea since 2000.m
For his part, Dr. Abdul Latif Ebeid President of Arab League States center in Tunis remarked the growing phenomenon of irregular migration in Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, pointing to the need to control immigration, including limiting it`s negatives and to find solutions and development alternatives aimed at protecting young people from the threat of irregular immigration.
 
The seminar addressed the following  themes:
1. irregular immigration - its causes and its aftermath:
• migration routes, and the means, the number of immigrants, the types of crimes associated ... 
• Maghreb and transit migration.
• African migration to the Maghreb.
• circular migration .... etc.
2. legislation and laws related to migration to the Maghreb and the Arab Maghreb and through, and the rights of migrants.
3. Policies and conventions and national and regional trends related to migration: study cases.
4. humane alternative development towards irregular immigration.
- Dr. Mohamed Hamed Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director ,made a general presentation on the program to help address irregular migration within the fourth axis, which was considered as a practical program to assist the National Societies of the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies and institutions involved in exporting transit and reception countries  of irregular migration , to be implemented by the ICIC Administration  and the Tunisian Red Crescent Society in cooperation with the national Societies.
Secondly - Communications:
The ICIC delegation made contact  with some of the OIC embassies to deliver  letters by the ICIC Administration    to send  through diplomatic channels to the foreign affairs ministries in their countries.

Thirdly - meetings:
The ICIC delegation visited the Tunisian Red Crescent TRCS headquarters and met with Dr. Tahir Cheniti , TRCS Secretary General and in  presence of Dr. Hafiz bin Melad  nominated  by TRCS to take over the ICIC  program on irregular migration, has been reporting on communications and correspondence between the ICIC Administration  and some   national societies  and international organizations, and discussed  the draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation and partnership between the ICIC Administration  and  TRCS submitted by the ICIC , and agreeing to forward it to the TRCS legal adviser  for any comments , and later determine date for his signature.
The ICIC delegation  held other meetings with Dr. Abdul Latif Ebeid Assistant Secretary General  and President of Arab League States center in Tunis Assistant, the President of the foreign doctors Council in Italy , representative of Morocco,   President of the Regional Office of the International Organization for Migration, the head of the Libyan Organization for Relief and Development, Dr. Joseph Bakri and Dr. Ayman al-Zuhairi international experts in the field of immigration they  discussing issues of common interest and a special invitation to cooperate with the ICIC  in its program on irregular migration.  

HUMANITARIAN RELIEF  FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN LEBANON

BY ICIC-IRRO WITH LEBANESE RED CROSS

October, 2014 LEBANON

Since the beginning of the Syria Crisis, many Syrians have been displaced from their homeland to seek shelter in neighbouring countries.

Lebanon was the main host country for Syrian refugees with more than 1.1 million refugees  on its territory according to the United Nations (UN). Syrian refugees are also in other neighbouring countries, notably Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.

However, the actual number of refugees who fled to Lebanon is estimated to be between 1.5 million and 1.8 million making an estimated number of between 500,000 to 800,000 refugees who are unregistered.

Unregistered refugees do get support, mainly from the  the Lebanese Red Cross.

The Lebanese Red Cross has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian relief to the Syrian refugees throughout the country. It has established eight teams to serve this humanitarian imperative under its Disaster Response division to serve the different regions of the country. In addition to vulnerable Syrians, there are also vulnerabilities with host communities that the Lebanese Red Cross is also serving.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis has continued over the last three years with very little end in sight.

ICIC-IRRO initiated this programme in Lebanon a few months ago when an agreement was concluded between the ICIC Vice President and the Secretary General of the Lebanese Red Cross. The agreement, in the form of a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding)  was signed on the 9th July 2014 for a six month programme of delivering a quality baby kit to 100 Syrian Refugee families per month.

The selection criteria included widows who have babies. The  beneficairies were interviewed, and assessed by the Lebanese Red Cross through its Disaster Response Team.

The design of the contents of the baby kit, specifications, tendering and contract awards were carried out by the Logistics department of the Lebanese Red Cross. The Lebanese Red Cross also ensured timely delivery to the  beneficiaries.

- file Download .. click here (pdf file no1)

 The ICIC Participation at the Red Cross and Red Crescent Mediterranean Platform on immigration

Tunis 23 - 25 September 2014

The ICIC delegation participated in the  Red Cross and Red Crescent Mediterranean Platform immigration Held  on 23 - 25 September 2014, at  Africa hotel  in Tunis attended by 17 delegates from the red cross and red crescent  national societies  of the Mediterranean Sea countries and delegations from international organizations interested in the subject of immigration, such as the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNHCR ,The international Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,. HE Dr. Abdul Latif Obeid Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League head of the Arab League office  in Tunis, has attended part of this Platform , and the ICIC delegation, consisting of:

-  HE Mr. Ali Mahmoud Buhedma, ICIC President.

- Dr. Mohamed Hamad Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director.

HE Dr. Taher Cheniti Secretary General of the Tunisian Red Crescent , Ms. M Irina vice president of Centre for  the cooperation in the Mediterranean , Mr. S. Milan delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Tunis and  Ms. So mnala director of the Department of Immigration in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent made a speeches of the opining   this platform.

The Platform has discussed the following topics: Support peer-to-peer,  Vulnerable migrants : a focus on women and unaccompanied minors, advocacy for access to protection at international borders, coordinating movement action  on RFL, in the Mediterranean, with a focus on missing migrants.

​​Several presentations on the activities  have been presented  by  the RC/RC. of National Societies of the Mediterranean and international organizations on their action to assist  irregular migrants, including the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent, where Dr. Mohamed Elasbali Executive Director ,made a presentation on  (the ICIC program of the awareness of the dangers on irregular  migration).

The ICIC  delegation met with several delegations, participating in this platform  to discuss topics of common interest, such as  HE. Dr. Abdul Latif Obeid , former Tunisian Minister for  Education and Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, head of the Arab League headquarters in Tunisia ,the discussion  for close cooperation between the Arab League and the ICIC  on irregular migration, and  his  invitation to  the ICIC to participate  and present a working paper on ICIC program on irregular migration in a seminar on  developments in the Maghreb irregular migration to Europe in the framework of regional transformations to be organized by the Arab League in Tunis on October 24 - 25, 2014.

a meeting took place with Dr. Tahir Cheniti Secretary General of the Tunisian Red Crescent Society (TRCS) in its headquarters, and has been discussed relations of cooperation between the TRCS and ICIC and procedures for the presentation on the ICIC awareness  program of the dangers on irregular migration in the work of Red Crescent and Red Cross Mediterranean Platform  on immigration, and the issue of assigning a competent expert to take over as director  of the joint program between the ICIC and TRCS, and both side  agreed to entrust Dr. Hafiz bin Melad  and follow-up operational procedures concerning the ICIC 29th resolution adopted in Istanbul on May 2014  of the TRCs  willingness to develop a code of conduct for cooperation and partnership for submission to the next ICIC meeting, and agreed that the TRCs will urge  the Ministry of Foreign to pay its  contributions to the ICIC .

other meetings were  held with the delegations of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies , the International Committee of the Red Cross , the National Societies of the Red Crescent and Red Cross in Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Italy, Malta, Spain, France and the Netherlands and  have been discussed topics of mutual interest, especially the ICIC invitation  to cooperate with in the ICIC awareness  program of the dangers on irregular migration.

Working Visit to the Tunisian Red Crescent

 Tunisia, August 23 September 1, 2014

Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali Executive Director of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) on  August 24 - September 2, 2014,  paid  a working visit to the Tunisia Red Crescent Society ( TRCS) in the framework of bilateral relations between the ICIC and TRCS to follow up the implementation of Program of the dangers awareness of illegal immigration (PDAII), which was adopted  by the 3rd  consultative meeting, between ICIC and  the OIC Red Crescent and the Red Cross national Societies, which was held in Tunisia on May 1, 2013.

Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali  had been meeting with Dr. Tahir Cheniti Secretary General of the TRCS  to discuss cooperation arrangements for the implementation of the PDAII, where it was agreed to have this program as a joint program between the ICIC and TRCS , and hold a meeting with Mr. Mohammed bin Ahmed  in charge of the TRCS media and Dr. Hafiz bin Melad  in charge of the TRCS refugee and migrant office, to inform them about  the PDAII and its various aspects and public perception of its implementation.

In light of the results of these meetings with Dr. Taher Cheniti Secretary General of the Tunisian Red Crescent Society agreed  to nominate  an expert to cooperate in this program and to send his name and C.V. to the ICIC  to communicate with him, as sending  the  invitation to the ICIC to participate in the annual forum of the Mediterranean migration to be held in Tunis on 23 - 25 September 2014 , to present  the PDAII and discuss the possibilities of cooperation with Red Cross Societies and national organizations participate in this forum.

It was also an opportunity in this working visit to follow-up the  implementation  of the resolution on a code of conduct for cooperation and partnership issued by the ICIC 29th session, which was held in Istanbul on May 27 - 28, 2014 which requests the Tunisian Red Crescent Society to prepare a draft of the said code, where, according to Dr. Cheniti he commissioned a specialist in this regard.

Participation in the work of the 37th Round Table

Conduct of Hostilities: The Practice, The Law, The Future.

San Remo - Italy

4 – 6 September 2014.

Dr Mohamed Hamed Elasbali Executive Director of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) participated in the works  of  37th Round table on the Conduct of hostilities: the Practice, the Law, the Future, which was held  on September 4 - 6, 2014  and organized by the International Institute for Humanitarian Law (IIHL) which is an international organization having function of attention to the problems facing the application of international humanitarian law , its working to respect and development in its headquarter  at San Remo - Italy, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and attended by 255 participants , specialists and interested in international humanitarian law, civilian and military personnel from various arms land, sea and  air, and many of the officials, international and national organizations and universities and specialized scientific centers,

Over the days of this round the table were presented (29) researches, that dealt with the practices of the  current hostilities, which are not covered by the provisions of international law and faced problems , and the operation that require legal futuristic solution, and after all the researchs there were lengthy discussions of legal experts and military personnel.

by a number of meetings with Dr. Fawzi Oussedik Chairman of the Islamic Forum international humanitarian law(IFIHL), and discussed issues related to the IFIHL and those shared between it and the ICIC and also met with  the Iranian Red Crescent delegation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Hazza, Secretary General of the Arab Organization of Red Crescent and Red Cross , Mr. Moez Hudhali Legal Adviser  of the Arab  organization, Dr. Yasin Ahmed Abbas, President of Iraqi Red Crescent Society, Ambassador Soad Shalaby, Director General of the Center for Development of Business Women, Dr. Eisa Ahmed Turki, director of nationality in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Dr. Jang Hi a professor at the University of Henco for International Studies and a member of the Permanent Court, South Korea .

Meeting was held with the administration of IIHL on Friday 05/09/2014 on the sidelines of the 37th  round table and was attended by Prof. Fausto Pocar President  of the IIHL, Dr. Stephanaa Baldini, Secretary-General of the IIHL, the discussion  has been on the draft memorandum of understanding between the IIHL  and the IFIHL and emphasized  the importance of cooperation between them, especially as their goal is the same which is the publication and promotion of international humanitarian law, for the benefit of both parties, it was agreed to submit a new draft of the memorandum of understanding by the Administration  of IIHL to organize the relations with IFIHL.

Participation in the " Doha dialogue  on immigration 2014"

June 15 - 17, 2014

Doha - Qatar

 The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent,(ICIC) invited to participate in the conference "Dialogue of Doha 2014 on immigration organized by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent Society in Doha on 15 - 17 June 2014 AD, participated by Dr Mohamed H. Elasbali, ICIC  Executive Director in this  conference along with representatives of 20 National Societies of the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia, the IFRC , the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been participating in the platform of cooperation between the national societies , the conference and conduct bilateral meetings as follows:

I - The platform of cooperation between National Societies:

The opening ceremony of  platform of cooperation between National Societies  take place at the headquarter of   Qatar Red Crescent Society on June 15, 2014 by Dr Baige Zhao, IFRC Vice President for Asia

 continent she  has announced the launch a platform of cooperation between the national societies , and stressed that it should be on the international humanitarian movement to play a bigger role in  migration and need from participants to focus  on the vulnerabilities of migrant workers needs rather than focusing on deficiencies in certain countries or apportion blame, adding that immigration is one of the biggest humanitarian issues in the present era, it is likely to continue direction of labor migration due to factors such as poverty , tendencies and unemployment, and pointed out that the international humanitarian movement stands in a unique position and strong  create  to bring about real change.  

Dr Mohamed bin Ghanim al-Ali Maadheed President of Qatar Red Crescent Society in his word keen to remind participants that the role of National Societies with regard to migration is the preservation of human dignity, and that the basic principle of neutrality says that "sympathy cannot be integral or go to an ethnic group or a particular political , our strength stems from our humanity. " He said that Doha dialogue 2014 is to product of more than three years of effort and commitment on the part of many partners in the framework of international humanitarian movement.

Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of Department of International Relations and humanitarian law, Qatari Red Crescent, Dr. Tahir Cheniti Secretary General of Tunisian Red Crescent, Dr. Zahra Babar, assistant director of research at the Center for International and Regional Studies, and Mr. Body Atamde Adebutro Secretary-General of the Indonesian Red Cross, they had  been providing legal interventions.

The participants were divided into two groups: First, the representatives of national societies to search for the reasons that to push people to go to work abroad and weaknesses and the risks they face. Second, discussed the representatives of national societies supporting role for governments and creates the potential regarding the IFRC role.

2 - The subject’s axes platform of cooperation between the national societies as follows:

- Determine the position of the movement and the current outlook towards immigration.

- Identify areas that could contribute to the IFRC more effectively to help migrant workers who often find themselves in a weak position or marginalized.

- Define the role of National Societies in both exporting countries or receiving of migrant labor to engage their interest and work together on issue of migrant workers protection, both from executive on the ground or in terms of advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy.

3 - At the conclusion of activities of this platform were issued the following recommendations:

- The participants commitment to pay forward the dialogue and presence in  a second platform for national societies  on immigration to be held in December 2014, hosted by the Philippine Red Cross Society.

- Participants agreed to support and attend a regional workshop focusing on intercultural dialogue hosted by the Indonesian Red Cross Society in September 2014, with the possibility that the National Societies in the exporting  and receiving labor countries ,  host more workshops during the next three years.

- Enhance communication and exchange of ideas between the National Societies of the exporting and receiving labor countries, through the "study visits" organized by the IFRC to various countries, and also through exchange of visits to  places of work of the staff and volunteers in the exporting and receiving countries of migrant labor.

- An agreement between the national societies to nominate one of its staff or volunteers to work as coordinator of discussions and actions that take place on the level of traffic on migration.

- The movement to become more international humanitarian initiative in establishing relationships and partnerships with bodies and external migration of existing networks.

- To strengthen National Societies advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy on immigration and building on the governments supporting role.

II - Doha dialogue on migration 2014:

The Conference of Doha dialogue on migration 2014, opened its session on June 16 - 17, 2014. at Marriott Hotel by Dr Baige Zhao, IFRC Vice President for Asia , Professor Fausto Pocar  President of the International Institute for International Humanitarian Law, Dr. Mohamed bin Ghanim Al-Ali Al -Maadheed President  of Qatar Red Crescent Society, and Dr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Khalifa Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the State of Qatar.

The Conference held four sessions on the following topics:

- Care and partnership with cooperating sectors and government institutions.

- Humanitarian consequences for expatriate workers, it has been in this session , the presentation on the program of awareness of illegal migration, presented by Dr. Mohamed H.  Elasbali Executive Director of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) –Specialized Institution of  Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC) ,

The following recommendation was presented  by ICIC and   supported by the Tunisian, Bahraini, Kuwaiti, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey and Philippines Societies.

Propose two   joint programs carried out at the level of bilateral or regional group such as (National Societies of Gulf cooperation states or Maghreb Union States) or at the level of the IFRC. These program includes two National Societies groups:
I - The National Societies in the exporting countries of migrant workers:

These National Societies are implementing awareness and rehabilitation program for migrant workers before they leave their countries in the following areas:
-  Cooperate with the authorities concerned and specialized offices in the export of migrant workers  in implementation of awareness and rehabilitation program for migrant workers for each before leaving to the hosting  country, and provide them  with an approved certificate., 
-The  awareness and  rehabilitation program for migrant workers will be on the following:
• procedural information about the hosting country's include the duties and rights of migrant worker.
• Information about the habits and traditions of the hosting countries.
• training for first aid and health education .
II - the National Societies in the hosting  countries migrant workers :
These National Societies will  providing  financial  support  and humanitarian and social assistants ,  for migrant workers:
• providing financial  support  for  awareness rehabilitation program for migrant workers  to the National Societies of exporting countries of migrant workers :.
• to provide humanitarian and social assistances to migrant workers in  situations facing problems.
• cooperate with the embassies of exporting countries and the relevant authorities in the hosting  countries in cases of migrant workers facing problems to provide financial  support humanitarian and social assistants.

This Awareness program on the dangers of illegal immigration received widely accepted by the participants in the conference and considerable support for this program, and they asked to circulate it to the Asian region by representatives of Red Cross Societies of Philippines, Thailand and Red Crescent Societies Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Bahrain, and to emphasize the need for a software development junior programs companion for young people in the target countries.

The recommendation present by ICIC  greatly welcomed by a number of National Societies representatives and the regional office of IFRC  in South East Asia, and the work began by the National Societies of the Bahrain Red Crescent and the Philippine Red Cross as a joint program between the two National Societies has been agreed on the sidelines of the conference.

- Labour migration in a crises context.

- Expatriate workers in Asia: Opportunities and Challenges.

The second day two sessions was held on the following topics:

- The challenges of migration in a changing world: towards better conditions for expatriate workers.

The participants were divided into teams in the names Qatar cities to discuss specific themes are:

- Team of Masada city discussed (Regional Cooperation), Group led by Prof. Fausto Pocar, President of the Institute for International Humanitarian Law.

- Team Wakra city discussed (Pre-departure services / in country receiving services), Group led by Kamal Pelhlivanli director of disaster management in the Turkish Red Crescent.

- Team Ryan city discussed (humanitarian diplomacy / advocacy), headed by Dr. Saeed fiddler Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent.

- Migration and development: inclusion of migration in the post 2015 development  agenda, by Mr. Tauhid Pasha Senior  Specialist in the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

- Closing Remarks, outcomes and next steps:

Dr Fawzi Oussedik, Head of international relations and international humanitarian law in the Qatari Red Crescent and  by Mr. Jagan Chapagain  Regional Director of IFRC of the Asia-Pacific region,  made closing remarks, outcomes and next steps which will be released in a report and included in the IFRC websites and the Qatari Red Crescent, and sent to the participants and competent authorities.

 III - Bilateral meetings:

 ICIC representative  in this conference, made  a number of bilateral meetings with the participants  from the National Societies of the Red Crescent and Red Cross,  in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Tunisia, Turkey, Jordan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Pakistan, and presidents  of International Institute for international humanitarian law , President of Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law, the Regional Director of the IFRC, the ICRC, IMO and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has been in these meetings to discuss in this conference program , as well as bilateral relations between the ICIC and some of these National Societies and organizations

The 29th session of the Islamic Committee of International Crescent (ICIC)

Istanbul - Turkish Republic

Rajab 28-29, 1435 H , corresponding to 27 - 28 May 2014

The ICIC held its  29th  session  at Hotel Elite World , Istanbul - Turkish Republic on Tuesday 28 Rajab 1435 H corresponding to May 27, 2014  , the opening ceremony started at ten o'clock in the presence of Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the  OIC former Secretary General , Ambassador Fouad Almzenee,  representative of the OIC General Secretariat , the ICIC members and  invited Presidents  , Secretary  generals and  representatives of the Red Crescent and the Red Cross National Societies in the region  of ​​northern Asia and Europe . The ceremony began with a recitation of verses from the Holy  Koran .

HE Mr.  Ali Mahmoud Buhedma , ICIC President , delivered a speech in which he expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Republic of Turkey and Turkish Red Crescent Society for  hosting  this session and for the warm hospitality and facilities provided for the success of this meeting  , and talked about the ICIC  efforts in order to strengthen and expand the areas of Islamic humanitarian work , increase coordination and partnership in this area and called on States and Islamic institutions concerned to increase aid to Islamic countries , which were exposed by  natural disasters or armed conflicts , and condemned Israel's violation of the international humanitarian law in Palestine , and expressed his deep gratitude to the host country (Libya)  for the  support and facilities provided to ICIC .

HE Ambassador Fouad Almzenaee  , Director-General of  OIC Department of Humanitarian Affairs ( ICHAD ), delivered his  speech in which he extended to  the audience the greetings of His Excellency Mr. Iyad Madani , OIC  Secretary General to  this session , and wished them good luck and success . he noted the importance of the  ICIC work  and  expressed the readiness of ICHAD for further cooperation with ICIC  in the fields of humanitarian work , also he addressed the humanitarian situation faced  in  some areas  such as  Syrians displaced inside Syria and refugees in  neighboring countries , and the tragedies suffered by Muslims as a result of the conflict in the Central African Republic , and called on all those present to cooperate in order to provide suport and assistance to these areas .

HE Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the OIC  former Secretary General, in  his speech  expressed his pleasure  for the kind invitation extended to him to attend the opening of the 29th session , mentioned  the first stages of establishment of ICIC  and difficulties encountered to become a reality , He noted its importance as one of the important mechanisms in the framework of the OIC  to deliver aid and humanitarian assistance to the affected people, and pointed to the importance of the efforts of humanitarian organizations working in solidarity and cooperation among them in favor of strengthening the Islamic humanitarian work verywhere.

 The ICIC held  its  meeting attended by the  ICIC members as  follows :

1 – H.E.. Ali Mahmoud Buhedma ,ICIC President

2 - Mr.   Omar Tasli, ICIC Vice President.

3 – H.E.  Ambassador Fouad Almzenaee, OIC  representative .

4 - Dr. Tahir Cheniti, ICIC  member .

5 - Dr. Mohammed Maadheed , ICIC member

6 - Dr  Habib Makhtom, ICIC  member

7-  Mr. Fayez Al- ahmary, ICIC member .

8 - Mr. Famory Ndiaye, ICIC member.

ICIC members who  did not attend this meeting with  excuse,

1 - Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-attar, ICIC  member

2 - Dr. Mustafa  Mohaghage , ICIC member

The presence of ICIC Administration  , consisting of :

1 . Dr. Mohamed H. Elasbali,  ICIC Executive Director.

2 . Mr. Mohamad Ali Tarkhan , ICIC head Office of Finance Dept.

3 . Mr. Ramzi Touati , ICIC  head Office of relations Dept.

4 . Mr. Hassan bin Fayed , ICIC head Office of Administration Dept.

5 . Mr. Omar Sheikh . ICIC Finance Dept.

6 . Mr. Hassan Shoshtari . ICIC delegate .

  The presence of the external auditor of ICIC.

1 – Mr.  Saad  Alfrjani.

 The ICIC organ :

Dr. Fawzi  Oussedik , Chairman  of the Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law .

 The  presence of Observer :

Mr. Moez  Alhudhali,  Director of Legal Affairs of the Arab Organization of   Red Crescent / Red Cross .

The presence of the invited  National Societies guests representatives:

1 - His Highness Prince Abdullah bin Faisal , Director General of International Affairs of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority.

2 - Mr. Abdul Aziz Diallo, president of the Senegalese Red Cross Society.

3 - Dr. Yassin Abbas, president of the Iraqi  Red Crescent Society.

4 - Dr. Mohamed Abdul-Sahib , member of the governing board  of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society.

5 - Dr. Sayed Ahmed Moussaoui, Secretary General of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

6 - Mr. Ali Ahmed Zadeh, Iranian Red Crescent Society .

7 - Dr Gafar Askar Zadeh, vice president of Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society .

8 - Mr. Jahom Mirzapl, Deputy Secretary General of the Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society .

9 - Mr. Ahmed Olubali ,President  of the Red Crescent of Northern Cyprus Society .

10 - Mrs. Farida Hysseini, Secretary General of the Red Cross of Kosovo.

The ICIC approved  its provisional agenda , containing reports of the ICIC Administration  , Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law,   follow-up  report on the program of  guide pilgrims and the ICIC  regional office for  North  Asia and Europe , the  draft strategy of   social peace building  , the ICIC financial report, the report of the external auditor  of  ICIC  for the year 2013 , the ICIC  draft financial budget for 2014  and  the ICIC  annual work program in 2014.

The meeting  has added under Any Other Business Topics :

- Humanitarian Summit 2016 .

-  Humanitarian aid to Muslim minorities in the Central African Republic and  South Sudan .

- Code of conduct for cooperation and partnership .

The ICIC adopted  several executive resolutions  about the agenda ,topics and sent  a telegram of condolence to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for the  death of  the late Bargas  Hamoud Al Barges former President of the Society .

Participation  in the general meeting on cooperation between the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation(OIC)

May 20 - 22, 2014

Istanbul - Turkey

The  general meeting on cooperation between the UN and OIC ,  held its session at the Research Center of Islamic History, Arts and Heritage          ( IRCICA) , on 20 - 22 May 2014  held in     Istanbul,  according the implementation of the General Assembly of the United Nations  resolution no. 50/17 dated  on November 20, 1995 and the resolution no. 67/264 of 17 may 2013 on the general meeting on cooperation between the UN  General Secretariat and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation , and their organizations  and specialized agencies ,  the ICIC delegation participated in the meeting , consisting of :

1 - Mr.  Ali Mahmoud Buhedma,  ICIC President  .

2 - Dr. Mohamed Hamad Elasbali, ICIC  Executive Director.

This meeting , attended by  the delegation of OIC general  Secretariat, and organizations  and specialized agencies headed by Ambassador Hamid Opeloyeru, OIC  Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs and the   delegations of UN General Secretariat and their organizations  and specialized agencies headed by Ms. Cihan Sultanoglu ,  Assistant administrator  and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States at the UN  Development Program.

I - The general meeting :

The  general meeting continued its deliberations over three days , and discussed  the agenda as follows:

- Statement by participants on the implementation of Matrix programs and joint activities between the  UN and OIC agencies and specialized  organizations concerned .

- Participants  were divided into four working groups to develop themes and programs, joint activities in matrix consolidated , the ways and means to strengthen the mechanisms for cooperation between the two organizations .

- The adoption of the final document of general meeting on cooperation between the UN and OIC , the matrix programs of joint activities for the period 2014 - 2015 , including several programs and activities, the ICIC  will participate  along with OIC organizations  and specialized agencies .

II - Bilateral meetings :

  During meeting the ICIC delegation conducted several bilateral meetings with the  other UN and OIC  delegations of organizations  and specialized agencies, and discussed topics of common interest.

The ICIC participation in the 37th   session of the OIC

Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs (ICECS)
Jeddah - Saudi Arabia

May 10 to 12, 2014
The 37thsession of the OIC Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs  ICECS has been  held  on 10 - 12 May 2014 in Jeddah - Saudi Arabia , was attended by , The ICIC  delegation consisting of :
1 - Mr. Ali Mahmoud Buhedma, ICIC President .
2 - Dr. Mohammed Hamad Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director.
His Excellency Mr. Iyad Madani OIC Secretary General, opened  this meeting in the presence of delegations from OIC  Member States and the delegations of the OIC General Secretariat and subsidiary organs and specialized institutions and affiliated organizations .

I–The 37th session :
 The 37th session of ICECS continued deliberations over two days , the discussion was on the activities reports of the OIC General Secretariat , the subsidiary organs and institutions , organization of specialized and affiliated institutions , carried out during the last year 2013 and work programs for 2014, and discussed and approved  draft resolutions and recommendations  , which will be submitted to the 41th  session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers to be held next June in Jeddah , including the two draft resolutions relating ICIC , namely:
1 - Draft resolution on the ICIC's activities during 2013 and its work program through 2014.
2 - Draft resolution “Calling  the ICIC as implementing  of pilgrims Safety guidelines program in cooperation with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and the Red Crescent and Red Cross National Societies in OIC  Member States  to provide   training  courses , workshop before they come to perform Hajj   .
II - Bilateral meetings :
The ICIC delegation  made ​​several bilateral meetings with the delegations of OIC  participating Member States and OIC Secretariat such as  the  Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs , directors of departments of Humanitarian Affairs , international conferences, cultural affairs and  legal affairs and the heads of delegations of  Libya, Saudi Arabia , Iran, Morocco , Iraq, Senegal , Algeria, Tunisia , Djibouti and Emirates were handed over correspondence from the ICIC  and discuss issues of common interest .
  It was also made ​​numerous contacts and meetings with the delegations of Islamic organizations and institutions participating  in this session such as  the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization , Islamic Solidarity Fund , Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities , Islamic University in Uganda , Istanbul Centre for the Arts and the Islamic heritage , and the Standing Committee for Information , and discussed with them  issues of common interest .

The ICIC delegation  participated in the 40th General Assembly  of the Arab Organization of

Red Crescent and Red Cross   Riyadh - Saudi Arabia

 The delegation of Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) participated  in the 40th  general assembly of Arabic organization of  the Red Crescent and Red Cross , held in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia on  8 -9 April 2014 which consisted of :

- HE. Ali  Buhedma, ICIC President .

- Dr. Mohamad Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director.

The ICIC delegation presented  a general  review of the activities carried out by the ICIC  in collaboration with  Red Crescent and Red Cross National Societies  in the Arab and Islamic countries , these activities were as follows:

1 - Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent Society .

2 - Program of instructions for the safety of pilgrims in cooperation with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority .

3 - Regional Office for the countries of the North Asia and Europe in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent Society .

4 - Awareness Program on  dangers of illegal immigration in collaboration with some of the national associations in the exporting countries and the countries of transit and receiving countries for illegal immigration .

These activities are aimed at all National Societies .

The participants welcomed the work of the ICIC  programs and some National Societies  have shown willingness to cooperate in these activities .

 The  40th  general assembly of the Arabic  Organization of Red Crescent and Red Cross in its resolutions on  the ICIC  commended its efforts in the fields  of humanitarian action , and called on  all Arab National Societies to cooperate with the ICIC.

The ICIC  delegation conducted a number of bilateral meetings with a number of delegations of the National Societies in Saudi Arabia, Jordan , Libya , Yemen , the United Arab Emirates, Morocco , Mauritania, Egypt , Palestine, Sudan , Bahrain, Comoros , Algeria , Tunisia and the Arabic  Organization of Red Crescent and Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Crescent and Red Cross  and  League Arab where they discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and common areas of interest .

Working visit to the Republic of Guinea

23 - 26 March 2014

H.E. Ali Buhedma President of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC), accompanied by Dr. Fawzi Oussedik Chairman  of Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law (IFIHL)  has pay a working visit on  23 - 26 March 2013 to the Republic of Guinea in preparation for the ICIC 29th  Session, the ICIC delegation met with Mr. Joseph Trraore, President of the Red Cross Society of Guinea and his collaborators  , they  discussed   issues related to preparation for holding the  ICIC 29th  Session in Conakry , and  agreed on all the necessary arrangements to hold this session in addition to organizing a seminar on the contributions of Islam in international humanitarian law.

The  ICIC delegation met with Ms. presumption of Mr. President of the Republic of Guinea, President of the Foundation Kappa to upgrade the health of mother and child, Mr. Alhaji Abdullahi Mohamed Dias, Minister of Religious Affairs , Mr. Qawso Korean, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Younosa  Ballo, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health and Mr. Karamo Diawara, Director of Office of the Minister of Religious Affairs , they  welcomed the ICIC delegation and willingness of Guinea to provide all  necessary facilities to the ICIC 29th Session  and to participate in the  IHL seminar  .

 the ICIC delegation visited the headquarters of Red Cross Society of Guinea , and one of the Red Cross  branches where they met with a number of  red cross  officials and volunteers.