Dakar 2003

52^nd Congress: ‘Islam and the West’

Theme Resolution:

As adopted by the 52nd Congress of Liberal International meeting in Dakar, Senegal, on 23-25 October 2003;

Noting:

The Theme Report “Islam and the West: A Liberal View” which discusses issues of governance in Muslim Countries.

Recognising:

• that the intellectual and scientific tradition that is commonly described as ‘Western’ is indeed a heritage with contributions from many parts of the world, including the world of Islam;
• that all great religions have been abused by groups who have turned against tolerance, intellectual openness and human rights;
• that the Muslim world is diverse, as it comprises countries which have Muslim majorities, and some of which classify themselves as Muslim states. They differ not only in the way Islam is applied socially and politically, but also in terms of political and economic organisation.
• that illiberal policies and practices on the part of governments of many Muslim countries should not automatically be seen to represent the true attitudes of the population.
• moreover, in many of these countries there exist significant differences among Muslims themselves over the ideal political and social order.
• that the modernisation process in most Muslim societies often has been complicated by the interference, and in most cases occupation, by external powers of most of these countries, mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries, which has impacted on their economic development and impeded or distorted some internally generated progressive movements.
• many Muslim countries have been independent for two generations or even more, however their poor governance, like in other countries, has in many instances contributed to failure to close the economic gap.
• that consultation is a requirement of Islam, but that often the consultation process does not reach wide enough to prevent, whether intentionally or otherwise, ruling elites from imposing a self-serving governance that fails to provide equitably for the wider populace.
• that the drive for Islamic reform has intensified as a result of the realisation by Muslim intellectuals that the ideology advocated by Muslim ruling elites, has not led to meaningful political or social progress in many Muslim societies.

Emphasising:

• that in the West, Church and State have in general been separated for some time. This is seen by liberals as one of their great achievements. In Muslim countries there has been, and still is, debate over the role of religious leaders in politics and currently there is much conceptual difficulty in separating moral beliefs from administering policies. This means religion continues to play a significant part, not always harmoniously, in the workings of politics in many Muslim countries. However, attempts to establish bigoted theocratic governments is not following the true spirit of Islam.
• that political, social, legal and economic reform is needed to build a strong institutional framework, which allows individuals to develop their own human potential. Such reforms must not be seen as attacks on Islam as a religion but aimed at powerful prejudices and vested interests.
• that quality education is a key tool for social mobility and inclusiveness and a prerequisite of social, economic, scientific and technological progress.

Noting:

The 2003 Arab Human Development Report published under the auspices of the UN that pointed to the severe under-investment in and the low quality of education systems in many Arab countries. Education for both genders is an important tool for overcoming monopolies over information and interpretation of powerful government, and religious and political groups.

The Liberal International:

• re-emphasises that the freedom of conscience and religion is a basic and universal right. Every human being has the right to practice his or her religion freely within the confines set by the law and human rights. Every human being has the right to choose the religion they prefer without being subject to any form of oppression, negative discrimination or suppression in any part of the world.
• re-emphasises in particular that the fundamental rights of the individual are applicable irrespective of gender. Religion may not be used as an instrument for the infringement of these rights. The correct reading of Islam emphasises the equality of women in every aspect of life but sadly it is not practised in many Muslim countries nor by their leaders. Gender discrimination and abuse of human rights in the name of religion has to end. On the other hand, it should be noted that the four largest Muslim countries -Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Turkey- have had women heads of Government.
• advocates the clear separation of organised religion and state institutions. While many people have religious beliefs and are involved in politics, attempts to establish theocratic governments leads to increased social and political conflict and injustice.
• while advocating a secular state, also warns against the misuse and misinterpretation of the term “secularism”. The Liberal International stresses that for liberals, “secularism” does not mean anti-religious government, but neutral government; that is, a government that treats equally those of all faiths and those of no faith who adhere to the law and does not support any of them in any manner.
• while advocating a secular state, also warns against the misuse and misinterpretation of the term “secularism”. The Liberal International stresses that for liberals, “secularism” does not mean anti-religious government, but neutral government; that is, a government that treats equally those of all faiths and those of no faith who adhere to the law and does not support any of them in any manner.

Therefore the Liberal International declares that:

• all possible support should be given to liberalisation and democratisation in Muslim countries. This support should extend beyond governments and state bureaucracies. The trends towards a civil society must be strengthened and encouraged.
• proper account must be taken of the specific political traditions in Muslim countries. These traditions condition the future path of reform in the Muslim world but they should not be used as excuses to violate universal human rights and freedoms and to postpone liberal and democratic reforms.
• the same standards must be applied to all countries in the Muslim world, irrespective whether they are allies of the West or not. Geopolitical importance of a country must not adversely affect the chances of its inhabitants enjoying individual freedom.
• the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians can only be solved peacefully. While pressing for a solution, Liberals state clearly that responsibility for solving it, rests principally with the Israelis and the Palestinians. Conflicts like these, however, may not be used as a pretext for violence against any countries, their citizens, institutions or companies.
• the drive of countries like Senegal to reform themselves into liberal societies is a good example for secular countries with a majority Muslim population and is a good model for the Muslim world.
• a world based on liberal values offers the best guarantee for universal peaceful and justice. A world based on individual human rights, democracy, rule of law and which will underpin a more plural market is no threat to ties of family, community, culture, religion and tradition.

A liberal world is a threat to intolerance, religious fanaticism, dictators and undemocratic government.