Refugee Survey Quarterly - current issue

Foreword

Chetail, V. — 2008-08-07

Introduction: Asylum and Islam

Turk, V., Supramaniam, S., Liew, R. — 2008-08-07

Welcoming speech

bin Harun, A. — 2008-08-07

Reflections on Asylum and Islam

Turk, V. — 2008-08-07

This presentation sets out briefly the factual background against which the current discussion on asylum and Islam takes place. In particular, it describes facts and figures relating to forced displacement in Organization of Islamic Conference countries, notably in Asia. This is followed by a number of reflections tracing the concept of asylum back to its religious roots and analysing in more detail its foundation and evolution in international law. The article then highlights some of today's asylum challenges and examines briefly the Islamic tradition of asylum. It concludes that asylum, firmly rooted in international law, is defined by fundamental human values which flow not least from spiritual and religious traditions.

Asylum: A Moral and Legal Right in Islam

'Abd al-Rahim, M. — 2008-08-07

The ethical teachings and juridical principles of Islam – especially with regard to the dignity of humans and the need to protect it under all circumstances – coupled with the personal example and directives of Prophet Muhammad concerning asylum and the treatment of refugees, led to the development in Islamic civilization of a comprehensive and highly sophisticated system of ethical values and legal rules in the context of which the granting of asylum and the protection of both migrants and refugees have been universally and unequivocally regarded as moral and legal obligations, not only by states and governments, but also by individuals and civil society. In this article, it is hoped that the nature and structure of these teachings and principles are clearly, if briefly, explained. Aspects of the practical application of these norms and principles in history are also highlighted.

The Protection of Refugees in Islam: Pluralism and Inclusivity

Nur Manuty, M. — 2008-08-07

This article focuses on some principles in the Quran, Sunnah and Sirah of the Prophet Muhammad, with the aim of highlighting the position of Islam towards refugee protection. It discusses whether the question of refugee protection is in line with the values of pluralism and inclusivity in Islam. The article also examines the specific role played by the Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement, one of the leading Islamic non-governmental organizations in the country assisting in the protection of the rights of refugees in Malaysia.

The Ethics of Asylum in Early Muslim Society

Agha, S. N. — 2008-08-07

This article examines the historical events related to asylum for Muslim refugees in the formative years of Islam and its impact upon the development of the first Muslim community in Medina. This article is also part of an ongoing historical study to identify socio-political and humanitarian responses to refugee populations in Muslim civilizations. The research aims to analyse the standards of treatment meted out to refugees in Muslim history and to draw parallels between identified historical examples and the modern refugee protection regime. A historical demonstration of Islamic approaches to refugee protection would be an invaluable guide for present-day policy makers, particularly Muslim governments, to craft responses to contemporary refugee issues which are in keeping with established Islamic principles and practices.

Does Faith Matter: An Examination of Islamic Relief's Work with Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons

Kirmani, N., Khan, A. A. — 2008-08-07

Matters related to religion and faith are often accorded great importance by refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and faith-based organizations (FBOs) are increasingly playing a critical role in performing refugee support work in various parts of the world. Despite this, little academic work has been produced exploring the work of FBOs with refugees and IDPs. This article examines the experiences of one FBO in particular, Islamic Relief, which is involved in working with refugees and IDPs in various parts of the world. The experiences of this organization reveal the importance of faith both in terms of building trust amongst refugee communities as well as in facilitating a greater sensitivity to the spiritual needs of refugees. Examples cited demonstrate the possibilities of interfaith cooperation amongst FBOs and the importance of such cooperation in areas that have experienced conflict. Finally, the experiences of Islamic Relief also demonstrate the possible complications arising because of its faith-based status in certain contexts.

Asylum in Islam and in Modern Refugee Law

Elmadmad, K. — 2008-08-07

The Muslim world is now a world of conflict and forced migrants (Dar al harb wa al muhajirun). Asylum and "refuge-seeking" are two important themes in Islamic history.

Islamic theory and teachings relating to refugees and forced displacement are known as hijrah law. It is quite different from modern refugee law. It arguably gives more protection to asylum-seekers and refugees (mustaminun). However, hijrah law is rarely referred to or invoked today. If they were taken into consideration, it could contribute greatly to the protection of the forcibly displaced. It might also reduce the numerous problems refugees all over the globe are facing.

Kuala Lumpur Conclusions of the United Nations Conference on Asylum and Islam

2008-08-07

Statement by Mr Antonio Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to the League of Arab States: Cairo, 4 March 2007

2008-08-07

Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights: 19 September 1981

2008-08-07

Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam: Done at Cairo, 5 August 1990

2008-08-07

Arab Convention on Regulating Status of Refugees in the Arab Countries: Adopted by the League of Arab States, 1994

2008-08-07

Resolution No. 15/10-P (IS) on the Problem of Refugees in the Muslim World: Adopted by the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference Putrajaya, Malaysia, 16-17 October 2003

2008-08-07

List of OIC Member States Parties to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol

2008-08-07