International Family Charter Conference

The International Family Charter Conference was held jointly by the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW) and the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) in Istanbul at the Gönen Hotel on April 3–6, 2016.

The opening ceremony of the International Family Charter Conference commenced on Sunday, April 3, 2016, with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by protocol addresses and opening speeches. Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Secretary General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, delivered the keynote opening address.

In his address, Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi emphasized that the issue of the family does not concern a specific entity alone, but is a paramount cause concerning the entire Islamic world. Societies must unite to reform and find solutions to the challenges facing the family. He also expressed gratitude to Turkey for hosting this conference, affirming that Turkey is the capital of the Islamic world, extending thanks to the Turkish government, its people, and all who supported the success of this conference.

During the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fethi Güngör read congratulatory telegrams and messages received from official institutions, the Prime Ministry, and the Presidency of the Republic.

Subsequently, Atty. Ali Kurt, Secretary General of the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World, delivered a welcoming address summarizing UNIW's activities, particularly in the domain of the family. He emphasized the role of civil society organizations in objecting to and standing against hidden clauses between the lines in international agreements on the family, stressing that such external perspectives on the family are the root cause of its destruction and fragmentation. Mr. Kurt stated that internal and external threats undermining family happiness must be confronted by constructing a family model built on sound foundations, rather than merely filing complaints or participating in international decisions issued contrary to our sound values.

Following the Secretary General's address, Dr. Abdel Majid al-Najjar, Chairman of the Conference Scientific Committee, greeted all attendees. He confirmed that a draft charter comprising 28 articles had been prepared and would be discussed in detail to define core principles for the family and resolve problems caused by other international treaties, serving as a pillar to protect the family from all risks.

Dr. Noura al-Omar, President of the International Muslim Women's Union (IMWU), noted that this charter constitutes a major turning point and one of the most vital documents worked upon to reflect our authentic values following the CEDAW treaty signed in 1979.

In his address, Sheikh Abdulwahab Ekinci, President of the International Association of Muslim Scholars, emphasized that all social crises face root causes in family breakdown. To achieve serious solutions, focus and care must be devoted to the family structure.

Subsequently, Dr. Ömer Faruk Korkmaz, Adviser to the Prime Minister, delivered an address analyzing the transformation of the family from a civil perspective and evaluating its current state. He stressed that the family currently lacks protection and a unique model to resort to. He noted that the Prophet (pbuh) never raised his hand against any of his wives, whereas today some husbands in the Muslim world engage in abuse, emphasizing that reforming this situation rests primarily on senior scholars.

Following him, Dr. Huriye Martı, representing the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), stated that bonds of mercy among family members must remain strong, and society is as healthy as the social bonds within families. If these bonds break down, corruption spreads and tranquility vanishes. Modern models view the family strictly through a material lens; ignoring unity has fragmented family ties. Material wealth leads individuals to seek independence from family structures, whereas humans need spiritual support even more than material support.

At the conclusion of the opening speeches, Mr. Mehmet Ersoy, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Policies of Turkey, delivered the Ministry's address. Mr. Ersoy stated that due to the family's vital importance, a dedicated Ministry of Family and Social Policies was established in 2011 to execute effective programs benefiting families and society.

Following a recess, working sessions commenced with a session chaired by Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi titled "Balance is the Just Alternative to Equality".

Dr. Abdel Majid al-Najjar, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, provided detailed briefings on the charter and the contents of each chapter, after which participants submitted evaluations.

On the second day of the conference, members of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, family experts, members of the High Advisory Board of the International Family Institute, and invited experts from Turkey gathered to deliberate the chapters of the charter and present research papers according to the conference program.

On the third day of the conference, discussions regarding the charter were finalized, and written and oral feedback was received. A drafting committee was formed to record all observations submitted by participating experts.

At the conclusion of the conference, following the final drafting of the document, the International Family Charter was officially proclaimed on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, concluding the conference events.

Objectives:

To deliver this charter to decision-makers across Islamic countries and international forums, following detailed deliberations by experts from IUMS and the IFI High Advisory Board who played a major role in its preparation.

To construct a powerful alternative rooted in our authentic principles to CEDAW and similar international conventions opposed by Islamic countries.

To proclaim the International Family Charter, expressing our vision of the family from the perspective of Islamic values.