THE CAIRO DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN ISLAM: CRITIQUE AND CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE

Abstract

The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam (CDHRI), adopted in 1990 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), presents a framework for human rights grounded in Islamic principles. While it affirms fundamental rights such as dignity, equality, and justice, it has faced criticism for its divergence from universal human rights norms, particularly regarding gender equality, religious freedom, and freedom of expression. This paper critically examines the CDHRI, analyzing its compatibility with international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It explores tensions between Sharia-based provisions and secular human rights standards, assessing whether the declaration reinforces cultural relativism or offers a viable alternative to Western-centric rights discourses. Additionally, the study evaluates the contemporary relevance of the CDHRI in Muslim-majority states, considering its influence on domestic legal systems and its role in shaping human rights debates in the Islamic world. The paper argues that while the CDHRI provides a culturally contextualized approach to rights, its limitations in addressing modern challenges such as women’s rights, apostasy laws, and minority protections highlight the need for reform. By engaging with critiques from both Islamic and secular perspectives, this study contributes to broader discussions on universalism versus cultural relativism in human rights discourse and suggests pathways for reconciling Islamic principles with global rights norms.

Keywords: Cairo Declaration On Human Rights In Islam (CDHRI), Islamic Human Rights, Sharia, Universal Declaration Of Human Rights (UDHR), Cultural Relativism, Gender Equality, Religious Freedom, OIC, Human Rights Critique.