OIC expresses concern over Trump's order banning Muslim from seven countries

The 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has expressed concern over US President Donald Trump's Executive order banning nationals from seven OIC member and excluding those holding valid visas and permanent residence cards from entering the US.

In a statement, the OIC General Secretariat stated that this decision will further complicate the already grave challenges facing refugees.

As a result of this ban, many of those fleeing wars and persecution have been adversely and unjustly affected, said the OIC, the second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations.

It pointed out that selective and discriminatory acts will provide further fuel to the advocates of violence and terrorism at a critical time when the OIC has been engaged with all partners, including the US, to combat extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations.

The Jeddah-based OIC called upon the US government to reconsider this blanket decision and maintain its moral obligation to provide leadership and hope at a time of great uncertainty and unrest in the world.

Abruptly imposed on Friday, the ban on people travelling from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia, is slated to last for 90 days.

In addition, new refugee admissions are suspended for 120 days and Syrian refugees are banned indefinitely. -BERNAMA