UNHCR’s Zakat Advisory Board
Engagement Activities
In 2024, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, an entity of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, agreed to serve as the Zakat Board for UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund, ensuring its continued adherence to Sharia law. Comprising esteemed Islamic scholars, the Academy will provide expert guidance on the Fund’s Zakat policies, governance, and compliance framework.
This partnership builds on a five-year collaboration, enhancing Islamic philanthropy efforts for refugees. IIFA previously issued a fatwa in 2020, authorizing UNHCR’s collection and distribution of Zakat. Since 2017, compliance reviews have been conducted by the Tabah Foundation. With IIFA’s addition, UNHCR further strengthens governance, offering an added layers of trust for donors globally.
Other Key Highlights

Campaigns
UNHCR’s 2024 Global Ramadan Campaign raised critical funds to assist over 208,000 refugees, while its Dhul Hijjah & Adha Campaign supported 2,713 displaced families, and the Sadaqah Jariah Campaign improved water and sanitation access for nearly 10,000 beneficiaries in Chad.

Events and Missions
In 2024, UNHCR made significant strides in supporting refugees and displaced communities through a series of impactful events and missions. Highlights include the launch of the 6th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report in Kuwait, which showcased the success of the Refugee Zakat Fund, and the high-level UN General Assembly event in New York, where strategic agreements raised millions to aid displaced people.

UNHCR’s Zakat Advisory Board
In 2024, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, an entity of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, agreed to serve as the Zakat Board for UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund.