UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency has unveiled its Mid-Year Islamic Philanthropy (IP) Report. The figures released show that the support received in the first half of 2023 will positively aid the lives of more than 1.5 million individuals in 21 countries. Over 110 million people, more than 1% of the global population, are forcibly displaced. UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy has become a key element in the response to this displacement crisis and provides an essential lifeline to millions of refugees, internally …
Author: tamara
On June 21st, in collaboration with UNHCR, the Ismaili Centre in Dubai hosted a dinner in observance of World Refugee Day. This event brought together prominent members of the Ismaili community and fostered engaging conversations about the global displacement crisis. The dinner event featured a significant panel discussion that featured representatives from both UNHCR and the Aga Khan Development Network. Our very own Houssam Chahine was a key participant in this conversation, where he provided detailed insights into the global …
On June 20th, we mark World Refugee Day, established by the United Nations to honour the courage of refugees worldwide, forced to flee due to conflict or persecution. This day serves as a global call to action to ensure refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams are addressed, mobilizing support to enhance their lives. Initiated in 2001, and known before that as Africa Refugee Day, this international day now involves a myriad of events globally. These activities involve refugees, government officials, host …
UNHCR urgently needs your support to protect and assist civilians caught in the midst of escalating violence in Sudan. Refugees, internally displaced people, and local communities are facing severe challenges as they struggle to access essential resources and assistance. The outbreak of fighting has significantly hindered humanitarian efforts, making it even more critical for us to step up and provide aid to those in desperate need. As people flee the violence, they are arriving in neighboring countries such as Chad, …
In 2022, Zakat contributions received through the Refugee Zakat Fund helped more than 727,000 beneficiaries in 17 countries, including refugees in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Somalia, and Tunisia. These funds have also helped IDPs in Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen. This was made possible by Zakat contributions made during 2022, which are allocated in accordance with the 100% Zakat distribution policy, as per the 15 fatwas UNHCR has received over the …
“My wife died of hunger here… I became helpless” Issack also lost four of his children to the 2011 famine. He then moved the rest of his family to Mogadishu to try and save them. “All my livestock and crops were wiped out. […] People were weak… they were starving. We had no choice but to flee for our lives.” In the longest drought Somalia has seen in 40 years, all families like Issack’s can do, is pray for rain …
As the holy month approaches a close, we are reminded how important these last blessed days are. With nine days left, your good deeds will transform into blessings for you, and for those most in need. Help refugees during the last blessed days 90-year-old Turfah is a Syrian refugee in Lebanon. As the sole caretaker of her two disabled daughters, the hardships she faces as she tries to look after her family, are unimaginable. “We were forced to go to …
In March, UNHCR launched its 5th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report, showcasing the impact of UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund since 2017. Over 6 million refugees and IDPs in 26 countries have benefited from Zakat and Sadaqah contributions. With over 100 million forcibly displaced worldwide, more than half from OIC-member countries, this support is crucial. The report was launched in Jakarta, Doha, and Dubai. In Jakarta, over 100 representatives from local organizations and media attended the launch. Speakers from regional organizations, including …
As we enter into these blessed last 10 days of Ramadan, our thoughts go out to the millions of refugees and internally displaced people struggling to afford an Iftar meal. Many stories from the Rohingya camps highlight the immense difficulties faced by mothers and fathers in these situations. A Rohingya father of six, Liaqat reminisces about Ramadan back home in Myanmar, which he fondly calls ‘a piece of heaven’. He is struggling to provide his children with the food and …
The Islamic Research Academy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has joined forces with UNHCR in its ongoing Ramadan campaign. This collaboration aims to provide urgent relief to forcibly displaced people amid escalating humanitarian crises. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Secretary General of the Islamic Research Academy, mentioned that this is the second joint campaign with UNHCR, focusing on raising awareness about the suffering of vulnerable refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) and urging international support. The campaign will showcase human stories, highlighting the experiences …
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