IRW was first founded in 1984 and today operates in over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. IRW oversees responses to global emergencies and disasters, as well as coordinates development activity to empower vulnerable communities globally.
IRW is registered with the UK Charity Commission and is a member of UK Disasters Emergency Committee, a grouping of the 13 largest humanitarian organisations in the UK that collectively receive UK government funding. IRW also recently became the first Muslim organisation, and only the tenth organisation globally, to attain Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) certification in recognition of its dedication and commitment to the highest standards in delivering its aid projects. IRW has a diverse range of strategic relationships with bodies such as the European Commission, the United Nations Development Program, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (see more).
Islamic Relief operates through separate legal entities in the list of countries below. In the past, their main activity was fundraising for international humanitarian projects, however, this has expanded to include advocacy and implementation of projects.
• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• Germany
• Italy
• Malaysia
• The Netherlands
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• USA
IRW also has ‘registered branches’ in Ireland and Mauritius.
This list comprises what is known as the Islamic Relief Worldwide International Assembly (IA). In 2015, a decision was made to review the global governance structure to accommodate growth and to prepare for future challenges in an efficient manner. The IA is the new structure that members agreed upon after professional advice was sought to help review and explore different options. The IA is still a work in progress.
IRW delivers humanitarian and development activity primarily through its own field offices, which implement projects, but also raise funds and engage in advocacy. IRW also implements projects through affiliated partners, when appropriate, which are independent, local organisations.
In an emergency project, the partner will be well established and strongly positioned to deliver high-quality and locally relevant work, which represents good value for money for IRW. In a development context, IRW will look to work with both seasoned and maturing organisations, where it can provide long-term, robust organisational support and capacity building to.
Islamic Relief Australia is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC), is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct.
Islamic Relief Australia has proudly delivered programs that benefit local communities in Sydney, Newcastle, Toowoomba and Brisbane, including activities focused on prevention of and response to domestic violence, support for refugees and asylum seekers, cross-cultural learning and exchange, and poverty and homelessness.
More information about specific local projects can be found at our Partner websites.
