Tag: Emergency

Millions of dollars’ worth of emergency assistance to more than 20 at-risk countries have been released by Islamic Relief Worldwide in a bid to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus, help those infected and support vulnerable communities that have been the hardest hit.

Urgent medical aid for high-risk communities

Thousands of hygiene kits containing essentials like hand sanitiser, surgical masks and thermometers have already been delivered to high-risk communities in places like Gaza and Afghanistan where vital health infrastructure has crumbled due to conflict.

In the coming week, more critical assistance such as ventilators, lab kits and portable x-ray machines will also be delivered to countries like Pakistan where many lack access to decent medical care. For those who have lost their jobs and sources of income in low and middle-income countries with no social safety nets, cash support will likewise be provided to allow them to purchase basics like food and medicine.

A global awareness campaign with religious guidance

At the same time, large awareness-raising campaigns will be launched to inform people about how the virus is spread and how to protect themselves by adopting good hygiene practices and suitable social distancing measures when possible.

These will be supported by Islamic Relief’s information materials on safe religious practice which have been specially designed by Islamic Relief staff with guidance from key religious scholars. Guided by Islamic Relief’s experience of the Ebola response, the information for Muslim communities focuses on dispelling dangerous misinformation and outlining the religious imperative of stopping the spread of the disease by taking steps like suspending communal worship in high-risk areas.

The guidance also looks at adapting behaviours such as burial rites by ensuring these can be done respectfully and in line with Islamic custom, while also protecting those on the front lines of the crisis.

Now is the time for generosity

“The world has not faced a threat like this in our lifetime and it is imperative that we take swift action on multiple fronts to stop the spread of the disease and lessen the impact of the most vulnerable communities that risk being completely devastated by this,” said Naser Haghamed, the CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, the world’s largest Muslim-faith inspired aid agency working in more than 40 countries around the globe.

“Through the generosity of our partners and supporters, I am proud to say that the Islamic Relief family has already released over $5m USD in emergency funding for vulnerable communities, which often have no defences against the disease.”

The funding is part of a wider pledge to deliver up to $10 million USD in support in the upcoming period, earmarked for tackling various aspects of the corona crisis.

“We are usually conservative about the amounts we pledge for such crises, but I am confident that thanks to the generosity of our donors, the global Islamic Relief family will soon secure multiple folds of this amount from our individual supporters – allowing us to scale up and expand our support around the world,” added Haghamed.

Now is the time to work together

Along with its own response to this emergency, Islamic Relief is seeking to integrate it within a multi-lateral approach and is working at global and local level with UN agencies including WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP as well as local governments to support their health responses.

With the virus impacting rich and poor countries alike, Islamic Relief’s support will be split between poorer countries that are not equipped to cope and those where for now the coronavirus has claimed the most lives and infected the most people.

“The coronavirus is a truly global challenge, requiring a truly global solution – and the consequences of not acting in a unified way will be absolutely dire,” said Haghamed.

“From equipping isolation wards in Yemen, to providing hygiene kits to homeless shelters in Canada, we’re doing what we can to support the many at-risk communities with which we work.”

Islamic Relief Australia’s response

In response to the coronavirus crisis, Islamic Relief Australia is working closely with Islamic Relief Worldwide and its global partners to identify where the need is greatest and deliver life-saving aid to those most in need during these challenging times. Locally, we have also partnered with other Muslim charities like Brothers in Need and The Quran Project to deliver food essentials and hygiene supplies to those who are at high risk in our community.

Donate now: 

It has been five very long, frightening and sorrowful years since the lives of Yemeni citizens were quite literally turned upside down.

Today, the situation in Yemen is one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades. It is the world’s largest human-induced crisis and has seen armed conflict, displacement, risk of famine, disease outbreaks and severe economic decline.

Even before the escalation of the conflict in March 2015, Yemen was one of the poorest countries in the region. The many years of conflict have exacerbated this, leaving millions of Yemenis struggling to find food, water and basic health care.

After almost five years of intense conflict in Yemen, an estimated 24 million people (around 80% of the population) are in need of humanitarian aid to survive. This is more than any other country in the world.

Finding food security for Ahmed’s family

Ahmed Hussain Mor’ie is 55 years old, lives with a disability and has been unemployed for 18 years. Without any source of income, Ahmed and his family have been displaced from their home in Mandhar to Al-Hudaidah city, where the family of nine is forced to live in a rented one-bedroom house.

“While airstrikes were upon us, we managed to escape the village on the first day of Eid with only our clothes, walking long distances on foot and arrived at sunset unable to find transport to the nearest city, when a stranger showed kindness towards us and dropped us off”, says Ahmed.

What’s more, resources are extremely limited and the family struggle to meet their daily needs, which makes every aspect of life more of a challenge. When it comes to cooking, they struggle to find wood to light a fire and their only source of light at night comes from a single hand torch.

Working with the World Food Programme, Islamic Relief Yemen worked to ease Ahmed’s difficulties by providing his family with food packages every month. The packages, which consist of flour, beans, cooking oil, salt and sugar, are a lifeline for families like Ahmed’s. They’ve provided them with some security and hope for the future.

“The food we receive from this program is really helping us. Without it we would have been facing even more difficulties”, says Ahmed.

What we’re doing and why the world needs to be doing more

Islamic Relief has been providing an emergency response since the conflict in Yemen started. This work has reached more than 3.4 million people in 2019 alone, spanning across many sectors including food aid, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and healthcare.

We’ve also worked hard to offer our help and support to orphans and to protect child welfare.

As a global family, we are working to combat the spread of Covid-19. Working with UN agencies and local authorities, Islamic Relief has supported 269 families in quarantine and provided 90, 000 families with sanitation facilities. For more information about the Islamic Relief family’s work in Yemen, please read this report.

There’s no doubt we still have a long way to go when it comes to supporting the people of Yemen.

We are in urgent need of a just and long-lasting solution to ensure that the people of Yemen finally see an end to their suffering. Help us to be a lifeline for these people by donating to our Yemen Appeal.

Our communities have a right over us and now during the coronavirus pandemic is the time to come together.

What to do in the face of Coronavirus
“Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

1. Prevent the spread
· Practice correct hand hygiene and safety.
· Practice cough and sneeze etiquette.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Put physical distance between yourself and other people (1.5 metres at least).
· Stay home if you are sick, and follow the instructions of your public health authority.

2. Respond with community care
· Check in on your elderly relatives, and parents with young babies to see if they need support.
· Check in on your neighbours. Put a note with your phone number on their front door so they can reach out for help or supplies in case they need it.
· Check in on healthcare professionals you know who are on the front lines trying to manage the outbreak.
· Reassure and remind each other where to focus your energy, and be careful of unverified information that may cause panic.

3. Do not buy more than what you really need
·Think of others who may need the same things you’re stocking up on. Focus only on what you really need in the case of quarantine or isolation.
· Remember that Allah will test communities with illness, and we are accountable for our response and actions.
· Remind each other that there is no baraka in bringing benefit to ourselves while harming others.

Sign up now to our disaster preparedness training course!

How you can help

Thanks to the overwhelming response we received from our donors, we have fundraised over $100,000 for the NSW bushfires. We will be working with local partners and authorities to ensure that all bushfire relief funds are well spent and reach those most in need.

For instance, one of our key areas of focus is the Shoalhaven region, which was severely impacted by the catastrophic fires. Our Local Programs Coordinator, Peter Sapsford, met with the Shoalhaven Mayor and the Senior Community Development Manager.

Disaster Recovery

As a result, we can collectively identify areas where there are gaps in unmet recovery needs. Similarly, small-scale agricultural producers in the Kangaroo Valley region have been particularly hard hit by the bushfires.

Additionally, we are working with our partners to assist these small producers to restore their livelihoods and production.  by providing urgently needed fencing materials. This means that the funds will also go towards supporting the Kangaroo Valley Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade.

Furthermore, to help animals affected by the fires or to our bushfire appeal, we urge you to donate to one of the following organisations:

WWF Australia:
https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/bushfire-emergency#gs.qp0374

RSPCA New South Wales:
https://www.rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal/

WIRES:
https://www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital: https://www.koalahospital.org.au/adopt-a-koala

17 January 2020

Islamic Relief Australia was honoured to attend and contribute to the Australian Government’s Bushfire Relief and Recovery Efforts Charity Roundtable, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The meeting, held in Canberra yesterday, brought together key charities involved in the bushfire response, including the Australian Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul and the RSPCA, and representatives from key Government agencies, to map out the road to recovery for communities affected.  Discussions focused on how the Government and charities can align efforts to meet the increasing needs of bushfire-ravaged communities – both immediately and in the longer term.

In his opening address, the Prime Minister praised the Australian people for their outpouring of generosity during the crisis, and commended the work charities are doing on the ground to help communities in need.

Photo sourced from Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Twitter account (@ScottMorrisonMP)

“First of all, can I just say this, thank you. $200 million dollars, or thereabouts has already come out of the generosity of the hearts of Australians over these recent months. And you know better than anyone how generous Australians are. Because they are the people who support you and the amazing work that you do every day. And in times like this, when people are hurting, when people are tired, when people have had great fear and they’re trying to get their lives back together and focus on their future for their kids, for their families, for their communities, they always turn to you in the same way as they always turn to governments at these times,” he said.

Islamic Relief Australia representative, Samir Bennegadi, said:

“It was a real privilege for Islamic Relief Australia to be part of the Australian Government’s roundtable discussions today. We’re currently raising funds for the bushfire crisis and it’s important for faith-based charities, like ours, to be involved in the conversation so that we can ensure help is mobilised efficiently and most effectively.

“We’ve had an outpouring of support, locally and globally, with our partners offering both moral and financial support for our bushfire appeal.

“We’re currently working with well-established partners on the ground to ensure we don’t overlap and duplicate services and to ensure that we also honour our commitment to our donors.”

About Islamic Relief Australia

Islamic Relief Australia is a humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to fighting poverty, alleviating suffering and addressing inequality for vulnerable people globally. We seek to improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people through relief, development and advocacy work. We are a network of community enablers – made up of committed volunteers, donors, community members, partners and staff – working to empower communities in need and create positive change in the world.

Established in 2010, we are a member of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW); a leading international charity made up of 14 national members –  Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Middle East, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, the UK and US – united by a shared vision, mission and identity. As a member of IRW, Islamic Relief Australia raises funds for international humanitarian projects, implements local programs and supports advocacy initiatives to address global injustices.

Founded on the timeless Islamic values of sincerity (ikhlas), social justice (adl), excellence (ihsan), custodianship (amana) and compassion (rahma), we are a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable people everywhere – irrespective of their background.

Helping our wildlife

Islamic Relief Australia is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the catastrophic bushfires engulfing Australia.

Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted by the crisis; those who have lost their homes and possessions, their livelihoods and incomes, or more tragically, a loved one.

While we work with partners on the ground to identify how we can best assist those in need not just immediately, but in the longer term, we ask you to spare a thought for the voiceless – our animals. They have suffered the greatest devastation in this tragedy.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia estimates that approximately 1.25 billion animals including native wildlife may have been killed, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the ferocious blazes. So far, over 10.7 million hectares of land has been burnt across Australia, which is larger than the total area of Portugal.

Tragically, it’s feared whole species may have been lost and that the Koala may now be ‘functionally’ extinct – the species has declined to the point where it can no longer play a significant role in its ecosystem.

At such a devastating time, it is important to remind ourselves that the compassion and mercy of Islam not only relates to humanity, but extends to all creatures, particularly animals (Qur’an 6:38).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated:
“Verily, there is heavenly reward for every act of kindness done to a living animal.”

To help animals affected by the fires, we urge you to donate to one of the following organisations:

WWF Australia:
https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/bushfire-emergency#gs.qp0374

RSPCA New South Wales:
https://www.rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal/

WIRES:
https://www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital: https://www.koalahospital.org.au/adopt-a-koala

Mass demonstrations continue in Iraq and Lebanon with more and more people taking to the streets to demand an end to alleged government corruption. Sadly, there have been numerous reports of security forces using excessive force and violence to disperse protestors and clear roadblocks in both countries. In Iraq, over 320 protestors have reportedly been killed after security forces used live fire and tear gas to try to quell protests.

In Lebanon, since mid-October, major roads have been blocked, and many banks, government buildings, schools and universities remain closed. So far, one protestor has reportedly been killed. It is anticipated that violence will escalate as tensions remain high.

Islamic Relief reflects on recent escalation of violence in Iraq

Najat Elhamri, Islamic Relief’s Head of Middle East Region, said:

“The recent escalation of violence in many parts of Iraq and the rising reports of civilian casualties are of concern to Islamic Relief.

“To date, hundreds of innocent lives have been lost and thousands of people have been seriously injured in the ongoing violence.

“We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that civilians are protected. The international community also needs to step up and do more to help alleviate the harsh economic situation.

“The fragile economic situation, exasperated by years of political instability and the regional turmoil has fuelled resentment especially among the young and the people our teams speak to say they are consumed by worry over ever-rising unemployment, the rising cost of living and the stagnating wages. They are growing desperate and not sure how they will make ends meet.

“To ensure we can breathe hope back into a country that has been home to so much suffering over the last few decades, the international community needs to come together and once again prioritise Iraq.

“Iraq needs a wide-ranging investment in education and jobs training as well as wide-reaching support for the economy to allow it to develop so more people can rise out of poverty and live in safety and dignity.

“Despite the chronic insecurity and volatile context, Islamic Relief is continuing to work in those areas which are highly risk and security prone. Our projects include food, water, sanitation, health and education. These programmes also aim to battle violence against women and support people’s livelihoods. Much more needs to be done and donors need to step up and not forget the people of Iraq who have lived through decades of suffering already.”

Islamic Relief has been operating in Iraq since 1997 and helped improve life for hundreds of thousands of people, affected by war, displacement and economic inequality.

On the latest hostilities in Gaza, Islamic Relief Gaza Country Director, Muneeb Abu-Ghazaleh, said:  “Islamic Relief is extremely concerned about the recent escalation in violence in the Gaza strip and the ensuing civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

“While we welcome the ceasefire that came into force this morning, it is imperative that the peace holds and that civilians are not only protected but supported to ensure that they can live in peace and dignity.

“Living conditions in Gaza have been deteriorating for years due to the never-ending cycles of violence – of which the recent attacks are only the latest round.

“Every time this happens, life is interrupted all over again – children are stopped from going to school and the psychological scars of previous conflicts are brought to the surface. Children we work with are mentally and physically exhausted and have no means of escape.

“In recent days schools have had to close and hospitals have found themselves under even greater strain. Those with disabilities are also being the hardest hit.

“There are not enough medical supplies or doctors to deal with the need and more than 40 per cent of essentials drugs and medication are now entirely out of stock. Every day it also feels like it is getting harder for people to get the necessary permissions to leave and access medical care elsewhere.

“To make matters worse, unemployment is skyrocketing and living standards are collapsing. Food insecurity never used to be an issue in Gaza and now two-thirds of the households in the city say they are not sure if they can put food on the table.

“Even as needs go up, international donor support is not keeping pace. We urgently need to step up our support for the people of Gaza and do what we can to help children go to school, get urgent medical supplies to hospitals so that they can treat the sick and wounded and ensure that people can earn a decent living so they can make sure their families are not going to bed hungry.”

On Thursday 26 September, as Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Mirpur district mourned the devastation inflicted by Tuesday’s powerful earthquake, it was hit by another big tremor.

Forty people were injured in the 4.4 magnitude aftershock, which came as survivors picked through homes and buildings levelled by an earthquake two days earlier.

The scale of the damage inflicted by the earthquake is now emerging. Some 38 people are now confirmed dead, and hundreds more have been injured.

Families left homeless and emergency declared in hospitals

Our team in Pakistan distributes tents and plastic sheeting to survivors in Jatlan, Mirpur.

The quake levelled about 1,600 homes and damaged more than 7,000 others – forcing families to sleep out in the open.

With over 720 people injured, the overburdened hospitals are struggling to cope, leading the government to declare an emergency in all of the district’s hospitals.

Fears of deadly disease outbreaks, including dengue fever, are rising. Damage to vital water infrastructure like wells and water tanks has left communities no choice but to use contaminated water.

Islamic Relief is on the ground delivering life-saving aid

Our team in Pakistan faces challenging conditions as many roads are impassable and rain and storms are still forecast.

Our emergency team is currently focusing on giving tents and plastic sheets to 100 families in Jatlan, one of the worst affected places in the district.

We continue to coordinate with government authorities, other charities and with communities to identify how we can best help eathquake survivors.

Support our life-saving work and donate now