Conflict Activity Escalates in Syria, Urgently Needs Humanitarian Aid

Syria, 14 May 2019 – Conflict activity has escalated in Northwest Syria, affecting civilians, infrastructures, and services in Southern Hama and Southern Idleb governorates.

Between April 30 and May 9 2019, air strikes and shelling killed at least 133 people while hundreds others were injured. Three health workers were among those reported to have died during the air strikes.

Over 220 air strikes and hundreds of rocket and artillery shells hit both the northern countryside of Hama and the southern countryside of Idleb.

A total of 15 health facilities, 16 schools, and three Internally Displaced People (IDP) settlements were reported to have been severely affected by the current hostilities.

The Camp Coordination Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster has identified 179,648 individuals who moved to different communities in Aleppo and Idleb governorates, making the number of IDPs displaced from Northern Hama and Southern Idleb to 318,222 individuals as of May 9.

Islamic Relief (IR) Syria is currently in close coordination and monitoring the situation to reach out and help 3,000 households over a period of six months.

Humanitarian needs are urgently required which include shelter support in and outside camps, wheat flour to make bread, trauma health care services, WASH items such as hygiene kits, jerry cans and water purification support.

Mali Utara Hadapi Kes Pelarian Dalam Negara

Mali, 1 Apr 2019 – Sekurang-kurangnya 24,414 pelarian dalam negara (IDP) kini memerlukan bantuan kemanusiaan segera. Antara golongan paling terkesan adalah kanak-kanak berumur sekitar enam hingga 59 bulan dan 450 kanak-kanak kini kekurangan gizi secara sederhana atau teruk.

Islamic Relief (IR) merupakan antara agensi yang berada di kawasan Bambara-Maoude dan Haribomo di mana lokasi IDP yang melarikan diri di wilayah Mopti bertungkus-lumus untuk meneruskan kehidupan.

Dua kawasan ini terus menerus menerima IDP dari wilayah Mopti yang cuba meloloskan diri daripada kesan negatif susulan konflik yang berlaku di petempatan mereka.

Ia juga dipercayai berlaku akibat aktiviti ketenteraan di sepanjang sempadan Burkina Faso, ditambah pula dengan serangan udara di kawasan itu sehingga menyebabkan penduduk terpaksa keluar mencari tempat yang lebih selamat.

Keperluan utama kini adalah makanan, kesihatan & nutrisi, pendidikan, perlindungan, dan barangan bukan makanan (NFI) serta bantuan air dan sanitasi.

Melihat situasi itu, IR Mali bakal mengemukakan respon kilat yang merangkumi bantuan kecemasan dalam bentuk makanan, air dan sanitasi, dan bantuan kehidupan mampan.

Tumpuan segera kini menekankan perolehan dana kecemasan untuk memulakan kerja-kerja kemanusiaan secepat mungkin.

Kutip Pengalaman Berharga di Palu

HIBA. Itulah ungkapan ringkas untuk menggambarkan situasi di Indonesia yang dihimpit dengan pelbagai bencana alam tahun lalu. Kehadiran gempa bumi dan tsunami sungguh meragut ribuan nyawa sehingga ada yang hidupnya kini kosong dan terpaksa menempuh liku-liku yang mendatang. Jauh di sudut pandangan, rakyatnya terhidu rasa hiba akibat kesan bencana yang dialami.

 

Namun, kehibaan itu tidak selamanya diruntun kerana masih ada yang peduli akan kemalangan yang berlaku. Atas dasar kemanusiaan, seorang kakitangan Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM), Faazurah Kadir ditugaskan untuk menjalani misi kemanusiaan pasca-bencana di Palu, Sulawesi selama dua minggu Disember lalu. Ikuti ceritanya sepanjang pengalamannya di kepulauan Sulawesi itu.

 

“Di Palu, saya ibarat penyimpan memori, iaitu sebagai jurugambar dan juga pengumpul data. Dengar sahaja mungkin ia nampak mudah, namun tidak seperti yang disangka memandangkan cara kerja di Indonesia amat berbeza,” kata Faazurah tegas menerangkan tugasnya di sana.

 

Menyedari bahawa tugas sebagai seorang jurukamera yang sememangnya bukan mudah, Faazurah bagaimanapun selesa dengan tugas yang diamanahkan kerana percaya ia adalah tanggungjawab yang digalas dalam dunia kemanusiaan. Secara harfiahnya, tugas dalam bidang kemanusiaan meliputi pelbagai gerak kerja yang memerlukan persiapan rapi oleh setiap tenaga kerjanya.

 

Mengharungi misi kemanusiaan ibarat meletakkan nyawa di hujung tanduk. Jika terlepas maka syahidlah hidupnya atas dasar kemanusiaan. Situasi ini dilihat sebagai satu agenda yang perlu dititikberat sepenuhnya. Bagi Faazurah, kekuatan mental yang gagah perlu digilap supaya pengisian aktiviti semasa misi kemanusiaan dapat bergerak dengan lancar.

 

“Bagi saya, persediaan mental dan fizikal perlu bergerak seiring. Ia mungkin nampak remeh pada awalnya namun saya percaya dengan kekuatan doa supaya kita berasa lebih selamat dan dilindungi. Secara jujurnya, saya juga risau memandangkan ini adalah misi kemanusiaan yang agak mencabar minda, lebih-lebih di kawasan yang terdedah dengan bencana alam. Jadi pelbagai kemungkinan boleh berlaku.

 

“Dari segi fizikal, saya perlukan barangan kecemasan seperti lampu suluh seandainya sumber elektrik terputus, bekalan air kerana saya diberitahu bahawa sumber air bersih begitu sukar untuk diperoleh, barangan makanan yang memberi tenaga, dan juga bekalan ubat sekiranya diserang penyakit. Apa yang penting, persediaan itu wajib lengkap dan sempurna,” jelas Faazurah mengenai persediaan yang perlu diambil kira apabila ditugaskan untuk menjalani misi kemanusiaan.

 

Disoal mengenai cabaran yang dihadapi di Palu, Faazurah berpendapat bahawa berkomunikasi dengan komuniti tempatan merupakan suatu perkara yang agak sukar. Meskipun penggunaan bahasa seakan-akan sama, keupayaan untuk memperoleh kefahaman antara dua pihak tidak mudah seperti yang disangka. Apatah lagi, kehadiran orang luar juga mungkin tidak diterima oleh komuniti tempatan.

 

“Jika kita anggap bahawa bahasa Melayu dan Indonesia itu boleh menghubungkan dua komuniti, maka tanggapan itu sebenarnya kurang tepat. Di Palu, cabaran yang saya hadapi adalah ketika berkomunikasi dengan komuniti tempatan. Bahasa kita mungkin sama, namun ia bukanlah alat pemudah. Saya masih lagi perlukan kakitangan daripada Islamic Relief (IR) Indonesia untuk berkomunikasi dengan mereka.

 

“Selain itu, kehadiran orang luar juga merupakan sesuatu yang aneh bagi mereka kerana tidak semua boleh menerima. Jadi saya terpaksa bertutur dengan mereka dalam nada dan intonasi bahasa yang seakan-akan bahasa Indonesia agar lebih dipercayai dan diterima,” Ujar Faazurah ringkas mengenai cabaran yang dihadapi.

 

Waktu-waktu yang terluang di suatu tempat asing boleh dibukukan sebagai memori, baik yang manis mahupun yang pahit. Di Palu, Faazurah jelas terpesona dengan keindahan suasananya yang dikelilingi oleh ciptaan tuhan. Tambahan pula, beliau juga turut berkesempatan untuk menghadiri majlis perkahwinan penduduk di Palu dan menyaksikan kelainan budaya di kawasan itu.

 

Bagaimanapun, tidak semua kenangan itu manis untuk diingati. Di Malaysia, gempa bumi mungkin banyak dilaporkan berlaku di Sabah. Namun Faazurah sendiri merasai pengalaman tersebut secara langsung ketika menghadiri majlis perkahwinan di Kem Balaroa.

 

“Pengalaman gempa bumi itu saya sudah rasa sendiri di bumi Palu ketika berada di majlis perkahwinan. Ketika itu, saya dan dua lagi rakan sekerja sebenarnya sedang bersalaman dan ingin bergambar bersama pengantin. Namun apabila kami sedang bersalaman dengan pengantin, gegaran kuat tiba-tiba berlaku sehingga kaki saya menggeletar ketakutan.

 

“Apa yang pelik, saya tidak menangis. Waktu itu saya terkejut dan terkesima dengan apa yang berlaku dan tidak mampu mengeluarkan sebarang perkataan. Ketika itu, apa yang saya perhatikan adalah semua orang berada dalam keadaan cemas dan cuba melarikan diri tanpa memikirkan ahli keluarga mereka. Saya juga yakin pada waktu-waktu cemas seperti itu, mereka hanya mahu berlindung dan selamatkan nyawa sendiri.”

 

Menerusi misi kemanusiaan di Palu, Faazurah mula sedar akan segala nikmat yang dirasai sehingga hari ini. Misi itu sekaligus memberi peringatan kepada dirinya agar lebih bersedia untuk berhadapan dengan apa jua ujian yang bakal menjelma demi mendidik jiwa yang kental. Oleh itu, persediaan hendaklah dipersiapkan dengan rapi. Bagi Faazurah, di negara sendiri, apa yang perlu dihargai limpahan nikmat kepada kita. Manakala di negara luar, pengalaman itulah akan mematangkan jati diri seseorang. 

IRM Gembleng Tenaga di Somalia

Somalia, 6 Mac 2019 – Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) sekali lagi turun padang ke Somalia untuk melihat projek yang ditaja sekitar dua tahun lalu iaitu Projek Telaga Air hasil kutipan Dana Wakaf Air Somalia.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IRM, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin berkata misi itu dilakukan untuk menilai proses pelaksanaan bantuan kemanusiaan kepada penduduk Somalia oleh pejabat lapangan yang dibiayai oleh IRM selain membina hubungan dua hala dalam merancang bantuan kemanusiaan pada masa hadapan.

“Misi kemanusiaan ini adalah sebahagian daripada tanggungjawab kami untuk memastikan bantuan kemanusiaan iaitu Projek Water Wells di Balcad, Shabelle Tengah kepada penduduk Somalia direalisasikan dengan sempurna sekaligus memberi mereka harapan baharu untuk meneruskan kelangsungan hidup.”

“Ia juga bertujuan untuk membina hubungan dua hala antara IRM dengan Islamic Relief (IR) Somalia bagi membentuk pelan dan perancangan bantuan kemanusiaan pada masa akan datang,” kata Zairulshahfuddin.

Menerusi misi kemanusiaan ini, Zairushahfuddin menjelaskan bahawa lawatan yang dilakukan ke Somalia merupakan salah satu inisiatif IRM dalam mengumpulkan maklumat-maklumat secara langsung berkenaan kemarau panjang melampau termasuklah maklumat lain melibatkan kempen Care4Hunger tahun ini.

Selain itu, IRM berjaya mengenalpasti bahawa negara Somalia mempunyai keperluan kritikal yang berbeza di kawasan-kawasan tertentu dan akan meletakkan kepercayaan kepada IR Somalia untuk memberikan cadangan projek-projek yang bakal dibiayai.

Ketibaan IRM di Somalia turut disambut baik oleh Kementerian Hal Ehwal Kemanusiaan dan Pengurusan Bencana Somalia.

Misi kemanusiaan itu mengumpulkan lapan orang delegasi IRM termasuklah seorang wakil media dan ikon kemanusiaannya, Elfaeza Ul Haq.

Berhibur Sambil Beramal

BANGI, 24 Feb 2018 – Kolej Pendeta Za’ba of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in collaboration with Rabbani Productions and Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) organizes IPTA / IPTS / IPTS Level Festivals (FESNAIS) and 1440H Charity Concert at UKM’s Tun Abdul Razak Chancellor Hall (DECTAR).

This program is an annual event conducted at the IPTA / IPTS level to unleash the talent of the song and the creative ideas of students in producing God-made songs.

“This festival festival is 10 percent of the proceeds from the concert ticket sales will be donated to the IRM to help the Care4Hunger Malawi campaign assistance project,” said Qussiynur Yakin Ainal Sure, Director General of IPTA / IPTS (FESNAIS) Nasyid Festival Director and 1440H Charity Concert.

Among the other objectives of organizing a two-in-one program entitled “The Art of Dakwah Bil Hikmah” is to embrace the spirit of leadership as a platform for students and students to serve the community through charity programs.

“Pure efforts and initiatives in organizing such charitable programs actually can be of value to the students when they seek employment because the organization needs more skilled students as well as the current issue rather than focusing solely on the results of an excellent examination,” said Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin, IRM Chief Executive Officer in the program’s speech.

He added that the nature of volunteerism should be present in every young person’s heart and heart so that the goal of creating a caring world is the responsibility of all parties regardless of age.

Nasyid festivals have been held at four contests of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UKM) Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The title was won by the Zafreen group from UMP.

In addition to the performances of nasyid participants, the program also featured performances from the Rabbani Group, Hafiz Hamidun and Devotees while Irma Hasmie, the IRM Humanity Icon was invited to be one of the invited jury representatives.

Reinforcing Humanitarian World 2019

The thought about new year is always associated with new moves, new steps, and new approaches in making the days to come more meaningful with more goals. In a more general sense, new year means we are to set up a list of aspirations to be materialised.

 

Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM), as an international non-government body (NGO), continues to strive in the name of humanity, to help the less fortunate both locally and also globally.

 

IRM Chief Executive Officer, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin recently shared several strategies to be implemented for extension of humanitarian outreach. This is in line with action plan 2017 – 2021 which places the principal of helping special groups such as people with disabilities (OKU) and the Aborigine apart from current aid recipients.

 

“For this year alone, IRM will utilise a whole different scheme in building specific clusters that bring us to the direction where we’re headed in a more systematic way depending on our personnel’s expertise in the company. That’s what we’re targeting to do for Domestic Programme,” he said.

 

For this year, there are three key subdivisions namely Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Emergency, Shelter and Seasonal Programmes, and Sustainable Livelihood and Health. Each subdivision featured has its unique roles to help expand the existing system, the goal being to ease the management.

 

“Previously, we only had about 15 active personnel in the Division of Domestic Programme and it was challenging especially with the need to ensure cost-effectiveness. Much to do with our projects were made possible through the many collaborations and co-operation with close humanitarian partners in the country.

 

“After a rethink, we realized that the staff at IRM performed based on their expertise, which can be realised through the specific clusters mentioned. In fact, I also believe that this new approach is an excellent long-term action plan as it parallels the direction of IRM towards making humanitarian work a career. I construe this as a priceless opportunity for those who are interested in their skills in humanitarian work.

 

Zairulshahfuddin further explained, “For instance, DRR and Emergency is the cluster that will immediately respond to disasters that occur unexpectedly such as fires, landslides, or even flash floods. These are the people who will act for humanity first-hand to go out and support all affected by providing aid in the forms of emergency kits, hygiene kits, and others.

 

“On the same note, we will consider utilising methods by other international non-government bodies that lay emphasis on the cluster of DRR and Emergency at a global level. In such a context, the cluster of DRR will put forth a cautious approach towards prevention whenever disaster happens through practical learning along with the community deemed to be vulnerable to any disasters. Indirectly, earlier expected damage can be reduced.”

 

In addition, the subdivision of Shelter will highlight the significance of child protection as well as women because around 80 to 90 percent from the previous beneficiaries served fall into this category. Zairulshahfuddin perceives this group as a crucial one to be well taken care of when a project is ongoing, and even when a day programme is planned. Ultimately, it is meant to safeguard personal information and the status of children and women thus preventing abuse and exploitation of information.

 

The final cluster which places emphasis on the significance of sustainable livelihood where IRM plans to reinvent a new life for beneficiaries who aspire to improve their economic status by running their own profitable businesses.

 

“Sustainable livelihood is all about the engagement of beneficiaries we have with the programmes offered to improve their lives through business management, business knowledge, and also establishing themselves to achieve financial independence. We will provide the motivation to beneficiaries who want a better quality of life.

 

Additionally, IRM will also increase the frequency of online campaigns coordinated by the Communications and Campaigns Division with full control of their own official website including all local programmes through the electronic media as well as print media. It aims to disseminate important information to develop awareness of global humanitarian issues.

 

Speaking about IRM’s strength, Zairulshahfuddin highlighted several fortes under IRM’s advantageous position in being part of an international organisation.

 

“Being an international organisation with 46 fixed networks across the world, international outreach is one of the key specialties of IRM when a campaign is actively ongoing. Various information can be obtained directly from the field and that they are valuable to raise more public awareness.

 

“Of course, support from IRM staff and volunteers who work tirelessly without complaint also plays a vital part in the planning and implementation of a programme. I believe they are the backbone that upholds the trust and mandate given to assist our beneficiaries.

 

“In terms of mainstream media that has become the part and parcel of everyone’s life, we also believe our strength lies in the social media network, connecting the public community with beneficiaries through meaningful humanitarian messages, related campaigns, and humanitarian reports in order to gain their trust in IRM as a body that channels aids. It bridges the people with humanitarian issues across the world as well as those in the country.

 

Challenges encountered serve as the driving force which keeps us going. In humanitarian work, Zairulshahfuddin pointed out that funds gathered are not always the yardstick for success. It is through unconditional effort, an immeasurable level of energy and drive from many to achieve the target that determines it.

 

On a more serious note, fluctuations in global economy are also seen as a hindering factor in humanitarian work as most NGOs would depend on funds contributed by the public community. In general, pushing them to donate is never a choice. In addition, volunteer activities which require multiple hands pose another challenge as they are not obliged to help.

 

Holistically, IRM’s action plans are part of a long-term effort. If it were to be linked with business, the business aspect would solely be for the beneficiaries to ensure they are always being served. More importantly, IRM will continue to raise awareness of and champion humanitarian issues and causes in the quest to develop love for humanity and a community that cares beyond boundaries.