An Islamic Relief worker describes the difficulties on the ground.
After an air strike hit a convoy of relief trucks near Aleppo this week Islamic Relief’s field coordinator, Yousef Abdollah, has been speaking with the BBC’s World Service.
The only person speaking from Syria, Abdollah joined other NGOs for a panel discussion on the programme BBC World Have Your Say.
He spoke about what it is like to be an aid worker within Syria and the challenges around planning, access and safety. He also spoke about working with local authorities on the ground.
Describing the situation for civilians in Aleppo, he said: “There are almost 400,000 civilians stuck inside the city without any basic infrastructure – no food, no electricity, no water, no communication.
“There is frustration amongst the civilians due to aid being unable to be delivered.”
Following the incident on Monday, which killed at least one aid worker and around 20 civilians, the United Nations suspended aid convoys across Syria.
Just a day later a second incident saw Islamic Relief’s partner the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM) hit, with five medical workers killed.
Islamic Relief’s planned shipment of food parcels in Aleppo has been suspended and our team in Syria has increased security precautions following the end of the ceasefire.
Islamic Relief Worldwide’s annual report for 2015 has been published today, detailing our income, expenditure and the projects we undertook to help 8.3 million people across the globe.
2015 was a complex and challenging year, one in which we witnessed the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War, while conflict continued to fracture families, natural disasters devastated communities and millions of people still struggled in poverty. For Islamic Relief, these challenges only strengthened our determination to extend our global presence and assist those in dire need of our help.
Our total income reached £105.6 million, with programme expenditures increasing by 25% to £100.3 million. As 50% of our work focused on empowering communities, we delivered sustainable development and educational projects to make a permanent difference in some of the world’s poorest communities. More than 525,000 people worldwide are now better able to cope with the impacts of climate change thanks to disaster-resilient homes, weather-tolerant seeds and livelihoods training. Our pioneering multi-national Islamic microfinance programme now enables nearly 15,000 entrepreneurs in a dozen countries to lift themselves out of poverty and 48,000 orphans are currently benefiting from our sponsorship programme.
As one of the first respondents to humanitarian disasters, we delivered swift emergency aid as soon as earthquakes hit Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal, and when flood waters swept into homes in the United Kingdom. By working in areas that many other organisations cannot reach, we are able to reach even more people in need. As the war in Syria entered its fourth year, we reached a staggering four million vulnerable people and our local presence in Yemen meant that when violence erupted, we were able to respond rapidly and provide 1.3 million people with food rations and access to clean drinking water.
In 2015, we pushed for a safer, fairer world for all by brokering the first Islamic Declaration on Climate Change and published our first gender justice policy. We also introduced a new General Assembly to better reflect our international position in the sector. Together with the Board of Trustees, the General Assembly will promote funding for long-term programmes and push for productive partnerships with aid agencies and institutions across the globe. This, we believe, will enable us to continue growing and making a lasting change in the fight against poverty and suffering.
Without our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters none of our work would be possible, and so we pass on our sincerest thanks to the public, multilateral and governmental partners for their generosity. We are truly humbled by the trust placed in us to make a difference and, together, we will continue delivering impactful programmes that empower those that we exist to serve.
The UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants (read our quick guide here) is a watershed moment for refugees all over the world. Here and now, heads of state must commit to the protection of refugees and to the establishment of a more humane, coordinated and predictable response to hosting refugees and supporting their long-term resilience.
We want the voices of refugees to be heard. We call on all nations to make welcoming forced migrants and protecting their dignity the central tenets of their response to the global forced migration crisis. Specifically, we ask states attending the summit to commit to the following:
Welcoming
Ratify and uphold the 1951 Refugee Convention and take their fair share of refugees to ensure collective resettlement of at least 10% of refugees globally.
Ensure the provision of safe and legal routes for people seeking refuge and asylum, including increased support for family reunification.
End xenophobic language and policies towards forced migrants and partner with local civil society (including faith-based organisations) to facilitate effective integration of refugees within host communities.
Increase funding for the global refugee response appeal by 30% from $10 billion in 2015 to $13 billion in 2016.
Dignity and protection
Increase support for safe and sustainable livelihoods, including the provision of work permits for refugees and regional job creation strategies for nations hosting high levels of refugees
A sustainable, comprehensive response by governments and the international community with increased resources for the systematic creation of safe and welcoming spaces which are inclusive, flexible, appropriate, participatory and protective. A particular focus should go on childhood settings, schools, and other formal and non-formal learning spaces, with emphasis on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, including girls and women, and those with disabilities
Increase funding for inclusive refugee education for all 3.6 million refugee children out of school and promote vocational training.
Increase funding and diversify partnerships to address the psycho-social and spiritual needs of refugees.
What does Islam say about refugees and forced migrants?
Islam has a rich heritage of forced migrant protection, stemming from the original teachings of the Qur’an and examples from the lives of Islamic prophets. Central to the Islamic tradition are the concepts of welcoming and dignity.
Welcoming
The Qur’an calls on humankind to fulfil the role of protectors and helpers to “those oppressed men, women and children, who cry out, ‘Lord, rescue us from this town where people are oppressors!’” (Qur’an 4:75), and promises that those escaping persecution will find “many a refuge and a great plenty in the earth” (Qur’an 4:99).
Islamic teachings emphasise that refuge is the divine right of the persecuted, and humankind has the responsibility to provide shelter and protection to those in need, wherever they seek it.
The world’s six richest nations are hosting less than 9% of the planet’s 65 million refugees
Unfortunately the international response to the forced migration crisis has been patchy and in many cases nation states have failed to meet their basic commitments to refugees under international law. According to UNHCR figures, the world’s six richest nations (by the World Bank’s GDP ranking) are hosting less than 9% of the planet’s 65 million refugees, and many are demonstrating a strong reluctance to open their borders to refugees by exaggerating threats to security, culture and economic stability.
Many refugees currently reside in countries that have failed to ratify the Refugee Convention and millions each year continue to be born stateless without access to basic human rights.
Dignity
Dignity is considered a central aspect of human identity, as the Qur’an speaks of how God“honoured the children of Adam” (Qur’an 17:70). Protecting human dignity is therefore a critical responsibility. Rather than treating forced migrants as social and economic burdens, the Qur’an commends those who “show love for those who migrated to them” and “give [the migrants] preference over themselves even if [the hosts] too are poor” (Qur’an 59:9).
Forced migrants are to be regarded as brothers and sisters, afforded the same rights and protection as all citizens, and should be encouraged to attain independence and self-sufficiency in their new communities.
Many of the world’s refugees are hosted by countries which lack the resources or legal frameworks to adequately meet the needs of forced migrants – leaving them vulnerable to violence, exploitation and inhumane living conditions. Ensuring refugees have access to education and sustainable livelihoods is essential for their long-term resilience.
Education builds knowledge and skills for self-reliance and resilience and can contribute to peace and security. Children in school are better protected from trafficking, illegal adoption, early and forced marriage, sexual exploitation and forced labour. Among refugees, only 50% of children are in primary school and only 25% of adolescents are in secondary school (according to UNESCO and UNHCR). National education plans and financial resources are needed to widen access to formal education and enable flexible forms of education and vocational training.
Among refugees, only 50% of children are in primary school and only 25% of adolescents are in secondary school
Opportunities for livelihoods are limited. Most refugees cannot work legally in their host country due to a lack of provision of work permits by the state. Where work permits are provided they are normally restricted to unskilled work and see forced migrants paid significantly less than citizens. For example, according to the United Nations, rising costs and irregularity of employment in Iraq mean 0% of refugee families there are able to meet their basic needs, with livelihoods programmes being one of the most underfunded areas by donors.
There is also a lack of psycho-social support services available for refugees who have been through traumatic circumstances. Migrant women and girls face specific threats including sexual and gender based violence due to existing gender inequalities that are exacerbated by the crisis, displacement and conflict. Women and girls of older age and disability have an increased risk of violence and exploitation. A study by IASC group on Reproductive Health in Crisis found that access to sexual and reproductive health for displaced women are below minimum standards or absent. Strong gender based violence response programmes to address the need of survivors complemented with strong prevention programming are scarce.
Find out what’s happening and how you can make a difference.
Q: When is the UN Refugee Summit?
A: Monday, September 19.
Q: Where is it?
A: UN Headquarters, New York.
Q: What’s it all about?
A: This is a chance to make the voices of refugees heard. The UN General Assembly is hosting a high-level Summit for Refugees and Migrants to address the unfolding global forced migration crisis. The aim is to bring countries together with a more humane and coordinated approach.
Q: What’s new?
A: This is the first time the UN General Assembly has called together governments and heads of state to discuss the large movements of refugees and migrants and it is a historic opportunity to draw up a blueprint for a better international response. It is a watershed moment to strengthen governance of international migration and a unique opportunity to create a more responsible, predictable system for responding to large movements of refugees and migrants.
Q: Why now?
A: The number of refugees globally now exceeds 20 million – the highest figure for more than two decades. Increasing political instability and violent conflict are pushing thousands of families to flee their homes every day, leaving everything behind in search of safety. Unfortunately the international response to the forced migration crisis has been inadequate and in many cases nation states have failed to meet their basic commitments to refugees under international law. According to UNHCR figures, the world’s six richest nations (by the World Bank’s GDP ranking) are hosting less than 9% of the planet’s 65 million refugees, and many are demonstrating a strong reluctance to open their borders to refugees by exaggerating threats to security, culture and economic stability.
Q: What will it achieve?
A: Many refugees currently reside in countries that have failed to ratify the Refugee Convention and millions each year continue to be born stateless without access to basic human rights. It is clearly time to bring people together to discuss the growing needs and find more effective ways to respond.
Q: How can I help?
A: We will be sharing lots of useful information about the refugee crisis before and during the summit. You can follow us on Facebook and help us by taking one of the following actions:
Stand #WithRefugees and sign the global petition calling on world leaders to do more. It will be delivered to the summit on September 19 We are asking governments to ensure every refugee child gets an education, every refugee family has somewhere safe to live, and every refugee can work or learn new skills to make a positive contribution to their community.
Join the Solidary With Refugees March taking place in Parliament Square in London on Saturday 17 September where we will have an Islamic Relief block.
Q: Why is it relevant to Islamic Relief?
A: Since we first began in 1984, Islamic Relief has been committed to the protection of refugees and to the establishment of a more humane and productive response to hosting refugees and supporting their long-term resilience. With partners in over 40 countries worldwide, we provide life-saving assistance and support to refugees and forced migrant communities in countries including Afghanistan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen.
Forced migration crises disproportionately impact the developing world, with nine out of ten refugees being hosted in developing countries which are already struggling to meet the needs of their own citizens. Moreover, the modern forced migration crisis has taken a distinctly Islamic identity. The biggest refugee populations under UNHCR care are Afghans, Syrians and Somalis, collectively accounting for more than half of the global refugee total, while Pakistan, Iran and Lebanon host more refugees than any other countries. The former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, recognised in 2012 that Organisation for Islamic Cooperation states were hosting approximately 50% of the world’s refugees – a percentage that has likely increased in recent years as a result of the crises in Syria and Iraq.
Q: What is Islamic Relief doing at the Refugee Summit?
A: Islamic Relief has listened to the concerns and needs of refugees across the world and will share these with government representatives and policy makers at the summit. We are launching two advocacy reports on the day of the summit, the first one is focused on the impact of the refugee crisis on children following an interfaith mission trip with the Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service to Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey and one on the lives of female refugees and their livelihoods following a field trip to Iraq.
Islamic Relief is also convening the Faith & Migration working group meeting with the Joint Learning Initiative on September 19 where faith based organisations will come together to discuss best practice and how faith based local communities can support refugees. Islamic Relief has been working with other key NGOs including ACT Alliance, OIC and LIRS to prepare for the summit.
At the summit itself, Islamic Relief will engage with key policy makers, government representatives and take part in civil society marches standing in solidarity with refugees in both New York and London.
See the eight key messages we’re taking to the summit here.
Q: What does Islam say about refugees and forced migration?
A: Islam has a rich heritage of forced migrant protection, stemming from the original teachings of the Qur’an and examples from the lives of Islamic prophets. Central to the Islamic tradition are the concepts of welcoming and dignity.
The Qur’an calls on humankind to fulfil the role of protectors and helpers to “those oppressed men, women and children, who cry out, ‘Lord, rescue us from this town where people are oppressors!’” (Qur’an 4:75), and promises that those escaping persecution will find “many a refuge and a great plenty in the earth” (Qur’an 4:99).
Islamic teachings emphasise that refuge is the divine right of the persecuted, and humankind has the responsibility to provide shelter and protection to those in need, wherever they seek it.
Dignity is considered a central aspect of human identity, as the Qur’an speaks of how God “honoured the children of Adam” (Qur’an 17:70). Protecting human dignity is therefore a critical responsibility. Rather than treating forced migrants as social and economic burdens, the Qur’an commends those who “show love for those who migrated to them” and “give [the migrants] preference over themselves even if [the hosts] too are poor”. (Qur’an 59:9)
Forced migrants are to be regarded as brothers and sisters, afforded the same rights and protection as all citizens, and should be encouraged to attain independence and self-sufficiency in their new communities.
“We are preparing for the worst,” says Ahmed Mahmoud.
It has been almost 24 hours since a ceasefire came into effect in parts of Syria.
Thankfully it seems to be holding with no reports of casualties since sunset last night.
Below is an interview with Ahmed Mahmoud, who is working for Islamic Relief on the Turkey/Syria border, who was interviewed this morning on BBC World Service about the impact of the ceasefire on the access to besieged areas and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
A year ago, on August 31 2015, Islamic Relief lost one of its finest. Nebras Elhelow, a young Syrian volunteer who risked his life every day to deliver aid, lost his fight for life aged 27 after having both legs amputated following massive injuries in an air strike.
The name ‘Nebras’ means ‘role model’, which could not be more fitting. He lives on in our hearts because he was an outstanding person – energetic, selfless, bravely serving the people he loved in the face of a brutal and unrelenting conflict.
The kind of work he did is a lifesaver for those who benefit from it but life threatening for those who do it.
The story of Nebras’ life and death deserves to be told, not only to honour his memory but also to remind us of the huge human cost of the Syrian crisis – and the imperative to leave no diplomatic stone unturned in resolving what has become the worst humanitarian emergency of our time.
Islamic Relief is working harder than ever to support those in need, deep inside Syria and in the neighbouring countries where millions are living as refugees.
Thanks to the generosity of the British public and many more around the world, we have been able to assist more than 6.5 million Syrians with £140 million worth of aid since the conflict began.
Before the Syrian crisis began Nebras was close to completing his university degree, and looking forward to his future career.
His studies were cut short when the crisis took hold in 2011, and the devoted student became a dedicated volunteer aid worker, initiating relief work all over his home region in northern Hama.
First he volunteered to keep his local bakery going, when the staff fled in fear for their lives. He then left town himself as the aerial bombardments intensified, taking refuge in a small village in the Idlib area and living in a small single room in the shell of an unfinished house.
Early in 2014 Nebras got married and remained with his young wife in their tiny single room, living and working alongside the displaced families he served. He worked night shifts for local construction projects and bakeries so that he could continue to serve as a volunteer during the day.
Just months before Nebras was killed, his wife gave birth to a daughter. Sadly she survived less than three weeks, falling prey to illness that could not be properly treated in an area where health services had virtually collapsed.
Nebras dreamed of being buried in his home town but that simple dignity was denied him – the town was besieged and so he was laid to rest in a small village nearby instead.
A year on, the vital work he started lives on through Islamic Relief, and we will keep it going for as long as the crisis continues – with due respect and high regard for one who paid the ultimate price for helping those in need.
