12 September 2026 – Islamic Relief Worldwide’s International General Assembly (IGA) today passed a Resolution to expel Islamic Relief USA (IR USA) from the Islamic Relief federation with immediate effect.
The decision was made by the IGA, Islamic Relief’s highest governing body, comprising of representatives elected from member countries worldwide, members of the board of trustees and the remaining independent member.
As per the federation’s by-laws, the IGA held an extraordinary meeting at the request of member country offices who were concerned about IR USA’s recent actions and their impact on the federation’s work.
In March 2026, IR USA filed a lawsuit against Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) – which is mandated to serve as the secretariat and global programming headquarters for the Islamic Relief federation. The lawsuit made several claims against IRW which it contested. In July 2026, IRW welcomed the New York Court’s subsequent Order to stay proceedings.
The IGA Resolution to remove IR USA was passed unanimously with immediate effect. From today, IR USA no longer has the right to operate or trade using the Islamic Relief name or assets it currently holds, until a model that complies with the federation’s governance agreements is established.
Haroun Atallah, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Islamic Relief Worldwide, said:
“For over 40 years, Islamic Relief has grown into one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations. That standing was never the work of any single office. It was earned by its members – each a separate legal entity, accountable in its own country – choosing to cooperate under shared standards and values. That is why the communities we serve, and the donors who generously support us, place their trust in the name Islamic Relief.
With a unanimous collective voice, the International General Assembly concluded that the actions of Islamic Relief USA have broken that trust and damaged the work of the entire federation.
It is with deep regret that we therefore feel compelled to take collective action to remove Islamic Relief USA, as it is no longer in the best interests of the federation for them to remain a member.
This unanimous vote affirms a simple truth: the millions who rely on the Islamic Relief family are best served when its members pool their expertise and work together to maintain the highest standards. They remain, as they always have, our sole focus.”
Notes to Editors
- More details on the order of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York are available here.
- Islamic Relief Worldwide’s International General Assembly (IGA) was created in August 2020 as part of steps to strengthen our global governance processes. It is the highest body of Islamic Relief’s governance structure and consists mainly of representatives elected by Islamic Relief members from around the world, as well as independent members who bring additional specialist skills and experience. The IGA is responsible for the appointment of Islamic Relief Worldwide’s Board of Trustees as well as oversight committees such as the Members Accreditation Committee and the Governance Committee. More information about Islamic Relief’s governance structures is available here
- Islamic Relief Worldwide is a faith-based humanitarian and development organisation, supporting vulnerable communities affected by poverty, conflict and disasters. Founded in 1984, it has grown into one of the largest Muslim humanitarian organisations, last year helping over 13 million people in 41 countries. More information is available in Islamic Relief Worldwide’s latest Annual Report.
