Islamic Relief, working alongside communities and government, has transformed the lives of thousands of people affected by the climate change crisis in Ethiopia’s Afar region. This paper illustrates how new approaches, transformational change and innovative technologies have together turned fear and loss into strength and hope
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This is about how Islamic Relief is working with the people most affected to respond to the climate crisis. We show how in empowering communities, families and individuals to emerge out of poverty and suffering, they are better able to adapt to the challenges they face now and in the future. In the climate emergency, locally-led community based adaptation brings justice to those who have the least. ‘Adapting for Climate Justice’ shows how Islamic Relief is making this a reality.
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Pakistan is grappling with the worsening impact of climate change, causing increased migration and displacement across the country. This Islamic Relief research report examines one of the extreme consequences of climate change: climate induced migration. This study makes comparisons between popular global perspectives and local realities by studying incidences of movements in 3 distinct regions of Pakistan: Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It delves in to the root causes of climate induced migration across the 3 provinces and shares insights into the perceptions and governance gaps to address migration issues across these areas. It includes specific recommendations and calls for the government of Pakistan as well international community to take swift action to address the worsening effect of climate change on migration patterns in Pakistan.
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This report documents research by Islamic Relief to understand stigma and discrimination faced by people with disabilities (PWD) returning to live in the Khyber Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan (FATA). It sets out the context within which the research was conducted, a summary of the findings, the research project and results, and finally recommendations arising from the research.
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This brief summarises Islamic Relief’s learnings from piloting a new intersectionality framework in five countries. The learnings relate to how Islamic Relief can achieve more inclusive and sensitive humanitarian programming.
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This paper outlines a new approach to intersectionality piloted by Islamic Relief over a two-year period. The aim of the pilot is to better understand the intersection of different dimensions of social disadvantage and its implications for the organisation’s humanitarian work.
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Islamic Relief Mail and Save the Children Mali will be holding a workshop on 7th of August 2020 to present the findings of a Context and Protection Analysis undertaken in hard-to-access areas of Northern and Central Mali, specifically in the Circle of Gourma Rharous, Region of Timbuktu and Circle of Douentza, Region of Mopti. Funded by the START Network, the analysis intends to contribute to informed programming of humanitarian actors in Northern and Central Mali, particularly in ensuring context sensitive and gender sensitive approaches.
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This paper is the second part of the synthesis of current good practice towards inclusive complaints and feedback mechanisms. It provides a review of Islamic relief’s practices at a country level. It also identifies key elements to successful approaches to inclusion and common challenges, to stimulate wider learning and improvement at a global level within Islamic Relief and in the wider sector.
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This synthesis, part 1, provides a review of good practice in the sector in relation to establishing inclusive complaints mechanisms. It examines selected agencies’ approaches to strengthening inclusion of at-risk community groups, particularly those who are discriminated against due to their age, disability, gender, ethnicity and other forms of marginalisation. It focuses on the inclusion of at-risk groups within activities relating to commitments 4 and 5 of the Core Humanitarian Standard and, specifically, the establishment of inclusive complaints mechanisms.
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This paper focuses on approaches, lessons and recommendations for Islamic Relief and other INGOs to improve mainstreaming protection and inclusion efforts in development and humanitarian programming. It aims to advance understanding and best practice in protection and inclusion through critical reflection on Islamic Relief’s inclusive and protective programming approach. It draws on the experience of eight countries in addressing issues of inclusion, protection and sensitive approaches to accountable programming and considers learnings and challenges.
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Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Adnan Hafiz
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.
