In 2023, Islamic Relief Afghanistan delivered life-changing humanitarian and development assistance across 19 provinces, reaching approximately 1 million people. Our work included responding to brutal earthquakes, the sudden influx of returnees from Pakistan, and devastating flash floods. Learn more about our programmes and the impact of your support in this report.
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This case study from Mali demonstrates how development projects can deliver powerful social cohesion impact, and how this can lead to the end of long-standing division between communities.
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This learning paper captures key lessons from a project designed to build staff capacities and to improve community engagement around safeguarding.
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EdWorX Consulting's report, "Advancing Localisation and Partnerships in Humanitarian Practice," offers a comprehensive evaluation of Islamic Relief Worldwide's STRIDE program. This study investigates the programmes effectiveness in fostering local partnerships and building capacity for disaster preparedness across 20 countries. Key findings highlight STRIDE's alignment with the Charter for Change and Grand Bargain commitments through increased direct funding for local partners, targeted training, and collaborative decision-making.
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A year on from the destructive 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck central Morocco, thousands of people are still trying to piece their lives back together. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Morocco, causing widespread devastation and displacing half a million people. This report details the impact of the earthquake, Islamic Relief’s ongoing response, and the actions still needed to support the vulnerable communities who continue to suffer.
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For Palestinians in Gaza, the almost 10 months since October 7 have been marked by fear, suffering, hunger and displacement as they struggle to survive under unrelenting Israeli bombardment and siege. International law is being violated with impunity. Marking 300 days since the unprecedented escalation began, this report details the scale of the humanitarian crisis and Islamic Relief's response.
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The Global Reach, Impact and Learning Report 2024 by Islamic Relief Worldwide provides an in-depth analysis of the organisation’s humanitarian and development efforts from January to December 2023. The report details how Islamic Relief has reached over 16.7 million rightsholders through 826 projects in 39 countries. It highlights the extensive reach and profound impact of the organisation's projects and programmes across diverse global contexts, emphasizing key focus areas such as climate change adaptation, gender-based violence prevention, and integrated sustainable development. Additionally, the report showcases key learnings and best practices drawn from selected projects, underlining Islamic Relief's commitment to effective and adaptive work.
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This research, conducted by Samuel Hall, examines faith actors' critical role in localising aid and practice. Contrary to misconceptions, most faith actors are non-missionary and prioritise core humanitarian principles in their work. Highlighting their strengths in mental health support and community resilience, the report offers recommendations to overcome funding barriers and build stronger partnerships, fostering a more unified approach to crisis response. Read the report to discover how faith actors can be powerful allies in humanitarian action.
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In 2023, Islamic Relief responded to more large-scale humanitarian crises, and supported more people in need than ever before. Our Annual Report details our efforts to save lives, empower communities and advocate for change.
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Somalia has been experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises over the past three decades, with famine being narrowly avoided in late 2023. This report provides a thorough analysis of the persistent cycle of hunger and displacement in Somalia, driven by climate change, economic instability, conflict, and global inequality. It critically examines the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions throughout the crisis, identifying significant gaps in the response and offering actionable recommendations to enhance programs and build resilience and sustainability. With at least 4 million people still facing acute food insecurity in Somalia, this research presents an essential resource for understanding and addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.
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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.