100 Civil Society Groups Appeal for Safe Passage for Civilians Under Siege in El Fasher

Home 100 Civil Society Groups Appeal for Safe Passage for Civilians Under Siege in El Fasher
October 2, 2025 Sudan -

* Two consecutive RSF attacks on El Fasher kill 22 civilians in 48 hours *

* Reports indicate RSF shelling of the city is ongoing right now *  

THU, 2 OCT — 100 civil society organisations and humanitarian actors have called for urgent civilian protection in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur. Time is running out for the estimated 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, trapped in Darfur’s final battleground between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The call comes as conditions for people in El Fasher continue to deteriorate, with reports indicating the RSF is shelling the city right now. This follows a spate of recent attacks. On Wednesday, the Sudan Doctors Network reported that 16 civilians, including three women, were killed and 21 others injured, among them five children, in a deliberate drone attack on residential neighborhoods. El Fasher resistance committees coordination identified the location of the attack as a civilian gathering in Daraja Awlaa neighbourhood. Just a day earlier, at least six civilians were killed and dozens injured, when the RSF shelled one of El Fasher’s largest displacement shelters, striking as families gathered for breakfast.

These recent attacks are just the latest in a siege of the city by the RSF, which has now lasted over 500 days. The RSF has repeatedly used starvation as a weapon of war, by blocking food and lifesaving humanitarian assistance from entering. Meanwhile, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that there are no safe exit routes from El Fasher.

Given the critical situation, a statement coordinated by PAEMA and Avaaz, and signed by 100 groups including Refugees International, The Sentry and the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, urgently calls for safe humanitarian access, including voluntary safe passages for civilians trapped in El Fasher.

“Evacuation routes need to be secured without delay to provide civilians in El Fasher safe, voluntary, and dignified passage,” the statement says. “The greatest solution to address civilian protection threats in Sudan is a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.

Jamal, who helps run a local soup kitchen, told Avaaz on Wednesday: “The RSF targeted innocent displaced people inside the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq shelter. Entire residential blocks were set ablaze. Two young children lost their mother in the attack. No one has yet identified them or found their families. They remain alone in the shelter. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic—famine, shelling, killing. Even the centers meant for safety are not spared.

“We beg for the siege of El Fasher to be broken and for humanitarian assistance to reach us. Civilians are starving, children are dying, and every day brings new massacres. Life here has become unbearable.“

Over 470,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher and surrounding areas since the start of the siege in May 2024. In the past four weeks, the violence has sharply escalated, along with attacks on civilians. Men of fighting age are killed on the road. Leaving El Fasher is now more dangerous than staying despite the daily shelling and frequent drone attacks.

The joint statement lays out four core measures in order to avoid mass civilian casualties in El Fasher:

  • Safe and voluntary routes must be immediately secured for civilians to leave El Fasher.
  • An evacuation coordinator should be identified from a lead agency with operational capacity and a ground presence.
  • Humanitarian access routes must be established and monitored using satellite imagery and surveillance UAVs, with daily reports provided to relevant UN bodies, agencies, and key stakeholders.
  • Humanitarian access to El Fasher must be secured to provide life-saving assistance, including medical care, to these vulnerable populations. The humanitarian response across North Darfur must also be scaled up.

Many in El Fasher are not able to safely evacuate the city because they are starving, weak, sick, elderly, disabled, or injured. Humanitarian aid must include water, food, medicine and other essential supplies. Aid access is also urgent to counter confirmed famine and the worst cholera outbreak Sudan has seen in years, having already caused at least 350 deaths in Darfur.

“With famine spreading and daily bombardments killing civilians, the international community cannot sit by and watch another Rwanda or Srebrenica unfold.” said Andrew Legon, Avaaz Campaign Director.

Signatories:

Acción Solidaria

Act For Sudan

Action Kivu

AdNA (Advocacy Network for Africa)

African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies

Africans for the Horn of Africa (Af4HA) Initiative

AGT 

Alliance for Peacebuilding

American Friends Service Committee

Association des cultivateurs de collectivités de batangi et de bamate (ACUCOBA) 

Atrocities Watch Africa 

Avaaz

Brooklyn Coalition for Darfur & Marginalized Sudan

Burmese Rohingya Student Union-BRSU

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)

Choose Love

Chosen Generation Radio

Christ’s Mandate for Missions

Coalition Against Global Genocide

Coalition des Agriculteurs genrés femmes environnementalistes (CAGFE ONG)

Coalition des Volontaires pour la Paix et le Développement (CVPD)

Confluence Advisory

Council on American-Islamic Relations 

CROPD – Grands Lacs

CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

Darfur Advocacy Group

Darfur and Beyond

Darfur Genocide Victims Advocacy Group (DGVAG)

Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) 

Darfur Women Journalists Forum

Darfur Youth Centre for Peace and Development

Decolonize Sudan

Denis Hurley Peace Institute

Doctors Against Genocide

Fikra for Studies & Development

Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect

Human Rights Without Borders

Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART)

iACT 

Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, Binghamton University

Islamic Relief Worldwide

Joining Our Voices

Journal of Social Encounters

Jubilee Campaign

Katartismos Global

Kentro Christian Network

KYN Health LLC

Law And Liberty Trust

Legal Action Worldwide

March 8 Feminist Group

MedGlobal

Minnesota Peace Project

Mommying While Muslim

Never Again Coalition 

New York Coalition for Sudan

No Business With Genocide

Nubia Projects 

PAEMA 

Pax Christi New York State

Pax Christi USA

Peace Direct

PEN International

Protection Approaches

Refugees International

RI

SalaaMedia Centre

Save the Persecuted Christians

Sennar Human Rights Observatory

She Leads Movement

Society for Threatened Peoples

Stop Genocide Now

Sudan and South Sudan Forum e.V.

Sudan Transnational Consortium 

Sudan Transparency and Policy Tracker

Sudan Unlimited

Sudanese women rights action

TAMAD Organization for Peace and Development

TASSC International – Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition

The Earth Elders

The Reckoning Project 

The Sentry

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) of Africa

The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP)

The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society

U.S. Campaign for Burma

UMOJA AFRICA RDC en UA RDC

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

Waging Peace

Women4Sudan 

Women’s Peace Network

World Over Here

Youth Citizens Observers Network (YCON Sudan)

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Zia Salik

Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK

Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach. 

As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.

Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.

Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.

Nadeem Malik

Interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) and Managing Director of Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO. 

Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.

In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.

Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.

As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’

Saqeb Mueen

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Saqeb joined Islamic Relief in 2025, bringing with him extensive experience in strategic communications and policy engagement. He served for more than two decades at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), including eight years as Director of Communications, where he led high-impact media campaigns and worked with major international organisations including the European Union, NATO as well as national governments. Saqeb was also the first Head of Communications for Tech Against Terrorism, an online counter-terrorist organisation backed by the United Nations, where he developed and established its public relations capabilities. Saqeb has advised UK Muslim organisations on communications and public affairs as they foster interfaith initiatives and tackle racism and Islamophobia. Saqeb holds a BA in History from University College London and an MA in War Studies from King’s College London. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was a Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI.
Asha Ahmad

Director of People and Culture

Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.

Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.

Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

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

General Counsel

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.

Salaheddin Aboulgasem

Interim Director of Global Family Development

Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.

Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.

In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.

Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

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.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

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.