Hope away from home: Celebrating the resilience of refugees

June 21, 2023 Global -

Forced displacement remains a pressing global issue, with millions of people uprooted from their homes due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters.

The challenges faced by refugees are immense, but within their journeys lie stories of strength, resilience, and hope.

The remarkable experiences of refugees shed light on the initiatives taken by individuals, communities, and organisations to support them, foster positive change, and create a sense of belonging, writes Shahin Ashraf, Islamic Relief’s head of global advocacy, arguing that the UK must ‘review and rethink’ its illegal migration bill.

Bravery and determination

The decision to leave one’s home and embark on a perilous journey into the unknown requires immense strength and courage. Refugees are forced to abandon their belongings, their communities, and often their loved ones in search of safety and hope for a better future. It is crucial that we recognise and celebrate the bravery and determination it takes to make such a choice.

Refugees demonstrate remarkable resilience as they rebuild their lives in host countries. Despite facing numerous challenges, they find ways to adapt; learning new languages, seeking employment opportunities, and contributing to their communities.

Communities and individuals around the world have launched inspiring initiatives to create a sense of belonging for refugees. These initiatives include language classes, cultural exchanges, mentorship programmes, and community centres. By embracing refugees and providing support, these acts of compassion and solidarity restore hope and dignity, helping refugees rebuild their lives and regain a sense of belonging.

Providing contributions and building new connections

Refugees are not just passive recipients of aid; they actively contribute to the economy, culture, and social fabric of their new homes.

Islamic Relief’s 2023 Ramadan programme targeted internally displaced persons and refugees in countries such as Sudan

They start businesses, work in various industries, bring diverse perspectives, and enrich the cultural tapestry of their communities. Recognising these contributions is essential for fostering greater acceptance and integration. Human connection plays a vital role in restoring hope and dignity for refugees.

Volunteers, organisations, and community members work tirelessly to provide support, guidance, and friendship, fostering connections that allow refugees to heal from their past traumas, build new relationships, and find a sense of belonging in their adopted countries.

The importance of mental health support and psychosocial services for refugees cannot be overstated. Traumatic experiences during displacement can have lasting effects on their well-being. Initiatives by organisations such as Islamic Relief provide crucial mental health support, empowering individuals to heal and rebuild their lives. Remarkably, many refugees who access such services become advocates for mental wellbeing in their communities.

When host communities extend compassion, understanding, and assistance, refugees have a higher chance of finding stability and a new home. It is essential to foster global cooperation to address the refugee crisis effectively and ensure that displaced individuals can continue to be supported.

Holding onto hope

Holding onto hope also means that we must ‘review and rethink’. Throughout its history, the United Kingdom has been known as a nation that opens its doors to individuals from diverse backgrounds. People who have sought refuge or chosen to make the UK their home have not only added to the cultural fabric of the country but have also made significant contributions to society.

The UK’s rich history is marked by the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds, from the Windrush generation who arrived from the Caribbean to help rebuild the country after World War II, to the immigrants who have made notable advancements in science, arts, business, and other fields. The UK owes much of its progress and cultural diversity to the people who have chosen to call it home.

Islamic Relief over 12,000 food packs to vulnerable families and refugees in the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) camp in Bhasan Char and Ukhiya.

Many immigrants have become entrepreneurs, creating businesses that generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. Others have excelled in academia, research, and professional fields, enhancing the country’s intellectual capital and driving innovation. Medical professionals, engineers, scientists, artists, and countless others have made substantial contributions to their respective fields, bolstering the UK’s reputation as a hub for talent and expertise.

So, how is it that that the very same country has pushed forward its illegal migration bill?

Review and rethink

This bill aims to deter illegal migration into the UK, but it raises concerns regarding its compliance with international law and the potential collapse of the international system to protect refugees. Advocacy and collective action are crucial to safeguard the rights and dignity of refugees and uphold the principles of humanitarian.

Considering the concerns raised by experts, it is crucial for policymakers to review and rethink the provisions of the illegal migration bill. The potential impact on the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery must be explored so that the protection of victims and the prosecution of traffickers is prioritised, while upholding human rights and international obligations. Only through collective action can we protect the most vulnerable and uphold the principles of justice and human rights.

By valuing the contributions of those who have chosen to make the country their home, the UK has fostered an environment of inclusivity and tolerance.

As the UK faces new challenges and debates about immigration and national identity, it is crucial to remember the legacy of the nation as a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life.

By continuing to value diversity, promote inclusivity, and recognise the contributions of immigrants, the UK can forge a brighter future where people from different backgrounds work together to address shared challenges and shape a more prosperous society.

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Islamic Relief currently delivers programmes that benefit vulnerable people in over 30 countries worldwide. Our work includes life-saving emergency relief and early recovery, as well as development progrmmes that protect communities and improve the lives of some of the poorest families on the planet.

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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.

Adnan Hafiz

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.

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.