Where we work
Iraq
Millions of people are internally displaced in Iraq, which due to decades of conflict, remains one of the most challenging countries in the world to live in.
Millions of people are internally displaced in Iraq, which due to decades of conflict, remains one of the most challenging countries in the world to live in.
The last 5 years have been very challenging for Iraq and its people – financial support has decreased year on year, while recovery efforts have been hampered by the effects of climate change and record water shortages. Covid-19, high unemployment levels and volatile security levels all add up to make an uncertain landscape in Iraq.
Nearly 1.2 million Iraqis are internally displaced – many having had to move 2 or 3 times in recent years. These communities face obstacles related to documentation, shelter, livelihoods and education. Security, and poor access to basic services are also serious obstacles facing Iraqis.
In addition, the 250,000 Syrian refugees reside in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq face significant barriers in accessing consistent work, and education opportunities for children.
Significant challenges
The precarious humanitarian situation in Iraq is a legacy of the 4-year-long conflict that began in 2013 and displaced more than 6 million Iraqis.
Although efforts to stabilise the country and repair the damage done to vital infrastructure have been ongoing, significant challenges remain. Limited attention and resources have been made available to provide basic services to those living in particularly remote regions.
Iraq also faces significant challenges related to climate change, including water scarcity, which has a knock-on effect on peace and security throughout the region.
It is predicated that Iraq will face severe water scarcity in 2023, due to low groundwater levels and reduced flows in the main rivers. An estimated 15 per cent of children will be affected by this in Iraq’s central and southern governorates and will require humanitarian assistance.
On the ground for over 20 years
Islamic Relief has been working in Iraq since 1997 and was one of the few aid agencies that continued working on the ground during the military incursion in 2003. Islamic Relief has successfully supported 1.3 million women, men, girls and boys with its life-saving and life-changing activities in Iraq.
The local team is diverse and represents many of the religious and ethnic components of Iraqi society, including Christians, Sunni, Shia, Kurds and Arabs.
We are currently implementing projects in both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including Erbil, Dohuk and Halabja Governorates, and in Federal Iraq Governorates, such as Ninewa, Anbar, Kirkuk, Diyala, Baghdad and Karbala. Our climate change and resilience projects are also soon to be launched in the southern part of the country, in areas such as Thi Qar, Mesan and Basra Governorates.
Our teams on the ground are providing food, clothing, shelter, water and sanitation, blankets and other essential items, as well as health care, education and vocational training to almost half a million people.
We are also protecting the most vulnerable by addressing gender-based violence and child protection issues.
Please support our Global Emergency Response here.
News and features
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.