Islamic Relief Worldwide is an international relief and development charity which envisages a caring world where people unite to respond to the suffering of others, empowering them to fulfil their potential. IRW is an independent Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Islamic Relief provides support regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender and without expecting anything in return.

Islamic Relief Worldwide was established in 1984 by Dr Hany El-Banna and fellow students from the University of Birmingham in the UK in response to the famine in Africa. Launching an appeal, they went door to door and from mosque to mosque asking for money, and this paid for food for people affected by the famine.

Working in over 30 countries, they promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease. They also respond to disasters and emergencies, helping people in crisis.

Mission: Exemplifying Islamic values, will mobilise resources, build partnerships, and develop local capacity, as they work to:

Enable communities to mitigate the effect of disasters, prepare for their occurrence and respond by providing relief, protection and recovery, Promote integrated development and environmental custodianship with a focus on sustainable livelihoods, Support the marginalised and vulnerable to voice their needs and address root causes of poverty.

 

Humanitarian standards: 

IRW is a signatory of the Red Cross Code of Conduct,  has NGO status with the UN’s Economic and Social Council and has also signed a Framework Partnership with the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department, and a partnership agreement with UNHCR.

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Associated members:

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