New collaboration in support of millions globally displaced

Australia for UNHCR and Islamic Relief Australia are joining forces to provide even greater support for refugees and displaced people.

The two organisations will leverage their respective areas of expertise and networks of generous Australian donors, corporates and civil society to raise much-needed funds for UNHCR’s emergency assistance and humanitarian relief programs.

Joint projects and initiatives that acknowledge Islamic charitable giving practices will be identified and developed to raise awareness about the situation and needs of refugees worldwide and connect the Islamic and wider Australian community in support of the 82.4 million people displaced globally.

The number of people forcibly displaced around the world has doubled in the past decade, reaching its highest level on record. 

“Behind each number is a person forced from their home and a story of displacement, dispossession and suffering. They merit our attention and support not just with humanitarian aid, but in finding solutions to their plight,” said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.

We have seen the number of emergencies increase rapidly over the past two decades. The collaboration between Australia for UNHCR and Islamic Relief Australia will help increase support towards UNHCR’s emergency assistance initiatives as well as intensify support towards sustainable projects. Projects designed to build self-reliance of refugees and host communities, empowering refugees and helping them to thrive will be a key priority.

Naomi Steer, National Director of Australia for UNHCR said, “This alignment of organisations in a time of unprecedented global displacement acknowledges the significant impact the Islamic community plays in global humanitarian relief, and we look forward to working with Islamic Relief Australia to reach new supporters of UNHCR’s vital work and help empower refugees to build better futures."

“Since starting the UNHCR Refugee Zakat fund in 2019, we have raised over $90 million dollars for some of our most vulnerable communities. The valuable funds that obligatory giving practices, such as Zakat, provide charities like Australia for UNHCR and Islamic Relief Australia with a continuous and life-altering stream of funds,” she said.

Walid Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Relief, said the two organisations coming together is an important collaboration to support refugees and displaced people around the world.

“Islamic Relief Australia's collaborative partnership with Australia for UNHCR is an important strategic commitment to supporting refugees and displaced people around the world. We believe that this collaboration will enable both charities to enhance their respective humanitarian programs in support of refugees, pursuant of their mission and core values,” Walid said.

Peter Gould, Islamic Philanthropy Ambassador of Australia for UNHCR, is pleased to see the two organisations come together in a collaborative effort.

“It’s a sign of the community maturing into more efficient and cooperative models with better governance and donor peace of mind that maximises support for those who are counting on us,” he said.

Read more about Australia for UNHCR’s Islamic Philanthropy work here.