MEXICO CITY – Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a nonprofit humanitarian and advocacy organization, and UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency announced a partnership to mobilize USD$1 million in an effort to strengthen the protection and integration of asylum seekers, refugees, and internally displaced persons in Mexico at a time of global pressure on humanitarian funding. The commitment was announced during IRUSA’s recent mission visit to Mexico, where the delegation saw the needs and impact firsthand.
“Mexico is a key country that is hosting displaced people and modeling the positive impact of critical integration initiatives. We have been impressed by the work that UNHCR is leading for refugees on the ground and decided to support this work through this $1M grant to ensure that refugees are well protected in the country and have hopeful futures,” shared Ahmed Shehata, CEO of IRUSA.
This initiative will work to develop opportunities for refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people (IDPs) inside Mexico. The partnership will go towards improving the infrastructure of the recently inaugurated Multi-Service Center in Tapachula, a space that brings together the services of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) and UNHCR, as well as other partners. Additionally, IRUSA’s support will boost opportunities for humanitarian assistance and long-term integration opportunities in Mexico City.
“This contribution comes at a crucial moment to ensure continuity in the efforts to protect those who flee; we hope it serves as an example for other international organizations on how to respond with commitment, empathy, and responsibility,” said Giovanni Lepri, UNHCR Representative in Mexico.
“As a strategic partner to USA for UNHCR, Islamic Relief USA’s expanded support will help refugees in Mexico build secure, dignified lives and contribute to their new communities,” remarked Suzanne Ehlers, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR.
This announcement comes at a challenging time for international humanitarian response, as funding cuts threaten to limit essential programs that protect and integrate those forced to flee their homes. IRUSA’s contribution will help sustain and expand key services in Mexico, a country with the highest number of asylum applications in recent years.
The partnership between IRUSA and UNHCR has been built over years of collaboration and has proven to be a strategic model of cooperation and leadership in providing support during humanitarian crises.
The visit of Ahmed Shehata, CEO of IRUSA, to Mexico is significant, as it is his first since being appointed as an Eminent Advocate, a global recognition by UNHCR that highlights his key role as a fundamental ally in mobilizing support and offering solutions to uphold the rights of refugees.
UNHCR expresses its sincere appreciation to IRUSA for this generous contribution, which will have a direct impact on the lives of thousands of displaced people, enhancing their protection and opening greater opportunities for integration within the communities that host them.
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Syed M. Hassan
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About USA for UNHCR
USA for UNHCR protects and supports refugees by mobilizing resources, elevating awareness, and driving action through a network of engaged supporters. Established by concerned American citizens, USA for UNHCR is a non-profit organization that strives to meet the unmet needs of the more than 122 million children, women and men who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence or persecution. As the only organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds in the U.S. for the UN Refugee Agency, USA for UNHCR has raised more than $700 million in cash and gift-in-kind revenue to help refugees in the past five years.
About UNHCR
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is the United Nations body mandated to protect and assist people forced to flee their countries due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations. Established in 1950, UNHCR has helped more than 100 million people worldwide, working in over 130 countries to ensure access to asylum, international protection, and durable solutions such as local integration. In Mexico, UNHCR works with authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector to strengthen the asylum system, improve the protection of refugees, and support their effective integration into host communities through access to employment, education, and basic services.
For more information, please contact:
UNHCR Mexico
Silvia Garduño – Public Information Officer
Phone: +52 55 2848 7440