(Washington, D.C., 7/25/2012) Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), the leading humanitarian Muslim organization in the United States, will host a Capitol Hill briefing July 31 titled “Syria in Crisis: Refugees and the Challenges of the Humanitarian Responses.” The event is intended to shed light on the ongoing plight of refugees who have fled the escalating violence in Syria.
The crisis in Syria has escalated dramatically since it began 16 months ago and has resulted in the displacement of an estimated 1 million Syrians. While the majority of Syrians are internallay dispalced within Syria, more than 114,000 have registered as refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq, and many others displaced outside their home country are fearful of formally registering as refugees. As the violence and death toll continue to rise in Syria, the Syrian people remain displaced, and unable to return to their homes.
What: “Syria in Crisis: Refugees & the Challenges of the Humanitarian Responses”
When: Tuesday, July 31, noon-1:00 PM
Where: B354 Rayburn House Office Building, U.S. House of Representatives
Welcoming Remarks by Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA)
Speakers:
CEO of Islamic Relief USA
Michael Kocher, Vice President of International Rescue Committee
Michel Gabaudan, President of Refugees International
Dr. Zaher Sahloul, President of Syrian American Medical Society
“It’s never been more important than now for humanitarian organizations to start serious discussions on how to address the needs of Syrian refugees,” said CEO of IRUSA. “I look forward to engaging with partner organization about suggesting nuanced, informed and balanced approaches.”
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. In 2011, Islamic Relief USA programs benefited more than 5 million people in 34 countries, including the United States.
In addition to its 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Asma Yousef
Media Representative
(703) 370-7202
ayousef@irusa.org