Although Europe largely consists of advanced nations, it’s important to remember these nations are still affected by poverty. One in five Europeans experiences at least one form of poverty, and research shows Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia – four of the five European countries Islamic Relief works in – are among the poorest nations.
Islamic Relief’s first humanitarian response was to the Bosnian war in 1995, where we provided vital emergency aid such as food and water and helped rebuild homes, schools, and places of worship. Now, nearly 30 years later, the Islamic Relief global family continues to deliver life-saving aid across five European countries including Albania, Bosnia, Chechnya, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
A few of our interventions include:
Thanks to you, we’ve been able to accomplish so much. But there’s still so much more to do. By continuing to support our efforts in Europe, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in desperate need.
Islamic Relief started working in Albania in 1991 after war and unrest had effectively isolated Albania and hampered already impoverished living conditions for millions of Albanians.
Islamic Relief began working in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1992 to provide vital emergency assistance to the people during the Bosnian War. Islamic Relief was actually one of the first international, nongovernmental organizations to start delivering aid.
Islamic Relief was one of the first aid agencies to assist Chechens affected by conflict in the mid-’90s and has been working in the Northern Caucasus since 1995. Islamic Relief responded immediately to help refugees—relief teams pitched tents.
Islamic Relief has played a major role in the postwar reconstruction and rehabilitation effort in Kosovo, and has been working in the area since 1999. The Islamic Relief Kosovo office later opened in the capital city of Pristina.
In 2016, upwards of 140,000 asylum seekers arrived in Europe from Syria and Iraq causing a strain on logistics and crisis intervention for the entire region. Just between January and September 2017, one of out every six refugees were children.
Islamic Relief’s long legacy of humanitarian work extends beyond the countries listed above. Here is more information about other countries in Europe that have been positively impacted by the generosity of donors like you.