(Washington, D.C., 5/10/11) Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) announced today its plans to implement two additional projects to aid Libyan families at the Tunisian-Libyan border crossing of Dehiba. As violence in Libya continues to take its toll on the civilian population, 40,000 Libyan refugees from western towns have fled into neighboring Dehiba in Tunisia with very little to sustain them.
With a budget of $400,000, IRUSA’s Tataouine project will distribute 10,000 food kits, 1,250 baby food kits, 1,250 non-food items such as diapers, 750 blankets, 750 mattresses and 2,500 hygiene kits to Libyan beneficiaries. The majority of Libyans taking refuge in this area are being hosted by Tunisian families, with many households supporting 3-4 Libyan families. Islamic Relief, UNHCR, WFP and local NGO’s have formed an agreement allowing Islamic Relief to undertake responsibility for food and non-food item distribution to Tataouine region, supporting a total of 10,000 Libyan refugees.
Returning from a recent trip to Dehiba, IRUSA’S VP of Programs Adnan Ansari asserted, “the situation in Tunisia, including Ramada Camp and Tataouine, demands further support, and we expect the needs to increase as more civilians flee the violence. It is imperative upon the relief community to provide sustainable support to meet these needs.”
With a budget of $300,000, IRUSA’s Ramada Project will provide WASH (Water and Sanitation Hygiene) and child protection activities to the 2,000 inhabitants of the Ramada refugee camp. Islamic Relief staff will maintain and organize the camp in coordination with UNHCR and ensure the maintenance and safety of 50 latrines and WASH facilities. The child protection provision of the project will conduct child tracing and family reunification and provide safe sites for children to play, learn and socialize. The project will also implement initiatives to prevent violence against children and provide psychological support to those experiencing stress-related disorders.
Islamic Relief USA 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Asma Yousef
Public Relations Representative
(703) 582-5880
ayousef@irusa.org