Islamic Relief USA, Islamic Development Bank, and UNHCR Collaborate to Address Global Refugee Crisis

ALEXANDRIA, VA –  Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), is proud to announce that it has signed a Donor Contribution Agreement (DCA) with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), a pioneering multilateral financial institution based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the global UN Refugee Agency, to support the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR). The fund is an innovative initiative designed to provide sustainable humanitarian assistance and economic empowerment for refugees and displaced populations around the world.

IRUSA’s $10 million contribution to GIFR marks a major milestone for the unprecedented refugee assistance program, expanding resource mobilization, and underscoring the global urgency in addressing refugee crises. With this contribution, IRUSA becomes the newest member to join the GIFR Steering Committee, which reviews and approves allocation of funding to projects serving forcibly displaced populations and their host communities. The agreement was formalized during the IsDB Group’s Annual Meeting in Algeria, and signed by His Excellency, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank, and Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IRUSA.

The GIFR is a unique, innovative, and Shariah-compliant fund designed to provide sustainable support to refugees and displaced people around the world. Its pilot intervention, the Regional Emergency Response Initiative for Sudanese Refugees, demonstrates its commitment to addressing pressing crises with targeted, impactful programs. IRUSA’s contribution will further bolster funding for programs that enhance access to education, water, sanitation, shelter, and other critical services for those affected by forced displacement.

Ahmed Shehata, CEO of IRUSA, praised IsDB and UNHCR for spearheading the GIFR initiative, stating, “As we continue to witness an unprecedented and alarming rise in refugees

and forcibly displaced persons around the world, humanitarian institutions must devise bold, innovative approaches to solve such complex challenges. The GIFR initiative, which provides a sustainable, steady, and impactful source of funding for these populations, represents exactly that. IRUSA is honored to join and collaborate with IsDB and UNHCR in this incredibly vital program through a $10 million USD contribution, the proceeds of which will go towards comprehensive humanitarian programming to some of the 51 million forcibly displaced persons around the world.”

H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank, welcomed the collaboration with IRUSA, stating, “This significant contribution by Islamic Relief USA reinforces our collective resolve to meet the growing needs of refugees and forcibly displaced individuals, particularly within IsDB member countries. The GIFR, with its innovative Shariah-compliant framework, is a vital tool for ensuring steady support, channeling funds into programs and interventions aimed at uplifting the lives of those most severely impacted by conflict and forced displacement.”

About the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR)

Launched in 2022 by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the GIFR represents a first-of-its-kind Shariah-compliant financing mechanism to support programs serving the refugees and host communities in IsDB member countries. It comprises of Waqf and Non-Waqf modalities, enabling contributions from a wide range of donors and benefactors. Contributions are invested according to Islamic Finance principles and Shariah guidelines, with proceeds used to support critical humanitarian efforts for refugees, including access to education, water, sanitation, and shelter.

About Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA)

Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), based in Alexandria, VA, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. IRUSA’s mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.

IRUSA is on the US 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.

About the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

Rated AAA by the major rating agencies of the world, the Islamic Development Bank is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South that has been working for 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57 Member Countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly 1 in 5 of the world population. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place and enabling them to fulfil their potential.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee because of conflict, violence or persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Our vision is a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future. Since its establishment by the UN General Assembly in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War, UNHCR has been providing life-saving assistance, safeguarding fundamental rights, and helping build better futures for refugees, displaced communities and stateless people. Today, UNHCR works in 136 countries delivering protection and support to millions each year, helping them find safety, stability and hope.

MEDIA CONTACT

Syed M. Hassan

[email protected]

(571) 421-7032

XXX

Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, VA, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.

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.