Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009

Working for change

© Islamic Relief Worldwide 2007

All rights reserved. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,or transmitted in any form, or by any means,electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recordingor otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Published by:

Islamic Relief WorldwideInternational Headquarters19 Rea Street SouthBirminghamB5 6LBUnited Kingdom

T: +44 121 605 5555F: +44 121 622 5003

www.islamic-relief.com

Registered charity number 328158

Front cover: Ibrahim, aged 5, and his family live inMalwalikan, South Sudan. They became internallydisplaced as a result of the conflict in the country.

1 Foreword

2 Introduction

5 Vision, mission and values

8 Organisational aims

11 Responding to emergencies

13 Caring for orphans and children in need

15 Supporting education

17 Providing access to healthcare and water

19 Promoting sustainable livelihoods

21 Campaigning and advocacy on humanitarian issues

22 Where we work

AIM 6

AIM 5

AIM 4

AIM 3

AIM 2

AIM 1

Contents

A field staff member holds a child in Banda Aceh,Indonesia. Since the tsunami in 2004, we have beenworking with the local community to build schools,hospitals and homes, and have helped thousands ofpeople return to work.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 1

In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind.

All human beings have the right to live dignifiedlives. There are two main requirements that canensure this: the existence of sufficient resourcesand the conditions of social justice that allowthese resources to be distributed fairly. Although Allah (Most Exalted and High), the Lord of theUniverse, has provided the former in abundance,peace and social justice have often been lacking.As a result, millions of people around the worlddo not have enough food and water to satisfytheir hunger and thirst.

At Islamic Relief (IR), our humanitarian work isinspired by the saying of the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him):

"The best of people are those who are mostbeneficial to others."

Islamic Relief is striving for a fairer world. Our mission is to help the poor and those in needto live sustainable, self-reliant lives within safeand caring communities. Our work is guided and shaped by the core values of accountability,humanitarianism, neutrality and impartiality,inclusiveness, integrity and co-operation, all of which are also integral to the Islamic faith.

It has been 22 years since we received our firstdonations in response to a famine in Africa. Wehave come a long way since then. From humblebeginnings with a small group of dedicatedvolunteers, we now have partners operating in 34 countries around the world, with more than2,000 employees.

When IR was first set up, it responded to conflictsand natural disasters. As the scope and scale of

our activities increased, we began to address thelong-term requirements of people in need. Westarted tackling the underlying causes of povertyand promoting sustainable development.

Raising awareness of the shared responsibility we all have towards the world and its people has also been crucial to our work, especially as we rely on the generosity of the public to support our activities. More recently, we have beenadding our voice to the growing consensus that we can achieve a better world by changingpolicies on matters of global significance, such as poverty eradication or world debt.

There have also been important social changesover the years that have affected the communitiesthat we work with – for example, the closer ties between countries in Europe, the vastdevelopment of media and communicationstechnology, the rise of a new generation ofMuslims in the West, and an increasingly unstableworld with greater security risks. Each of theseareas needs to be researched in order tounderstand the impact on our societies and how we need to develop to meet the challengesthey present.

This document maps our collective effort as anorganisation to ensure that our work continues to effectively fulfil our wider aims. The strategicdirection provided here is part of an ongoingcommitment to ensure that all of our globaloperations are contributing towards a fairer,kinder world.

Dr Samir Zahir MBBCh, DMSc, DRCOG, DFFP, MBA (Eding)Chair, Board of TrusteesFebruary 2007

Foreword

the poor through our advocacy work, whichincludes informing governments of the needs of poor communities. We have a long tradition of carrying out our work with integrity, honesty and sincerity.

Our aimsResponding to emergenciesThe impact of emergencies is often mostdevastating in poorer communities. To respondeffectively to disasters and to reduce their impactrequires careful planning, as well as considerableresources. We have learnt that the most effectiveplans are those that are developed, managed and supported by the communities we are trying to help, so we aim to involve these local communities in all stages of ourhumanitarian work.

IntroductionThe global family of Islamic Relief works together in a partnership that is unified by a determination to achieve the aims set out in thisstrategy document. These aims are inspired by the Islamic spirit ofhumanitarianism and were compiled by staff around the world, whoall bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our work.

This is the first time we have formalised a globalstrategy for all members of the Islamic Relief (IR)team. Each country and department has set itsown objectives relating to our organisationalaims. This strategy will allow us to improve how we evaluate our performance and measurethe impact of our work. It also represents animportant part of our responsibility to convey our vision to all of our stakeholders. However, as an organisation that regularly responds toemergency situations, we know that we need tobe flexible in terms of adjusting our objectives,and our plans are therefore open to change, if necessary.

People in need are at the core of our mission, and we will respond to their needs even if thereare obstacles or dangers in the way. We willcampaign for changes in policy that will benefit

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 3

Caring for orphans and children in needThe death of a parent is emotionally devastating for any child. In the developing world it is usuallyfathers who are the main wage earners. Widowsare often left vulnerable, and their children canface extreme poverty. Caring for orphanedchildren is our way of giving them a chance in life.We make sure that they are healthy and have aneducation so that they can achieve their dreams.We plan to extend our work to reach allvulnerable children, including those whoseparents are alive.

Supporting education Education is a key tool for bringing long-termdevelopment to poorer communities. However,when resources are limited, education is often the first thing to be sacrificed. We aim to supporteducational opportunities for the disadvantagedby promoting formal and vocational education.

Providing access to health and waterWhere there is poverty, disease is often rife. Weare researching the best ways of responding todevastating diseases such as malaria or HIV, whilealso focusing on prevention work. We conducthealth-awareness training and provide health-care services around the world, with an emphasison caring for mothers and children.

The lack of clean water and adequate sanitationfacilities in many poor communities means theyare susceptible to disease. Parents often have togive their children dirty and contaminated water.This is a choice we are determined no parentshould have to make.

Promoting sustainable livelihoodsWe often meet people with great skills andinitiative in the communities where we work.However, because of their limiting circumstances,these people cannot find a way out of poverty. To help them, we have developed a livelihood-support programme based on Islamic principles of micro-finance, which allows them to learn new skills and achieve self-sufficiency.

Campaigning and advocacy on humanitarian issuesOver the years, we have increased our co-ordination with international NGOs that share a similar vision. We now have a strong workingrelationship with numerous organisations, basedon sincerity, trust and positive results. To alleviateglobal poverty we have to work in partnership.The task is immense but we are determined towork with others to help achieve it.

An important part of our work is to raiseawareness about the people we are trying to help. We do this by listening to our beneficiariesand donors, learning from others, anddisseminating what we have learnt. We havetherefore committed ourselves to the MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs), and the aims of this strategy reflect our contribution to theseessential global targets of supporting those who are most in need.

Help ye one another in righteousness and piety.(Qur'an, 5:2)

Peace be with you.

Haroun Atallah FCA, FRSAChief Executive OfficerFebruary 2007Children in Pakistan gather together to keep warm after

their homes were destroyed by the earthquake in 2005.

Schoolchildren in Mali.

A field staff member helps a young child in Kashmirafter the earthquake in 2005.

s

s

s

And they feed, for the love of Almighty God, the very poor, the orphan, and the captive,(saying),"We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks."(Qur'an, 76: 8–9)

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 5

Inspired by Islamic values, Islamic Relief (IR) will be a global role model in:

n assisting individuals, groups and institutions to develop safe and caring communities.

n helping the poor and those who are suffering to enjoy self-reliance, with dignity.

n making it possible for those who wish to support others to reach people in need of their help.

To achieve this, we will raise funds, build partnerships andcommunicate key messages as we work to:

n mitigate the effect of disasters, prepare for their occurrence and respond by providing relief and rehabilitation.

n promote sustainable development through programmes ineducation, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, andincome generation.

n advocate on behalf of the poor and suffering.n commit ourselves to harnessing our outputs and outcomes

to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

We will carry out these activities regardless of race, colour, political affiliation, gender or belief, and without expectinganything in return.

VisionA caring world where the basic requirements of people in need are fulfilled.

Mission

S. Kumar Nayagam, a Tamil farmer from Karativu,Ampara, has benefited from our work with agriculturalcommunities in Sri Lanka.

s

An internally displaced man from Nyamlell, South Sudan. We have been working in the country since 2003, focusing on post-war recovery, integrated rehabilitation and community development programmes.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 7

Values

The following values guide and shape our policiesand work, and are integral to the Islamic faith.

AccountabilityWe are accountable to:

n our Creator in all that we do.n our supporters for the way we use their

contributions.n our beneficiaries to provide the assistance

they need, when they need it, in anappropriate manner.

n our colleagues to carry out our responsibilitiesto the best of our abilities.

n the governing rules, laws and regulations of authorities.

HumanitarianismWe will provide help as required to the best of our abilities. In doing so we will:

n preserve our beneficiaries' dignity.n communicate courteously with our supporters. n deal with our colleagues with respect.n abide by the laws and customs of the

communities we work with.n ensure that staff are empowered to carry

out their responsibilities.

In being responsive to people in need, we willadapt to changing circumstances. To achieve this, we will:

n constantly develop innovative ways to helppeople in need.

n overcome risks and challenges to reach those

in need, wherever they may be. We will work in dangerous areas, taking all possibleprecautions, and will not be deterred fromcarrying out our work, even when we knowthere is an increased risk to our own safety.

n be responsive to our colleagues to ensure wedeliver help to those who need it, even whenthis will inconvenience us.

Neutrality and impartiality When offering help in conflict areas, we willremain neutral between the warring parties. We will be independent when taking decisions in the best interests of our beneficiaries.

InclusivenessWe will work with others to help the world'sneedy, regardless of race, colour, politicalaffiliation, gender or belief.

IntegrityWe will:

n act with sincerity, honesty and truthfulness.n always conduct our work according to best

practice.n ensure the means we use will be based

on the highest moral values.

Co-operationWe will seek to co-operate and co-ordinate with others to achieve efficiency in our vision of helping people in need.

Values

Responding to emergenciesn To develop our organisational capacity to respond effectively

to emergencies.n To reduce vulnerability via food supply programmes –

for example, our Ramadhan and Qurbani interventions.

Caring for orphans and children in needn To contribute to alleviating child poverty by offering

a comprehensive orphan support and child welfareprogramme, covering education, health, social welfare,sponsorship and shelter.

Supporting educationn To broaden opportunities for children and communities

through improved education.

3

2

1

Organisational aimsWe have devised six key aims on which to focus our efforts in the nextthree years. Each aim includes plans for action, which detail how weintend to accomplish the aim, and key points of evidence of change,which summarise how we will measure our successes and indicate ifwe are making progress.

9

Values

Providing access to healthcare and watern To increase access to appropriate, clean and sustainable water

and sanitation facilities, with a focus on increased knowledge of hygiene practices.

n To improve the health of communities.

Promoting sustainable livelihoodsn To alleviate poverty by increasing the economic, social and

physical capacity of communities to sustain their livelihoods.

Campaigning and advocacy on humanitarian issuesn To work for the poor and needy to ensure that their basic

needs are met by conducting a range of activities, includingpolicy development, awareness-raising, research, lobbying and campaigning.

n To increase awareness of those Islamic values that encourage us to spend less on ourselves and more on the needy.

n To ensure that IR's Islamic humanitarian values are embedded in our work and are promoted to donors and the public.

n To increase awareness of our inclusive approach.

6

5

4

Girls from Ninthavur in Ampara, Sri Lanka, smile as they wait to collectQurbani meat on the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.

Children at the Labuy school in Aceh, Indonesia, enjoy their education again after we rebuilt their tsunami-damaged school.

s

s

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009

Armed conflicts and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and droughtshave caused the death and displacement ofmillions of people. In these emergencies,displaced people are forced to flee theirhomes and are deprived of their rights tofood, health and protection. We try toensure that their basic needs are met, by providing food and materials as soon as possible, and by working with theinternational community to provideessential services.

A Palestinian man carries a Ramadhan food parcel from Islamic Relief. In 2005, we spent two million euros on Ramadhan fooddistribution, providing 900,000 people in 23 countries with a week’s supply of food.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 11

To develop our organisational capacityto respond effectively to emergencies.

We are establishing a disaster-preparednessstrategy and an implementation plan globally so that we can fast-track our emergency response capacity, and develop IR as a leadinghumanitarian agency for disaster response.

Comprehensive training programmes areimproving the technical ability of staff andvolunteers throughout the organisation. In orderto ensure that our network is ready for action at short notice, we are preparing a database ofemergency response personnel, made up of staff and volunteers. We have also devised andimplemented emergency response manuals across IR to make sure that our responses are timely and appropriate.

We are keen to increase our presence at international networks and forums for emergency responses, so that we can help to improve the quality and efficiency ofemergency response work.

Evidence of changen Major emergency responses are initiated on

the ground within 48 hours of an emergency.n Regular early warning and alert systems are

operational across the organisation.n We are an active and visible participant in

international networks.

AIM

To reduce vulnerability via food supplyprogrammes – for example, ourRamadhan and Qurbani interventions.

We are working to reduce vulnerability in areas of the world that are worst affected by povertyand disaster, via food supply programmes such as our Ramadhan and Qurbani campaigns.

Muslims have a religious obligation to feed thepoor, and this requirement is especially importantduring the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan. At this time, Muslims are required to fast duringdaylight hours so that they empathise with thosewho regularly survive without food or water.

Qurbani is an Islamic rite carried out on thefestival of Eid al-Adha. It involves the sacrifice of an animal – traditionally a sheep, goat, cow or camel – by those who can afford it.

We are integrating our Qurbani and Ramadhanfood distribution plan with the ongoingemergency and development programmes, and are reviewing it annually so that we can modifyand improve the operation.

Evidence of changen Qurbani food parcels are efficiently and

effectively targeted and distributed to areas affected by disaster and poverty.

n Food security needs are charted in areas ofconcern where we have offices, and action isco-ordinated with others, such as the WorldFood Programme, to address the problem.

n The most vulnerable people, including widows,orphans and children, receive food securitysupport through our operations.

AIM

Responding to emergencies1

Losing one or both parents is traumatic for any child. In countries where war,famine and HIV/AIDS are a part of everydaylife, millions of children are orphaned andleft to struggle for survival. In the shortterm, our orphan projects provide food,healthcare, clothing and shelter for orphansand their families. We also offer longer-term support by helping orphans accesseducation that will give them a betterchance in life.

Children at an orphanage in Iraq in 2003. We currently sponsor almost 19,000 orphans in 22 countries.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 13

To contribute to alleviating childpoverty by offering a comprehensiveorphan support and child welfareprogramme, covering education,health, social welfare, sponsorshipand shelter.

We are working to ensure that all sponsoredchildren of school age attend a formal or informalsystem of education. We will support thisobjective by providing transport and equipment,and a basic school kit to all sponsored children,which includes a school bag, stationery, booksand, where needed, a uniform.

Evidence of changen All sponsored children of school age are

attending school.n School reports are included in annual progress

reports on each child.

A key priority is to maintain and improve thephysical and mental health of sponsored children.We are providing access to healthcare andmedical treatment. An annual health check willbe available, and classes and counselling will helpto promote nutritional and hygiene awareness.

When they lose a parent or parents, manychildren also lose their homes, or have to live in inadequate accommodation. Ourprogramme provides shelter for orphans andother vulnerable children by repairing andmaintaining existing accommodation so that it is of a habitable standard.

AIM

Evidence of changen A medical report is included in the annual

progress report on each child, which highlightshealth concerns and how these might beaddressed.

n All sponsored children have adequate shelter.

We are extending our sponsorship programme toinclude all children living in vulnerable situations,as well as expanding our existing orphan supportprogramme. By 2009 we aim to help over 30,000children and expand into countries where wehave not previously worked. For example, wehave recently started sponsorship programmes in Ethiopia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Yemen. All staff who work with vulnerablechildren are being given ongoing training, whichcovers child protection issues, and the provisionof appropriate care and activities.

Our fundraising offices are raising the profile ofthe orphan support and child welfare programmewith an increasing number of marketing andfundraising campaigns. Donors and potentialdonors receive an orphans welfare pack, whichexplains how the programme works and how they can get involved.

Evidence of changen 30,000 children are supported through

sponsorship by 2009.n Orphan support and child welfare programme

operations in field offices expand.n All staff who are involved in the orphan

support and child welfare programme havecompleted the relevant training programme.

Caring for orphans and children in need

2

Education provides the key to a betterfuture, helping people to increase theirskills, fulfil their potential and pursue theirgoals. But millions of people across thedeveloping world are denied even a basic education. We aim to provideimpoverished communities with access to education or training, which offers them a way out of poverty. By working directlywith local communities, we ensure that our educational projects are relevantto their needs.

An Islamic Relief adult literacy programme in Bangladesh. The average adult literacy rate is only 41 per cent in Bangladesh,compared to 99 per cent in the UK.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 15

To broaden opportunities for childrenand communities through improvededucation.

We are offering teacher training and curriculumdevelopment to formal and informal educationbodies so as to ensure that the education sectorin the countries we work in is sustainable in thelong term. We will provide technical expertise toministries of education and non-governmentalorganisations (NGOs) working in curriculumdevelopment, and will support the establishmentof non-formal institutions, such as community-based education groups in villages, in order toexpand accessibility to all children. We will alsosupport vocational training and adult education.

Evidence of changen Training curriculums are updated and further

developed to cater for formal and informalteaching needs.

By improving the educational infrastructure andfacilities in the countries we work in, we cansupport child and adult access to education. Weare strengthening parent–teacher associations(PTAs, which act as advocate bodies) by offeringtraining such as negotiation skills, so that they can enhance the quality of education provided – and access to it. We will also collaborate withcommunity-based organisations to provideappropriate staff and materials for class settings,and to ensure minimum safety measures.

AIM

Evidence of change n Advocacy by community-based initiatives and

PTAs increases accessibility to education forschool-age children.

n The standard of class settings improves, whichoffers a more conducive teaching environment.

An important objective is to increase accessibilityto education for children with special needs, and to advocate on their behalf so that they areintegrated into society. We will provide essentialteaching materials for children with special needs,such as information in Braille, as well as cateringfor their practical needs – for example, byproviding prosthetic limbs for children withdisabilities.

Evidence of changen Children with special needs, have access to a

school education, with full support from PTAs.

Supporting education3

In many developing countries, peoplebecome ill and die from preventablediseases and health problems becausethere are not enough healthcare facilities,and access to medical supplies, cleandrinking water and health education ispoor. Around 1.2 billion people do nothave access to clean drinking water, and 40 per cent of the world's population lackbasic sanitation services. We are workingto improve the health and wellbeing ofpoor communities by increasing theiraccess to clean water, sanitation andhealthcare.

A water supply project for Chechen refugees in Yandere, Ingushetia, in 2002. We have been working in the northern Caucasus since1995, providing food, clean water, shelter and medical care.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 17

n To increase access to appropriate, clean and sustainable water and sanitation facilities,with a focus on increased knowledge ofhygiene practices.

n To improve the health of communities.

We are helping vulnerable communities toimprove their potable water sources by installingtube wells, hand-dug wells and water catchmentschemes. We are also building sanitation facilities,conducting sanitation awareness campaigns and carrying out training on sanitation issues with health workers and community healthcommittees.

We are developing and regenerating watermanagement resources, such as check dams,catchment ponds and water channels. Theseenable communities to enhance irrigationcapacity and conserve water more efficiently. We are also promoting water harvesting and drip-irrigation programmes, which increase the efficiency of using harvested water.

By offering food-for-work programmes tovulnerable communities, and by providing them with cash, materials, and medicalequipment and supplies, we can support theregeneration and building of health facilities. We are also helping these communities toimprove preventive and curative health services,such as child immunisation, antenatal andpostnatal care, and therapeutic care.

AIMS

We hope to intensify our efforts to fight thespread and impact of HIV/AIDS. A draft policy has been written to guide our efforts, and this willbe developed following a conference that bringstogether Islamic scholars, HIV/AIDS practitionersand people living with HIV/AIDS.

This partnership will develop approaches – bothfor IR and for governments and other NGOs –that are effective in halting the spread of the virusand related opportunistic infections, and thatreflect Islamic principles.

Evidence of changen There are more trained health workers.n There are more functioning water sources.n The prevalence of water-borne diseases

reduces by 50 per cent. n More health facilities are provided with

medical equipment and supplies. n Child mortality rates decrease.n Maternal healthcare improves.n An HIV/AIDS policy is finalised and

incorporated into our health programmes.

4 Providing access to healthcare and water

Many people are stuck in a poverty trapbecause they do not have the resources to develop their skills and work their wayout of destitution. Income-generationopportunities empower impoverishedpeople to learn new skills, achieve self-sufficiency and improve theirlivelihoods. In collaboration with localpartners, we provide individuals andcommunities with training and small-scale,interest-free business loans, which offerthem dignified and sustainable ways ofmaking a living.

A beneficiary of a carpentry programme in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. We have provided 1,000 survivors of the tsunami with vocational training and business support, which has enabled them to return to work.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 19

To alleviate poverty by increasing the economic, social and physicalcapacity of communities to sustaintheir livelihoods.

We are establishing new lending programmesthat are based on Islamic modes of microfinance,and we are expanding on existing programmes in the wider community. These schemes provideinterest-free credit and training partnerships thatsupport small business enterprise development,vegetable production, food processing,agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries,environmental conservation and housingimprovement.

We are keen to promote local entrepreneurship,cottage industries and co-operatives of micro-finance programmes, by donating funds andoffering advice and training. We are also workingwith local communities to identify and expand onmarket opportunities for their products. In orderto link these communities with their markets, wefund rural infrastructure programmes, which setup irrigation systems, and build roads and bridges.

Cash-for-work and food-for-work projects are key areas of our work that we will continue tosupport. For example, we might pay local peoplewith cash or food essentials, such as sugar, oil ortea, to build dams in famine-stricken areas or toclear debris after an emergency.

We are supporting small-scale farmers and peoplewho produce household agricultural, horticulturaland dairy products – for example, by giving themimproved seeds and hybrid animals. We are alsotraining them in how to manage these activities.

Deforestation is a concern in many countries, aswood has often been the main source of fuel formany communities. We are working to reduce

AIM

Promoting sustainablelivelihoods

5

deforestation by supporting programmes thatoffer alternative sources of fuel, such as usingimproved stoves that consume less wood.

Evidence of changen There are more new or expanded Islamic

microfinance programmes and funds.n More businesses are established and

expanded, and jobs created.n Income and dairy production at household

level – and in agricultural and horticulturaloutput – increases.

n There are more completed rural infrastructureprojects.

Working in partnership, and sharing experiencesand expertise with other organisations, is a crucialaspect of our work. To evaluate the success of ourprogrammes, and to consider how they can beenhanced, we undertake regular assessments andsurveys that monitor the wider effects on poverty,businesses, communities and living standards.

We are promoting the formation of civil societygroups, which enable communities to lead betterlives by identifying community problems,facilitating solutions and driving developmentinitiatives. Working with local partners ingovernment and the private sector, we willidentify opportunities where such groups and co-operatives can develop, and we will support theirgrowth and sustainability by providing trainingand capacity building for members.

Evidence of changen There is sustained sharing of expertise and

learning with other organisations.n More sustainable civil society groups are

identified and supported.

Raising awareness and interest in our work through effective communication is an important backdrop to successfulfundraising, advocacy work andcampaigning. Strong, clear messages that reflect our Islamic values, and which are consistent throughout ouroffices around the world, will help topromote our work and ensure that it isclearly understood by our increasinglydiverse audiences.

Women making cards as part of an arts and crafts sustainable livelihoods project in Dhirkot, Kashmir, 2006. The women sell the cards to make money to support family members who have been affected by the earthquake in the region.

Islamic Relief Strategy 2007–2009 21

n To work for the poor and needy to ensure that their basic needs are met by conducting a range of activities, including policydevelopment, awareness-raising, research,lobbying and campaigning.

We will establish advocacy campaigns on behalfof vulnerable communities and we will promotethese in local, national and international media.We will also continue to play a leading role in clarifying the role of Islam and Muslims insupporting humanitarian work, in the hope thatthis will remove unfair, politically motivatedobstacles facing Muslim humanitarian efforts.This, in turn, will enhance peaceful co-existence between communities.

Evidence of changen There are more regional advocacy campaigns. n Media coverage of issues that affect poor and

needy people's lives improves.

n To increase awareness of those Islamic valuesthat encourage us to spend less on ourselvesand more on the needy.

n To ensure that IR's Islamic humanitarian valuesare embedded in our work and are promotedto donors and the public.

n An international forum is established thataddresses the obstacles facing humanitarianwork.

We work to support the needy in accordance withour Islamic duty of care, and we will encourageothers to look out for those who are particularlyvulnerable in society.

We will capitalise on our distinct approach in using Islamic values as a basis for our work by promoting our uniqueness to donors and

AIMS

AIM

beneficiaries. We want to increase contributionsfrom existing donors and to recruit new donors.

We are producing a code of ethical conduct, toensure that our humanitarian Islamic values remaintransparent and are embedded and integrated intoour programmes. We will also increase awareness of these values and promote them by giving publictalks – for example, in schools and communities,and by running school and community programmes.

Waqf is a form of Sadaqah Jariya (ongoing charity), in which a gift is donated to bring a charitable return.The gift is invested to make a profit, but cannot besold. So if a field is given as a Waqf, the crops can be used and sold by the beneficiary, but the fieldremains intact as the original investment. We will promote Waqf as an important approach toaddressing poverty in a sustainable and effective way.

Evidence of changen There is increased visibility of Islamic values in all

of our communications materials and programmework, leading to clarity about our beliefs andvalues among staff, donors, partners and externalorganisations.

n Waqf donations increase.

n To increase awareness of our inclusive approach.

We work with all communities in need, regardless of race or beliefs. We are keen to raise awarenessthat we work with non-Muslims, and we want tomake IR the organisation of choice for charitablecontributions from the wider community.

Evidence of changen There are more donors from outside the

Muslim community.

AIM

Campaigning and advocacy on humanitarian issues

6

AfghanistanAlbaniaBangladeshBelgiumBosnia-HerzegovinaChinaEgyptEthiopiaFranceGermanyHollandIndiaIndonesiaIraqItalyJordanKenya Kosova

LebanonMalawiMalaysiaMaliMauritiusNigerPakistan and KashmirPalestinian TerritoriesRussian FederationSomaliaSouth AfricaSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandUKUSAYemen

Where we work

www.islamic-relief.comRegistered charity number 328158