HE issue 2

DIHAD Aid and

development event in Dubai

President of Malawi Joyce Banda on maternal health

Issue 2, April 2013

HUMANITARIAN EUROPE

Mosques contributing to humanitarian development

Crisis in Syria Al-Khair

An innovative foundation

Price: UK £2.95 US $ 5.00

“Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind” John F Kennedy

AL-KHAIR FOUNDATION Since its creation in 2003 Al Khair Foundation has become one of the most progressive and pioneering of all UK based charities. The Foundation works in the international arena of disaster relief and its innovative aid delivery model comprise Rescue, Recovery, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

• • • • • • • • •

OUR CURRENT PROJECTS INCLUDE

African Clean Water Deep Borehole £100,000 - Donate a £1,000 Share Pakistan Housing Project for Homeless - 1 Bed £1,500, 2 Bed £2,500 Pakistan Masjids Projects - Masjid £5,000, Jamia Masjid £12,000 Water Purification Plants - Serving up to ten thousand people - £4,000 Mobile Water Filtration Trucks - Cost £15,000 Free Treatment Medical & Eye Clinics - Cost £1,500 Doctors Clinic & Dispensary - Set up £2,000, Monthly Running £1,500 Free Wheelchair Project For Disabled - Two Wheeled £50, Three Wheeled £75 One Month Food Pack For Poor - £50 per Pack

“I would like to thank you for your support which has allowedAl-Khair Foundation to deliver much needed aid to victims of disasters worldwide.

Our projects to reconstruct mosques which have been destroyed is allowing for the religious needs of victims, fromHaiti to the Sub continent, to also be addressed. Please continue to support us and remember us in your duaas as indeed we remember you in ours.”

Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad CEOAl-Khair Foundation

TO DONATE OR FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL 020 7084 7199 OR VISIT: www.alkhair.org TO DONATE ONLINE

BY POST: Al-Khair Foundation 109-119 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon CR0 6BE. BANK DETAILS: HSBC Bank • A/C Name: Al-Khair • A/C No: 41424394 • Sort Code: 40-44-15

CONTENT

Contents 38 I In the spot light

42 I Dubai Cares

25 I ARTISTE IN AID

6I

22 I ADIHAD Platform promoting humanitarian ideas

38 I In the Spot Light

25 I Artiste in Aid

40 I

from pop star to international fundraiser

Established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Humanitarian news

by Lindsay Coates - Executive Vice President of InterAction

and values

8I 9I

Facts on Education one of the millennium development goals is universal primary education

IF Campaign aimed to change the future of millions who suffer hunger

13 I An Innovative Foundation

Al Khair making a difference to people’s lives

by Shabana Syed

28 I Fragile States

by Irfan Rajput - Director of Programme & Policy at Muslim Charity UK

30 I President of Malawi

Joyce Banda on family planning and how contraceptives can save lives

Mosques - Contributing to international development projects

by Mariam Adams

42 I Dubai Cares

a philanthropic organisation

44 I Acid victim to activist Hasina’s courageous journey

18 I From Poverty to Power

32 I Syria Crisis

46 I Tips to get funding

20 I The Forgotten Response

Tracking Funding Trends 34 I by Laura Jump - Senior Engagement and

48 I UK Financial regulations on

Q&A with author Duncan Green - Oxfam’s Senior Strategic Adviser

by Fatima Zahra Khanum - Operational co ordinator of International HIV Fund

by Saleh Saeed - Chief executive of DEC

Advocacy Adviser at Development Initiatives

36 I Financial Aid to Syria

by Martin Shaw - a partner with fundraising and management consultancy Midas Charity Appeals

Muslim NGOs

by Saif Ullah - Policy and Research Officer for the Muslim Charities Forum

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EDITORIAL

Editorial The first issue of Humanitarian Europe had a positive response, launched at a time when the dynamics of charity sector is changing with faith based nongovernmental organisations playing an active role in the field of international humanitarian work. The ten most prominent Muslim NGOs alone generate an income of ÂŁ167 million.

Sabooh Uddin Publisher & CEO Humanitarian.eu

Their operational credibility affirmed by the fact they have successfully operated in high risk conflict zones where mainstream groups have been allowed limited access. Their success in conflict zones like Syria, Libya, Gaza, Afghanistan and Somalia has enabled them to be in a position of partnering, accompanying and in many cases working alone taking essential aid to victims of disasters.

These charities have evolved into fully operational organisations, they don’t only supply aid but rather are involved in long term regeneration and development projects building hospitals, water facilities, schools and housing complexes.

The aid sector has also seen structural changes spearheaded by Dr Hany Al Banna founder of Muslim Charities Forum under whose umbrella many charity groups gather, liaise and share information which not only increases their effectiveness but also ensures that the Millennium Development Goals are achieved by 2015.

Charity groups have to be extra vigilant organised and effective, we are living in turmoilic times; for example the situation is Syria is critical, according to UN estimates over 1 million people are displaced living in awful conditions.

There is further displacement in Mali, accompanied by food shortages and malnutrition in many parts Africa. A lot of essential work needs to be accomplished by these newly emerged ngo charity sector and you can be assured that Humanitarian Europe will be highlighting their work and also the work of other major organisations that have been operating effectively for many years.

Sabooh Uddin

Issue 2, April 2013

HUMANITARIAN EUROPE

3rd Floor, 5 Watling Gate 297 - 303 Edgware Road London, NW9 6NB, United Kingdom T: +44(0) 208 358 2298 E: info@humanitarian.eu W: www.humanitarian.eu

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Publisher & CEO: Sabooh Uddin Managing Director: Sumera Shahid Editor: Mariam Adam Sales & Marketing Director: Abdullah Khan Art Editor and Designer: Mohammad Reazul Islam Photographers: Fahad Bhatti, Abuzar Khan, Asif Majeed, Fawad Zafar

Reporters: Mathew Dale, Sandra Bullac, Subrina Huda, Siyam Islam Research Team: Lauren Gill, Sidra Shahid Khan Production Manager: Mohamad Gazali Accounts Manager: Salman Mohideen, Aysha Aftab Marketing Manager: Ronald Mark Sales: Jane Chowdhury, Jack Harris, Sohail Chowdhury Contributors: Martin Shaw, Saif Ullah, Saleh Saeed, Laura Jump, Lindsay Coates, Shabana Syed, Irfan Rajput, Fatema Zahara Khannum

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To donate online please visit www.ehsaastrust.org or by calling UK/EU: +44 (0)203 617 7786 USA: 1 855 617 7786 A member of: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Ehsaas Trust, PO Box 1054, London HA0 9HJ United Kingdom Fax: +44 (0)208 838 6122 • Email: info@ehsaastrust.org • Charity Registration No: 1144950 USA - Ehsaas Foundation, 76 North Broadway, Suite 3012, Hicksville, NY 11801 USA Tax ID No. TF-3026138

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NEWS

Syria’s children tortured shot at and raped

Over the next two years, USAID will provide $15 million for the construction and rehabilitation of seven Faculties of Education buildings across Pakistan.

Uganda’s abortion laws. A 2012 Technical Guide to Understanding the Legal and Policy

The United States reinforced its long-term commitment to advancing education in Pakistan by building a new, $1.5 million Faculty of Education building at Hazara University in Mansehra. Pakistan’s government has allocated only 2.3 per cent of the budget for education which is 0.3 per cent less than in 1999.

According to a recent report by Save the Children Syrian children have been shot at, tortured and raped during the two years of unrest and civil war.

Two million children, it said, face malnutrition, disease and severe trauma, becoming innocent victims of a bloody conflict that has already claimed 70,000 lives. The Save the Children report cited new research carried out among refugee children by Bahcesehir University in Turkey which found that one in three reported having been punched, kicked or shot at.

It said two thirds of children surveyed said that they had been separated from members of their families due to the conflict and a third said they had experienced the death of a close friend or family member.

Millions have fled their homes for safer ground or neighbouring countries. Save the Children says 80,000 people are living in barns, parks and caves and children struggle to find enough to eat. The charity has called for safe access to humanitarian agencies, including “access across the lines of the conflict”, and for Damascus to ease bureaucratic restraints.

The United Nations needs donors to honour their pledges as despite pledges of $1.5 billion by international donors for a response plan to help Syria’s displaced, only 25 per cent has been funded.

Kerry promotes girls’ education in Pakistan Senator John Kerry has said that he wanted to work for the promotion of girls education in Pakistan. He was speaking at a ceremony following his oath taking as the 68th Secretary of State of the United States, and succeeded Hilary Clinton, who completed her tenure last month.

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Framework on Termination of Pregnancy in Uganda, by the US-based Centre for Reproductive Rights, found the country’s abortion laws to be “inconsistent, unclear and often contradictory”.

Nine per cent of government spending is on education, placing Pakistan 113th amongst 120 countries on the education development index.

On the other hand, countries like India spends 4.1 percent of GDP, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka spend even more on education. According to one recent report Pakistan lags behind even Nepal when it comes to female education.

The high cost of unsafe abortion in Uganda Boosting women’s access to reproductive healthcare could significantly reduce both the number of unsafe abortions and the high cost of post-abortion medical care in Uganda, experts say.

Although there are few studies on the subject, experts estimate that some 297,000 abortions are performed annually, with 85,000 women treated for complications.

“Post-abortion care is estimated to cost nearly US$14 million annually in Uganda... The epidemic of unsafe abortion takes a tragic toll on women and their families.

It poses a significant, avoidable economic burden on Uganda’s already underfinanced health system,” Moses Mulumba, director of the Kampala-based Centre for Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) said.

A major problem is poor understanding of

According to the experts one of the key reasons for the high number of abortions is unplanned pregnancy and closing the gap in access to contraceptives would save thousands of lives, promote economic development and advance the rights of women, especially in rural areas amongst young women, and those with less formal education.

Peter Ibembe, director of programmes at Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) said: “Women and men need appropriate counselling so they understand the facts about modern contraception and government should actively promote the use of contraceptives by women and men in Uganda rather than sending conflicting messages about family planning,”.

IDPs conditions worsen in Jalalabad A key challenge for the Afghan government and aid agencies is how to help the country’s huge population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) reintegrate in their home communities and if possible settle where they are.

NEWS

Conflict-induced internally displaced persons in Afghanistan number more than 460,000, and thousands of others have fled their homes because of natural disasters.

A report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) suggests that three-quarters of IDPs want to settle where they are now.

In a context of widening conflict in the last 12 months between anti-government fighters, like the Taliban, and government forces backed by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), displacement is a growing problem.

Despite nearly four decades of conflict, around a third of registered IDPs are recent - displaced in the last 12 months, according to the 2013 Common Humanitarian Action Plan.

Meanwhile, many analysts predict the withdrawal of international forces over the next two years is likely to increase conflict, something that risks creating further displacement and could further hamper a quick return home for IDPs. Many argue that it is a good time to get the policies in place to facilitate integration and change the discourse on internal displacement because the numbers will only increase in the coming years.

There are generally considered to be three options for IDPs: return, resettlement or integration.

Africa’s sanitation causing a death toll

At current rate the millennium development goal of halving the number of people living with dangerously poor sanitation by 2015 will not be met in Africa until the middle of the next century. According to WaterAid’s report funding for sanitation services is falling well short of the commitment made by governments. Wateraid is urging donors to double the amount of aid given and by doing so will help African economies to progress and save money in health and education.

Qatar’s Sheikh opens Doha Village

IDPs in Mogadishu live in difficult conditions under threat of extortion and eviction, and in reaction to the relocation plan, IDPs expressed concerns about security and the availability of basic services.

The other main concern is the distance of the proposed relocation sites from livelihood opportunities.

The Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF) opened a new construction called Doha Village which is a housing complex for 200 families who lost their homes after the floods that swept the country in 2010.

The project involved 200 residential homes, a mosque, a school, a health unit and shops, which will be distributed to eligible needy families whose homes were washed away. RAF with the assistance of UK based charity Help the Needy built the project in the area of Tehsilsadiq Abad in the district of Rahim Yar Khan. The project was facilitated on the ground by UK based Muslim Charity.

Somali government to relocate IDPs Poor sanitation is causing thousands of deaths a year in Africa where 600 million people about 70% of the population do not have a safe toilet according to the NGO WaterAid. The number is up 210 million from 1990 largely because the continent’s population has increased and more people have moved to urban slums where there has been no real increase in the development of the sanitation sector.

estimated 369,000 IDPs or people living like IDPs in Mogadishu. Of these, about 270,000 could be relocated to three camps on the outskirts of the capital, helping to decongest the city.

The Somali government plans to relocate thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Mogadishu to camps on the outskirts of the city, but there are concerns over inadequate government capacity as well as security and access to services in the proposed relocation areas.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA there are an

Security concerns have also fuelled Somali refugee repatriation calls in Kenya. On 20 August 2012, the mandate of Somalia’s transitional government ended, paving way for the first parliamentary elections in two decades.

The successful election led to growing optimism about the future of Somalia, prompting thousands of people to return to Mogadishu.

Some refugees are also returning from the Dadaab refugee complex in northeastern Kenya, which is home to close to half a million refugees.

The returns have been, in part, driven by growing pressure by the Kenyan government on Somali refugees to return to Somalia. According to a report by the Heritage Institute for Policy studies titled Hasty Repatriation: Kenya’s attempt to send Somali refugees home “Almost 20,000 Somali refugees have voluntarily left Kenya since repatriation calls started.”

Also the report states the Somali government is not prepared to accommodate the almost 600,000 Somali refugees living mainly in Kenya and Ethiopia. Still, “the Somali government is devising an ambitious plan to establish large camps inside Somalia, near the Kenyan border.

It hopes to move hundreds of thousands of refugees to the new camps before the end of 2013. Not only is the implementation of this plan unrealistic, but it could also expose vulnerable refugees to dangerous conditions.”

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NEWS

FACTS ON EDUCATION

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ducation is key to development, it gives people life skill, builds selfesteem, social skills and also helps them to know how to avoid illnesses and stay healthy. Since 1999 great progress has been achieved in the field of education. UNESCO has found that: g

Number of children enrolled in primary schools worldwide rose by more than 40 million between 1999 and 2007

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Net primary enrolment in sub-Saharan Africa rose from 58% to 74% over the same period

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International aid commitments to basic education almost doubled from $2.1 billion in 2002 to $4.1 billion in 2007

However, despite all these important achievements, the world is currently not on course to achieve its target of universal primary education (UPE) by 2015. g

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Currently, 56 million children could still be out of school in 2015 and girls will still lag behind boys in school enrolment and attendance.

Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected as over a quarter of its children of primary school ages were out of school in 2007.

Somalia has one of the world’s lowest enrolment rates for primary school-aged children and is on track to having one of the highest proportions of disenfranchised youth.

Western governments around the world agreed to ensuring universal primary education almost twenty years ago but still 80 million children are out of school.

Girls are more likely to be out of school than boys. For every 100 boys out of

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school, there are 117 girls, in some countries as many as 46% of girls are not in school. g

Young people who finish primary school are less than half more likely to contract hiv/Aids than those who do not.

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There are 872 million adults in the world who cannot read.

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Children in emergency situations find it difficult to complete their schooling because education is often a lower priority than health care, sanitation, and nutrition.

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128 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in work that is considered hazardous.

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Life expectancy rises by 6 years for each three percent increase in literacy.

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Each child has a 50% increase in survival rate if his or her mother is literate.

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Constant and rapid economic growth of a country requires at least 40% of its adult population to be literate.

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The economy of a country grows by 3% each time the amount of educated women rises by 10%.

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The income of an adult with a primary education is twice that of someone who is uneducated.

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The total cost for the establishment of universal primary education corresponds to only 1% of the world budget for weapons.

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Universal primary education would ensure the reduction of world poverty by 12%, as well as the spread of peace and democracy.

REPORT

IF

Campaign The world produces food for everyone though not everyone has enough food the IF campaign is aimed to change that

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nough Food for Everyone IF is the biggest campaign of its kind since Make Poverty History in 2005. It has a simple message ‘that it’s a scandal that one in eight people still go to bed hungry every night, and yet there should be enough food for everyone if governments keep their promises on aid and clamp down on tax avoidance by big business in poor countries.’

According to the organisers of the IF Campaign this year many of the world’s most powerful leaders will meet in the UK and they have the capability to change the future for millions of people, but that will only happen IF we get together and make them act.

The IF campaign targets issues like Aid, Land, Tax and transparency:

Aid - The UK government must keep its promise to spend 0.7% of our national income on aid from 2013.

Land - Giant corporations are grabbing large areas of farmland from the poorest people – who need it to grow food for their families – and using it to grow crops to fuel cars. Leaders of the richest countries must push for these ‘land grabs’ to end. IF we end the use of food for fuel, Humanitarian.eu

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ARTICLE REPORT

we can stop millions of people going hungry.

Tax – For example farmers from El Salvador, who are the poorest are charged the highest taxes, and nearly 25% of farming families suffer from malnutrition. Yet big companies can actually avoid paying the taxes they owe in developing countries. This money could be helping millions of people escape from hunger.

The UK government must act to close the loopholes that allow these companies to get away with not paying what they owe.

Transparency - Many governments and big companies keep secrets. They’d rather we didn’t know that the deals they make help keep the world’s poorest citizens in a cycle of hunger.

It’s time for them to be held to account. The Campaign demands stronger laws that force governments and corporations to be open and honest in all their actions relating to the food system, and ensure that resources are used to help poor people.

Over 100 member organisations have signed up to the campaign so far, representing a significant number of UK NGO’s working on global food and hunger issues as well as many faith communities and diaspora networks.

Martin Shaw Midas Charity Appeals L.L.P “The IF campaign seems a good initiative and it is encouraging to see NGO’s working together but it will have little or no impact if the general public do not get to hear of it. At the moment it is like the best kept secret of those involved and unless it can have the impact of past campaigns such as the NSPCC Full Stop Campaign or even Comic Relief it will make little difference on the ground.”

Bakhtyar Pirzada Vice Chairman- Muslim Charity “The IF campaign has highlighted something which we all know, that the world produces enough food to feed everyone yet inequalities and corporate interests has resulted in half the world going hungry. This campaign needs corporation from all sectors of the society, Humanitarian.eu

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David Harewood- British actor supports IF campaign “Hunger is the greatest scandal of our age. Hunger kills more people than aids tuberculosis ans malaria combined.

Two million children die each year from malnutrition. The world’s food system is broken. The world produces food for everyone. Not everyone has enough food.

This year 2013 the world’s most powerful people will meet here in the UK. They could

change the future of millions of people with the struggle of day to day hunger. But only if we get them to do it. That is why I am part of the IF campaign to make sure that everyone has enough food to live on and I would like you to sign up on www. enoughfoodif.org and together we can make 2013 the beginning of the end for global hunger. Together we can make it happen. “

especially the humanitarian organisations to work together and pressure world leaders, big business and corporate interests to change their methods and incorporate a more just form of practices and end global hunger.”

We can be the generation who initiate the beginning of the end of global hunger – we just need to believe strongly enough that we have the ability to affect this change.”

Sadia Sajid Campaigns Manager- MADE in Europe “The IF campaign symbolises a very important step in the fight against global hunger.

Almost 150 organisations have come together to collectively tackle some of the key causes of hunger in the world to expose the structural flaws in our global systems as the things that keep countries and people in poverty; things that can be avoided.

We can build a UK wide movement which calls for change and turn up the pressure on the world leaders who possess the power to action these changes to bring about a fairer world in which nobody goes to bed hungry.

Salman Iqbal Founder & CEO- ARY Digital TV Network “We at ARY fully support the IF campaign, our charitable wing Ehsaas Trust are doing exactly that feeding the hungry. So we urge the community to support the notion and campaign for feeding the hungry so that no one sleeps hungry in the world.”

Jewish Social Action Forum “Judaism urges us to work for a fairer and more sustainable world. Our values only have meaning IF we can act on them.”

REPORT

David Cameron Prime Minister of Britain “Nearly a billion people around the world do not get enough food. And under nutrition holds back the growth and development of millions of children.

This is simply not acceptable in 2013.

That’s why I welcome the NGO campaign on food. I know that this is an issue which people up and down the country feel strongly about and will be campaigning on this year. I’m determined that this Coalition Government will listen to their passion and lead the world.” David Cameron Prime Minister of Britain”

This is simply not acceptable in 2013 UNICEF “We believe no child should die from hunger with your help every child could have the food they need to live and grow.”

Al Khair “Al Khair believes that IF we work together we can collectively eradicate poverty. Let 2013 be the start of the end.”

Muslim Charity Help the Needy UK “We believe IF everyone Cares and Shares Hunger will be a history. We work to empower communities through education, food security and a maternal health programme.”

Mo Farah Foundation “World Hunger is an unnecessary evil we must try to end through a unified voice.”

Justine Greening International Development Secretary At the Parliamentary launch of the IF campaign the minister said that over 870 million people do not have enough food to eat and over 2 million children die every year from malnutrition. She also pointed out that groups may differ on what they think the solutions are but by working together with governments, the private sector, and civil society around the

world, we can take the steps to eradicate hunger.

She emphasised that will take important steps and “intends to go beyond this in our efforts to reduce global hunger.

Not only will we be the first G8 country to meet our commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on development, but we will take forward three broader, potentially transformative actions.”

The battle to end hunger is central to the UK agenda in 2013 and beyond. With the help and momentum generated by the IF Campaign being launched today, we have a real chance to make this possible

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

An Innovative Foundation making a difference for those suffering poverty and displacement

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l-Khair Foundation’s aid delivery footprint is amongst the largest of any international relief organisation spanning the globe from Japan through to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe the Caribbean to South America.

The Foundation’s modus operandi is Rescue, Recovery, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. Their unique attribute is the speed at which the Foundation can mobilise and direct relevant resources to alleviate hardship in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Its ability to convert donations into frontline life saving measures sets it apart from other charities. This effectiveness has been acknowledged by affected national

governments and recognised by the UN which has courted Al-Khair Foundation to partnering with them and delivering aid within their jurisdictions.

Following the Haiti earthquake of 2010, Al-Khair Foundation was on the ground delivering water, food, medication and sheltered housing packs within 48 hours of the disaster. So effective was the aid delivery that the United Nations partnered Al-Khair Foundation in the relief efforts in Haiti. The Foundation also supplied aid

into Chile following the 2010 earthquake, and when the 2011 Japanese earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck with huge loss of life and devastation, Al-Khair Foundation was one of the few charities and the only Muslim charity allowed unrestricted access to provide aid and trauma counselling to affected victims.

2013 is a special year as it marks the 10th anniversary of Al-Khair Foundation, which started as the vision of one man, Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad.

His charitable credentials were established as he initiated steps for Imams to visit Muslim prisoners and also set up small informal classes in his home for children expelled from school. This sowed the seeds

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FEATURE

for the establishment of Al-Khair Primary & Secondary School and the creation of AlKhair Foundation.

The opening of a school with five pupils, has grown to become one of the leading

launched its landmark Let’s Rebuild Pakistan programme. This was a comprehensive programme to restore dignity back to the victims of the affected regions through a wide-ranging series of large projects to

So effective was its aid delivery that the United Nations partnered Al-Khair Foundation in the relief efforts in Haiti international aid agencies in the world operating in the areas of education, media and relief aid.

With Head Offices in Croydon and branch offices in Glasgow, Sheffield, Bolton and Birmingham in the UK, the Foundation has also established national offices in Pakistan, Kenya and Somaliland.

Aid The Charity is known worldwide for its fast response and implementation of aid initiatives that are aimed to promote community development.

Following the 2010 earthquakes and 2011 floods in Pakistan, Al-Khair Foundation Humanitarian.eu

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provide and improve upon medication, sanitation, clean water, housing, education and employment. In parallel with this, a programme to reconstruct flood-damaged

mosques and make them into functioning local community hubs was initiated.

All victims are vulnerable but the most at risk and who were given priority by the Foundation were the orphans, widows, elderly and the disabled.

Housing reconstruction was adapted in places to suit the disabled and the distribution of over 5000 wheelchairs provided mobility for the first time to housebound victims.

Mosque Reconstruction Over 300 mosques have been completed and the Foundation’s target is to construct 1700 as a first step towards nurturing and revitalising the local communities

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recovering from natural disasters.

Housing Reconstruction Over 1000 houses have been completed to date. These are mainly in the flood affected regions and have been reconstructed to

provided ambulances to transport patients to the main centres for specialist treatment.

In some case, where the victim has no recourse to any help, the Foundation steps in and funds treatment abroad. In one instance, specialist stem cell therapy was administered in China to a patient from Karachi.

To combat high levels of maternal mortality a project entitled ‘Their Dignity, Our Pride’ was launched to fulfil the most basic right of a woman, namely to have a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

stringent standards which mean that they are less likely to be destroyed in the event of future floods. In some instances, complete villages have been constructed to house whole communities.

Medical Projects Clinics, build, funded, staffed and supplied by the Foundation, provided free medical consultations and dispense free medication.

Where a serious condition cannot be treated successfully locally, the Foundation has

The Foundation’s Maternal Mortality Programme aims to educate, facilitate and medicate to increase survival rates through the provision of mobile camps, maternity and childbirth centres, and mobile healthcare units.

Acid attack victims are also fully supported with reconstructive surgery and financial support in order that they may rebuild their lives and rehabilitate themselves back into the norms of society.

Employment Projects The Musa Project was launched to construct Musallas (prayer mats) for sale to mosques

and for use in Al-Khair Foundation sponsored mosques in Pakistan. Factories are established in areas of economic

deprivation in an effort to provide the families’ breadwinners with employment to stop a culture of dependency taking root.

Special empowerment initiatives have also been launched such as providing women with sewing machines with an aim to create a degree of independence for impoverished communities.

Water Projects Clean water is a prerequisite to any improvement in the region. Nearly 2000 water hand-pumps and 6 substantial water filtration plants have been constructed providing water for the first time to countless thousands. A comprehensive management programme ensures that Humanitarian.eu

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FEATURE

became evident, Al-Khair Foundation immediately allocated substantial funds to alleviate the situation. To ensure speed of aid delivery the Foundation decided to partner the Malaysian Red Crescent to ensure speedy delivery for the worse communities.

Imam Qasim led the operation personally by travelling to the affected region.

Gaza Al-Khair Foundation’s work in Gaza is focussed upon alleviating hardship and restoring a sense of dignity and self-worth back to the region.

In addition to the substantial food aid and medicines which are constantly delivered for distribution, IT based employment programmes are also being initiated which will have a gearing effect into improving the economy of the region. The Foundation is partnering ICHAD-OIC there for effective and speedy delivery of aid. all the utilities installed by Al-Khair Foundation are maintained at optimal functional and hygiene levels at all times.

The water filtration plants are strategically located so that upwards of 5 villages can all be serviced at the same time. In addition, over 10,000 ten litre water containers have been distributed to allow ease of transport to the recipients’ homes.

Water for Africa When in 2011 one of the worst droughts in living memory struck in the Horn of Africa, it became apparent that a different approach needed to be taken. With this in mind, Al-Khair Foundation launched

As a result the Foundation embarked upon a plan to build a series of deep water boreholes with all related surface facilities where each borehole would have the capacity to provide for the area, safe and clean water for the first time to benefit upwards of 100,000 people and their livestock.

The Middle East has regularly featured in Al-Khair Foundation’s aid delivery. In 2010, Imam Qasim personally led a convoy from the UK consisting of over 50 trucks overland into Egypt for the sole purpose of delivering food, water and essential medication into Gaza.

In addition to comprehensive surface facilities, each borehole also services a series of satellite reservoirs which are serviced daily by mobile tankers enabling communities in the whole region to benefit.

Various known personalities including Lauren Booth joined Imam Qasim on this historic mission.

Community/Interfaith work

The Foundation’s initial aim is to have in place at least 10 boreholes as its initial contribution to water stability in the region.

Qurbani Project

its second landmark programme entitled Water for Africa. This programme had one very simple aim, namely to guarantee a safewater future for the affected area.

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Al-Khair Foundation’s qurbani project has grown into becoming one of the most extensive and comprehensive in the UK capable of delivering qurbani into a series of countries on behalf of Muslims. Cooked and uncooked meat is supplied and the Foundation makes great efforts to ensure that remote and hard to reach areas are supplied first.

Burma When the recent problems emerged in Burma and the suffering of the Muslims

Al-Khair Foundation is active in the UK too and most of the work is directed towards community cohesion enhancement measures and interfaith activities.

Imam Qasim initiated the Imam & Bishop debate format, the first of which was debated in The Fairfields Concert Halls in Croydon (UK) in 2007.

Connecting You to the Source

PROMOTING CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS HARMONY Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad launched IQRA TV in 2009 with the aim of providing quality Islamic programming to educate and address contemporary issues faced by Muslims. Since its incorporation, IQRA TV has become a premier broadcaster amongst the UK Islamic channels, leading the way in its innovative programming and viewer engagement.

Broadcasting programmes free to non-Muslims as well as Muslims, IQRA TV has a universal appeal covering topical subjects as well as sensitive issues, reporting on humanitarian campaigns, talk shows, Islamic and world documentaries along with community news.

Tune in to our most popular programmes: • LIVE WITH IQ • Q&A • IQRA WITH IQRA • AL-NISA • AAO NAAT SUNAIN • TAREEKH-E-ISLAM ‘I am very pleased that IQRA is being used as a means of both dawah and a portrayal of Islam in keeping with its true values of peace, harmony and justice. Please carry on supporting IQRA TV and help us in our work, so that the whole community may continue to benefit’ Imam Qasim Ahmad CEO IQRA TV & Al-Khair Foundation IQRA TV CAN BE VIEWED ON THE FOLLOWING PLATFORMS: • Sky Channels 826 • EUROBIRD 1 at 28.5 E on frequency 11488 V Symbol Rate 27,500 FEC 2/3

TO DONATE OR FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL 020 7084 OR TO WATCH ONLINE VISIT

7199 www.sky826.com

IQRA TV • 109-119 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon CR0 6BE BANK DETAILS: HSBC • A/C NAME: AL-KHAIR • A/C NO: 41424394 • SORT CODE: 40-44-15

INTERVIEW

From Poverty to Power was an attempt to come up with an NGO narrative on development

From Poverty to Power Q&A with author Duncan Green Duncan Green Oxfam’s Senior Strategic Adviser and author of ‘From Poverty to Power’ the Second Edition reflect’s on global developments and changing trends since the book was first published in 2008

What is From Poverty to Power about?

F

rom Poverty to Power was an attempt to come up with an NGO narrative on development, it’s rooted in decades of Oxfam’s experience across the developing world. The book argues that it requires a radical redistribution of power, opportunities, and assets to break the cycle of poverty and inequality and to give poor people power over their own destinies. The forces driving this transformation are active citizens and effective states.

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How does the Second Edition differ from the first, published in 2008?

a life (and readership) of its own. Oh, and the cover’s green, not red.

The book has been updated throughout with the latest statistics and with a new section summarizing the human impact of the global financial and food price chaos of the last 5 years. It looks at new thinking and research in relation to the Arab Spring and climate change.

It also incorporates large amounts of analysis from my blog, which was launched in 2008 to promote the first edition, but rapidly acquired

What is your take on the global economic crisis, viewed from 2012?

The global economic crisis was a watershed event, triggering historic geopolitical change, including the shift from G8 to G20 and the rise of the emerging powers. It drew attention to the risks of an excessively ‘financialised’ global economy, but failed to lead to a reining in of

us a

od

INTERVIEW

the excessive size and volatility of ‘hot money’, condemning us to future financial crises, possibly starting with Europe in the coming months.

Many reviewers of the Second Edition have talked of your prescience, of foreseeing events. What did you get most right in the First Edition?

The central role of active citizens and effective states has only become more apparent with the events of the Arab Spring and the growing focus on ‘fragile and conflict affected states’ as the hardest development nut to crack. That focus on the ‘national’ (rather than seeing development as primarily decided in global fora) has been underlined by such events, and multilateral paralysis on everything from climate change, to trade, to arms control.

What did you get most wrong?

The book was right to highlight climate change, but has been overtaken by events, with climate change and ecological boundaries becoming more obviously a game changer, and a present not future threat to the whole human endeavour.

Has anything been cut from the Second Edition?

The new edition does not have the ‘How Change Happens’ annex (but it is still available in the first edition). I have greatly expanded my work in this area, but that’s the focus of my next book!

3. Crisis in a new world order: Challenging the humanitarian project

Are there any Oxfam research papers that helped shape the Second Edition?

6. The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the Budgets of Low-Income Countries

Yes, there’s a long list of references in the back of the book, but my top 10 must-reads are:

7. The Global Economic Crisis and Developing Countries

4. Living on a Spike: How is the 2011 food price crisis affecting poor people?

5. Growing a Better Future

Letters to the editor

1. Dangerous Delay: The cost of late responses to early warnings in the 2011 drought in the Horn of Africa 2. A Safe and Just Space for Humanity: Can we live within the doughnut?

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor I find it incredible that the world in 2013 is still in a worse condition than ever before, with half the African continent starving, disease rife and continual conflict, I find it a bit naïve to think that we can achieve the 8 millennium goals by 2015 – It is conflict which we need to address -If another war or conflict breaks out for example in South Africa let’s see if the country doesn’t get taken back to a destroyed land as Somalia is now.

Letters to the Editor

8. Gender Perspectives on the Global Economic Crisis 9. What Happened to the Seasons?

10. For a Safer Tomorrow: Protecting Civilians in a Multipolar World

Email us a

Good

Deed

Thank you to Mr Aboudi in Mogadishu for helping us and giving us so much of your time we couldn’t have accomplished our task without your assistance Jeremy & Sam

Sandra

To all the young children at the Edgware banqueting hall if you hadn’t helped us unload we would have been late for the show

Dear Editor

Abdullah

We need more people like Renwick Rose; he never sat back and let the multi nationals destroy the banana trade in the Caribbean. He became proactive and mobilised the people in the industry and fought back through a system of fairtrade and at the same time saved the livelihood of hundreds of banana farmers.

Pakistan trip to film a documentary would have been very difficult for me if you hadn’t supported and guided me – thanks Khalid at MC

Deed Dominic

Abuzar

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REPORT

The Forgotten Response Fatima Zahra Khanum is the operational coordinator of the International HIV Fund. Here she highlights the increasing rates of HIV in Muslim societies and suggests we need more collective and integrated steps to counteract this growing epidemic

H

IV/AIDS is one of the world’s most pressing international development issues. It has affected the lives of millions of people across the world directly and indirectly, yet millions more are unaware of its presence. More formally known as the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV affects the body’s immune system by destroying cells that fight infection. It is widely accepted that AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the latter stage of HIV; this is when the body’s defence mechanisms is so weakened that the body can no longer fight Humanitarian.eu

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certain infections. The severity of this means something like the common flu is potentially life threatening for someone living with AIDS.

The initial public response AIDS first came into the public eye in the early 1980s, when specific cases were found in New York and California amongst homosexual men. Given the new outbreak in cases and the limitations of available data, medical staff initially believed this was something limited to the gay community. Shortly after, similar symptoms was discovered in heterosexual

individuals, leading to later analysis of key trends in the transmission of HIV, and making identifiable some of the key risk groups, including that of sex workers and injected drug users.

One of the initial responses of governments was to address and contain the issue, in part through public awareness and education.

Many today will recollect some of the national advert campaigns broadcast on television, warning the public of the dangers of AIDS and promoting safer sexual practices.

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Then and now

(C)orrect and consistent use of condoms).

At the time such public awareness initiatives were aimed at containing an issue that had come to affect a couple of thousand cases.

No doubt, no one would have expected that we would see the progression of HIV spread to nearly all corners of the globe, to such an extent that many countries today have put in place touristic travel restrictions for those living with HIV/AIDS.

However, such approaches, whilst having made some impact in reducing the transmission of HIV, have actually fallen short of addressing the key route-causes of HIV. This has subsequently led to calls for prevention strategies tailored to the key drivers of the epidemic at the local country level.

Today, the landscape of HIV/AIDS forms a major international public health crisis and a highly complex development issue. The United Nations estimates there are between 33-40 million people living with HIV globally.

The majority of HIV infections and AIDSrelated deaths occur in the developing world, with Sub-Saharan Africa the worst affected region, followed by South and South-East Asia.

There is still no cure for HIV but previously whereas contracting HIV meant a person’s chances of surviving were limited, today the availability of treatment means people can live with the virus well into later life.

Yet this has become a lottery for many, with those living in developed and rich countries more easily able to access treatment then those living in poor and developing countries.

In the latter HIV/AIDS has devastated many communities, leading to an orphan crisis (with estimates currently at 15 million), limitations in access to education and employment, and the re-defining of roles within the nuclear family.

It is quite common, for example to find ailing grandparents looking after large families of children whose parents have passed away from HIV/AIDS. Losing this generation of the labour force has also played its part in crippling the local economies of some countries.

A virus of many routes and one which doesn’t discriminate The majority of HIV transmission cases is linked to sexual behaviour patterns, namely unprotected sex with an individual that is living with HIV. Internationally, agencies have tended to use approaches that centre on the ABC approach ((A)bstinence; (B)eing safer by being faithful to one’s partner or reducing the number of sexual partners; and

In parts of the Middle East and North Africa region, and Asia, such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, injected drug use is the key route

response is making a significant impact, that not only protects the individual but also the community? ‘’If you are not infected, you are affected’’ There are many misconceptions surrounding HIV, one of these being that it is not a ‘Muslim problem’. While it is often difficult to gauge the true scale of the problem in Muslim societies, in part owing to the lack of knowledge about hidden key risk populations, one needs acknowledge that this is also in part owing to an underestimation of the impact of HIV/AIDS. The International HIV Fund (IHIVF) calls for an engagement on this issue by the Muslim community, with a response that addresses the social and cultural side of HIV/AIDS.

by which HIV cases have risen. In others such as Bangladesh, the ‘Hijra’, the transsexual community, form one of the key risk groups.

One dimension of the response to injected drug use has seen the promotion of harmreduction strategies, such as needle exchange programmes. Yet, is this a case of focusing on

Much of the international response has to date focused on contraception use as a key tool by which to tackle HIV. Yet this is a short-term approach and one that does not comprehensively address the key routecauses linked to the cultural factors.

It is not an option but rather a necessity that there is an enhanced Muslim contribution to this critical health issue. Faith and other

There is still no cure for HIV but previously whereas contracting HIV meant a person’s chances of surviving were limited, today the availability of treatment means people can live with the virus well into later life the needle and not so much the addiction, the latter being the root cause of the transmission of HIV, and to what extent are such strategies sustainable in the long term?

This is a key question that needs exploring given the staggering figures. For instance, there are over 310,000 people living with HIV in the Middle East & North Africa region alone; this is a major increase of 110,000 from 2001.

Similarly, UNGASS in 2010 reported that Indonesia, which has a very large Muslim population, has approximately 314,000 people living with HIV. How can we address the issue at large in the community and at the same time ensure the

leaders in the Muslim community have a tendency to believe that discussing religious values will be enough to protect people.

Yet the growing rates of HIV in Muslim societies indicates otherwise, and suggests we need more collective and integrated intervention in order to promote a change in culture where people are not just made aware but are also made more responsive to HIV. In truth, HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue that has destroyed lives, families and communities. Given its impact and linkages with other development issues, it is on a par with climate change in terms of its impact. We must act now before it develops into a bigger crisis then what it is today.

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REPORT

Ro le an dI

pm elo v De mp nd a ort e anc anc e of sost s youth i A n n Humanitaria

en t

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AID AND DEVELOPMENT

e Th

A platform promoting humanitarian ideas and values

D

IHAD was launched in 2004 as the Middle East’s first ever humanitarian aid and development event, thereby creating a regional platform for the exchange of humanitarian ideas and values.

Over the years, DIHAD has grown into one of the largest humanitarian events as it brings together key decision makers from leading international organizations, NGOs, Governmental emergency management bodies and Charities.

The overall aim of DIHAD is to contribute to the further enhancement of technically sound and principled international humanitarian and development assistance.

In keeping with Dubai’s strategic location between ‘East’ and ‘West’, its energetic entrepreneurial climate and diverse international character, DIHAD further endeavours to build bridges between various actors and countries from around Humanitarian.eu

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Princess Haya inaugurated DIHAD 2012

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the globe engaged in addressing needs of those affected by crises, disasters or the adverse effects of under-development.

In addition, DIHAD strives to provide a platform where assistance providers can interface with relevant actors from the corporate and governmental sectors with a view to creating meaningful synergies in support of those in need. DIHAD aims to further evolve into a truly global event with a distinct yet appropriatelysized regional character.

Building Effective and Sustainable Partnerships in Humanitarian Assistance and Development activities The role and importance of Partnerships is critical to the world of Aid delivery. The DIHAD 2013 conference will explore how actors and organisations are ensuring what we collectively do in the realms of humanitarian assistance and development is truly effective.

Over the years, whenever we are asked what it is that DIHAD really achieves, our answer is: “Partnerships”; the establishment and enhancement of these; the whole being greater than a sum of the parts; the enhanced knowledge of each other’s capacities stemming from partnerships; the complementarity of assets and resources. Partnerships is increasingly spoken and written about in all organizations, the importance thereof being increasingly clear.

More and more partnerships are established from an International Organisation and

NGO perspective, with specific government departments, the private sector, universities, foundations, celebrities, and the military it has been increasingly proven that a pooling of capacities can have sizeable multiplier effects.

Many organizations are creating large organizational units dealing exclusively with Partnerships, and presently developing or

The burden of responding to emergencies is increasingly being assumed by local and national actors “refocusing” their partnership strategies.

The burden of responding to emergencies is increasingly being assumed by local and national actors.

The private sector, locally, nationally, regionally and indeed globally, is also playing an increasingly important role – thereby assisting local and national actors – in disaster response, as it is obvious that it has a stake in doing so.

Other common shared interests in this context, among an increasing number and variety of actors, are currently becoming evident, and consequently acted upon by the creation of partnerships.

Partnership Topics to Include:  Working with regional organizations  Partnering with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies  The further strengthening of Disaster Response  Partnerships required for the reaching of selected development goals in optimal timeframes  Partnerships for Protection  Working with NGOs  Partnerships with the Private Sector  Partnerships in Research (related to critical humanitarian and development issues)  Enhancing Food Security through Partnerships

Continuing the Debate and Education  Humanitarian Trends  Chronic Emergencies

Special Presentation Exploring and celebrating DIHAD’s history, development and impact in the first decade of its existence.

British participation at DIHAD Many UK based charities will be attending DIHAD, the number’s participating have increased because of the growing importance and influence of this annual event globally.

National and international charities, NGOs and international humanitarian organisations will attend to showcase their work and interact with each other on all aspects of their aid delivery.

 Al Khair Foundation  Care International  Child Reach International  Conrico

 Consortium Of British Humanitarian Agencies  Diamedica (UK) Ltd  Durbin PLC  Guava International  Helping the Needy  Human Appeal International UK  Humanitarian Policy Group  Islamic Relief  Medical Aid for Palestinians  Muslim Charity  Shelter Box

UK Charity one of DIHAD’s sponsors: In recognition of the importance of the event Al-Khair Foundation and IQRA TV actively chose to become a Platinum Sponsor of DIHAD 2013.

They will also be showcasing their work highlighting their various developmental projects. Its founder and leader Imam Qasim will also be making a speech at the event.

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FEATURE

ARTISTE IN AID Pop Star to International Fundraiser

By Shabana Syed

I

t is an inspirational story of how a celebrity at the height of fame walks away from a glamourous life only a few could dream of in a country where the stark realities of poverty lurks around you, to tread a simpler path advocating religious enlightenment and humanitarian work.

Junaid Jamshed is one such man he was Pakistan’s top musical artist when he ended

The best way to find your self is to lose yourself in the service of others - Mahatma Gandhi his career as a pop star in 2003 to lead what he believes is an authentic spiritual life.

The man may have left the pop music business, but his charisma has continued to follow him turning him to an even more popular international figure.

The ex-heart throb has discarded his rock and roll attire for more sombre traditional clothes

and a long beard covering one of the most recognisable faces in Pakistan and travels around the world as Vice President of UK based Muslim Charity, raising funds for poor communities and charitable projects.

He has also turned his love for music around and now mainly sings Nasheeds to sell out concerts collecting millions for charitable causes.

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FEATURE

He has released quite a few albums and performed at sold out international events held in the USA, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Zimbabwe Malawi Mozambique Australia, with more fund raising tours planned.

Junaid’s climb to fame came when he fronted the pop group Vital Signs, the group shot to international fame with a song called ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ which to quite an extent became a national anthem for Pakistanis and its diaspora around the world.

A Poll carried out by the BBC placed ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ as the third most popular song of the last century. “They called me up to tell me that out of all the ten famous songs cited I was the only singer still alive. I was very amused to hear this and also the fact that our song was world famous.”

After a string of chart topping songs, the band split in 1995 and Junaid began his solo career, achieving even more success. It was around this time that he began to feel the pangs of discomfort with his life and a feeling of ‘emptiness’ which embarked him on a life changing spiritual journey and led him to live a life where he could ‘lose himself in the service of God and benefit of humanity.’

Today his life is a far cry from the hedonistic lifestyle of a pop star and the lap of luxury that envelopes around creating an increasingly wider gap of realities between the privileged and the poor.

For Junaid the realities on the ground were a cause of deep concern, the sharp contrast between the rich and poor; it was his Islamic training at a young age which taught him that a selfish life surrounded by indulgences was a sinful life and he remembered the nagging truth of how the Prophet Mohammed who could have lived like a king not only spent his life establishing the justices of Islam but lived a simple meagre life with only the basics.

“I was troubled because I had the world at my feet, yet I was unhappy and felt lost. “Many times after a concert of screaming fans I would go and sit in the solitude of a mosque until I regained my balance and tranquillity”.

As Junaid tried to address the conflict within him he came across a man who was later to become his mentor Shaykh Tariq Jameel. After many hours of in depth discussions he made me realise that I had been running around feeding my body but not my soul.

The soul or “rooh” comes from Allah and we need to feed it through the remembrance of him and by doing good deeds for our fellow human beings”.

At first Junaid felt that he had wasted the first 32 years of his life, however he realised that it was never too late to turn one’s world around, never too late to change course.

He announced in 2003 that he will be leaving the pop world forever to hordes of dismayed fans, however he

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didn’t realise at the time that this decision will not only take him to international fame but also affect positively

thousands of people’s lives. T away from fame, money, int

The first few years of walking ternational sponsorships like

FEATURE

strong. “I was shunned by many media groups, ridiculed in the press and didn’t know how to start a new life and make a modest living”.

“However there is a hadith that states if you leave something for Allah he will replace it with something better”.

Today he runs one of the most successful designer clothes chains store in Pakistan with a good friend Sohail Khan and is grateful to God for his success.

However his main success is his charity work which has led him to visit over 16 countries to help implement aid initiatives and changing people’s lives around the world.

For that he owes a deep gratitude to Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada Chairman of Muslim Charity.

“I was asked by Shaykh Pirzada who is chairman for Muslim Charity to help raise the much needed funds. He is an amazing scholar who is like an older brother; he opened up a whole new world to me of working for humanity”.

Since then Junaid has worked on many charity initiatives and helped to open up 5 maternity hospitals in areas where the poor have to either give birth in inadequate surroundings or trek many miles to reach a hospital, with the risk of maternal or infant death.

“Four of the hospitals have 25 beds and now the fifth one will have a 100 capacity – it is hard work but gratifying to see the smile on people’s faces, and knowing they don’t have to travel days with their women to get to a decent hospital so she can give birth in a safe environment.”

Junaid may lead a more austere life than those heady days involving the music world, however he claims to be a lot happier and at peace with himself, knowing that his fame finally became of use by benefiting others. The charisma that shot him to stardom has not abated or dimmed; wherever he goes he is followed by devoted fans. “Initially I was famous for being a singer but now along with fame I also gained a lot of respect in the hearts of people.”

His participation in a new song released by his friend and ex vital signs colleague Salman Ahmed which highlights the difficulties faced by Pakistanis at a turmoilic time in its history has been received as another national anthem and a rallying call for positive change in the country.

It also received nearly 3 million hits on the internet within 10 hours of release. It is the first time in the history of Pakistani music that a song released on the internet has gone viral so fast and the second time with Junaid Jamshed as a lead vocal.

Pepsi or Coke Junaid felt the loss of earnings; however the drive to walk in the path of Islamic teachings was too

Today the ex- pop star reflects back on his eventful life with amusement, however these days he feels a lot happier and content, his message is simple “it’s never too late to turn one’s life around and make humanity a priority.”

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REPORT

Fragile States

“New Deal�

A Way Forward for 1.5 Billion People Living in Fragile States Irfan Rajput has vast experience in the humanitarian development sector and currently is a Director of Programmes & Policy at Muslim Charity UK

A

bout 1.5 billion People live in conflictaffected and fragile states. About 70% of fragile states have seen conflict since 1989. Basic governance transformations may take 20-40 years. 37% of Official Development Assistance (ODA) is spent in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. These countries are furthest away from achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The balance of power between strong states was for decades the dominant issue in discussions

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of international security. But today, it is fragile states that are seen by many as posing potentially greater threats; Weak infrastructures, internal conflict and lack of economic development provide fertile ground for trafficking, piracy, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, disease pandemics, regional tension and even genocide.

As a result, there is a growing movement in the international community to find comprehensive ways to promote stronger states, and, more effective ways to deal with those that are already

at the brink of failure. Transitioning out of fragility is long, political work that requires country leadership and ownership. Processes of political dialogue have often failed due to lack of trust, inclusiveness, and leadership.

International partners can often bypass national interests and actors, providing aid in overly technocratic ways that underestimate the importance of harmonising with the national and local context, and support short-term results at the expense of medium- to long-term sustainable

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Lowest HDIs in AFRICA Rank

Country HDI New 2011 estimates for 2011

Low human development 1 Democratic Republic of the Congo

0.286

2 Niger

0.295

3 Burundi

0.316

4 Mozambique

0.322

5 Chad

0.328

6 Liberia

0.329

7 Burkina Faso

0.331

8 Sierra Leone

0.336

results brought about by building capacity and systems.

The New Deal for international engagement in fragile states is intended to be an innovative model of partnership between fragile and conflict-affected countries and their development partners from the Development Assistance Committee at the OECD. The key distinguishing feature of the New Deal is country ownership

development policy?

Perhaps the decision reflects greater confidence in these failed and fragile states. After all, a number of them such as Sierra Leone and Liberia have managed to achieve economic and political gains over the last five years..

But the question is that for places like Afghanistan, Somalia Chad, Brundi and Democratic Republic

9 Central African Republic 0.343 10 Guinea

0.344

Lowest HDIs in AMERICAS Rank

Country HDI New 2011 estimates for 2011

Low human development 1

Haiti

0.454

10 lowest HDIs in ASIA & OCEANIA Rank

Country HDI New 2011 estimates for 2011

Low human development 1

Afghanistan

0.398

2 Nepal

0.458

3 Yemen

0.462

4 Papua New Guinea

0.466

5 Burma

0.483

6 Timor-Leste

0.495

7 Bangladesh

0.500

8 Pakistan

0.504

9 Solomon Islands

0.510

HDI = Human Developmens Index

of the policy process. This change is perhaps a reflection of donor desperation and geo-strategic realities.

Handing over some of the responsibility for decision making to the leaders of failed and fragile states may be smart politics, but is it smart

The Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Goals (PSGs) Playing vital role in implementation of New Deal Legitimate politics — Foster inclusive political settlements and conflict resolution.

Security — Establish and strengthen people’s security.

Justice — Address injustices and increase people’s access to justice.

Economic foundations — Generate employment and improve livelihoods.

Revenues and services — Manage revenue and build capacity for accountable and fair service delivery.

of Congo that lack effective authority, legitimacy, and capacity, Will the New Deal work as planned? or is it destined to take its place alongside other notable policy disappointments such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, and the Millennium Development Goals?

We know that it is true that the most egregious cases of fragility are those that suffer from a combination of weak economic capacity, low political legitimacy, and poor authority, it really comes down to effective leadership.

The leaders of the New Deal for fragile states must ensure they have institutions to provide adequate services to the population. They must also find ways to properly channel ethnic, social, and ideological competition that will otherwise erode the effectiveness of weak institutions even more.

Finally, leaders must find a way to overcome the cumulative effects of poverty, over-population, rural flight, and rapid urbanization, as well as environmental degradation that can otherwise overwhelm a vulnerable state’s capability to function.

Indeed it is a very big agenda for both donors and fragile countries that are expected to carry the burden and pushing it through for one and half billion people to overcome evil of poverty.

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INTERVIEW

President of Malawi Joyce Banda She speaks about family planning, how contraceptives can save lives and empower women and the steps the government of Malawi is taking to improve the situation

I

am Joyce Banda. I am the President of the state Republic of Malawi. I hope the Family Planning Summit will set the seed in generating the much needed political leadership and resources to significantly improve girls and women’s access to family planning so they can decide whether, when and how many children they want to have.

When I was 33 or 34 I had my fourth child and I suffered post natal complication called postpartum haematology and I almost lost my life. I was only saved because my husband was

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a judge and had a specialist friend who he had gone to school with at the same hospital. He went looking for him and he is the one who came and saved my life.

Thy say if I had bled any more for another half hour I would have died.

When I came out of hospital I had made up my mind that I would spend my life trying to assist other women in same situation. As I get more and more aware of the figures it makes me very angry that Malawi is the second worst in the

continent of Africa in maternal mortality, after Sierra Leone which has been at war, while we haven’t been.

We have made progress over the years and today there are less deaths, however our aim is to reduce the figures even further. Because I don’t think it is right that a woman should die giving birth to another life.

And I as a woman leader should not allow it to happen. To begin with family planning is a very significant truth for reduction of maternal

INTERVIEW

mortality. Secondly if we invest in family planning it will accelerate the attainment of all the millennium development goals – since family planning is key for social development.

The ability to decide their productive health is a form of empowerment. When women can decide whether when and how many children they should have – they are best placed to plan their lives – the lives of their children and their families.

All facilities offering maternal health in Malawi also offer family planning services at point of delivery So family planning is true fact for gender empowerment. Women in Malawi and all over the world who do not have access to contraception are denied the opportunity for their right to health.

These women are having unplanned children and this cuts out their productive time and thus more importantly results in their poor health.

When resources are poor women have many unplanned children and it also casts the family into further poverty since the meagre sources the family have caters for more children.

This also results in family not being able to send their children to school – or the family not being able to feed the children or the family not being able to address all the needs of the children.

All facilities offering maternal health in Malawi also offer family planning services at point of delivery. The government of Malawi has put mechanisms to increase success to family

planning services for the rural people.

This is being done through community based programmes, where community based health workers and volunteers make door to door visitation to households to provide them with family planning services.

The government provides a wide mix of contraceptives to enable women to make choices. The government has youth friendly health services to enable sexually active young people to access contraceptives as a way to avoid unplanned parenthood. courtesy of DFID

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SYRIA CRISIS REFUGEES IN LEBANON Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive, Disasters Emergency Committee. He visited Lebanon to view the unfolding humanitarian tragedy taking place in the region and shares his experiences of meeting Syrian refugees seeking shelter in Sidon, south of Beirut

Sidon, Lebanon

with no roof, windows or doors. It is now used by some 125 families, and the numbers living there is swelling daily. Some families have no choice but to use the upper floors, which have no walls and pose a huge risk to the safety of their children.

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idon is a coastal city south of Beirut, which was already home to over 100,000 Palestinian refugees living in overcrowded settlements. The more recent influx of Syrian refugees is causing a significant further strain on the local population. The Lebanese government does not formally recognise Syrian refugees and has not allowed the establishment of official refugee sites. Most of the families have had to find shelter wherever they can be it in garages, unfinished buildings, sheds or make-shift tents.

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We visited the unfinished Sidon University site; the main building is a bare concrete frame

Refugees are working with the building owners to create temporary rooms but with no money or resources most of the rooms are unfurnished and have no windows. Simple plastic sheets cover gaping holes and offer little protection from the rain and the fierce ocean wind.

REPORT

and a few blankets, my husband doesn’t have even shoes. We told our story to so many people but only a few people have been able to help us.

We have survived on bread and water.”

As we walked through the rubble we saw the terrible and dangerous conditions, water from the hills flows into the buildings and surrounding areas, causing health and safety risks for adults and children alike.

The worsening humanitarian crisis

Dangerous living conditions We climbed the partially built concrete stairs to the second floor where we met Um Walid and her eight children. Um Walid and her family came from Humma last month after their village and farms were destroyed. They survive on handouts and the little savings they have remaining.

She told us that “We had a reasonably simple life in Syria and grew our own food. Everything we had has been destroyed - gone. We have nothing left and we don’t know what to do next.”

There are only two latrines for 125 families and no water or electricity supply. During the night children are so scared of the dark they have no choice but to use the landings as a toilet.

As we walked through puddles of water and dirt we noticed how elderly ladies carried 20 litre jerry cans on their heads up many flights of unsafe stairs. I have only seen sights like these in the poorest parts of the world in remote rural villages, and this is now how Syrian refugees are living in Lebanon.

A bullet which went through his chest has damaged his spine. He is disabled now and finds breathing and walking difficult because of his injuries.”

“My other grandson was disabled from birth, and with their mother dead and at my age I have to

God forbid if the situation gets any worse, then we will have to ask ourselves: have we failed millions of people? care for all of them. At night I can’t rest due to my husband’s condition and during the day I have to care for the children and the youngest is only one year old. So life is very difficult.”

“We came from Idlib two months ago in a bus that was constantly shot at. We have this room but as you can see we only have these thin mattresses

We made our way to the offices of DEC member Islamic Relief in Sidon, where we met the Sidon Union of NGOs – representing 10 local NGOs working together to improve co-ordination and the delivery of aid. They told us about the urgent need for food and shelter and how they are reaching 4,000 families but are now operating with stretched resources.

We then travelled back to Beirut where we joined the UNHCR interagency meeting to hear the latest details on the refugee situation in Lebanon.

During my journey in Lebanon and Jordan I saw how the lack of proper shelter is worsening the situation for thousands of people. Vulnerable refugees can’t afford to pay rent and are left in the most precarious situations - even those that manage to find empty buildings or tents live in appalling conditions.

Many of the refugees find themselves in flooded areas with poor sanitation and little help. The UN is forecasting an even greater influx of refugees and a significant expansion of informal settlements.

I left the region having seen thousands of refugees living in shocking and deplorable conditions. They all need urgent help, especially better shelter, and they need it now. God forbid if the situation gets any worse, then we will have to ask ourselves have we failed millions of people?

Two miles further on from Sidon University we came across an unfinished school which is now home to over 100 refugees. The classrooms have been converted to house two or three families each and with no partitions they have very little privacy.

We were introduced to Fatima whose 73-yearold husband has Parkinson’s disease. She was also caring for four young grandchildren: “The children are orphans now, their mother was shot in the war and 12 year old Abdelkadir barely survived.

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FEATURE

The Global Humanitarian Assistance Programme

Tracking funding trends Laura Jump is Senior Engagement and Advocacy Adviser at Development Initiatives. She has worked for local, national and international NGOs in the UK, Latin America and Africa. She has an LLM in Human Rights, a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and is an accredited project manager

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of the international financing response to humanitarian crises, including how much the total response was, where the financing came from, where it went and how it got there.

The Global Humanitarian Assistance or GHA programme began in 2000 with the first ever annual report on global humanitarian funding.

We provide the most comprehensive assessment

The reports also consider how the financing response measures up to humanitarian needs.

With the support of five of the world’s key humanitarian donors - the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in

here does the money come from?

Where does it go? How does it get there? And what is the overall response to need? Humanitarian assistance is complex and not without its confusion. It involves a plethora of actors, large and small. We are here to try and help you find out about humanitarian financing.

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Holland (Minbuza), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA) – the programme annually produces a summary of financing for humanitarian aid by OECD DAC donors.

The GHA programme works to provide objective, independent, rigorous data and analysis around humanitarian financing and related aid flows and has developed detailed and robust methodologies for calculating the true value of humanitarian

FEATURE

We believe that presenting data and information in a clear and accessible format is a vital role which we play for the sector assistance that underpins all of our work.

working in. The GHA programme is managed by Development Initiatives and plays a key role in their wider work to eradicate poverty by 2025 (www.devinit.org).

We enable access to a shared evidence base on resources to meet the needs of people living in humanitarian crises, because we believe that decisions should be informed by evidence and that reliable information is fundamental to accountability and to improving performance.

Over the past five years, the programme has expanded to include shorter themed reports around particular issues and crises, a blog, online datasets accessible to all, country profiles and a free helpdesk. Our country profiles detail the flow of resources from donors to recipient governments and each profile can be printed as a pdf providing a great overview briefing for visits and meetings.

Most recently, the GHA website has seen the addition of an interactive guide which maps out and describes the possible routes

and mechanisms through which funds can be channelled (see image). We believe that presenting data and information in a clear and accessible format is a vital role which we play for the sector.

How can you access GHA’s data and analysis?

The GHA website hosts all the datasets that we have used and all of our reports. These are free for you to use and we encourage you to have a play with some of the data to see what you can learn about the countries and crises that you are

Development Initiatives has been working with governments, multilateral organisations and NGOs since 1992. Our programmes focus on poverty elimination and we have particular expertise in analysing, interpreting and using information on international aid and development.

In particular, we work closely with other organisations across the world to improve the transparency and accessibility of data to empower citizens to hold their governments We have offices in Bristol (UK), Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda). To keep up-to-date with the work of both the GHA programme and Development Initiatives’ other workstreams sign up for our free monthly newsletter by visiting our website at www.devinit.org Humanitarian.eu

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ARTICLE

Financial aid to Syria A G.H.A. analysis

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n 30 January 2013, the UN held an international humanitarian pledging conference for Syria, hosted by the State of Kuwait. The conference elicited US$1.5 billion in pledges of financial support, equalling the total financing requested for the ongoing Syria Humanitarian Response Plan (SHARP) and the Syria Regional Response Plan (RRP) funding appeals.

Syrians themselves and host communities in neighbouring countries have to date shouldered by far the greatest share of the burden for supporting the civilian population affected by the crisis The SHARP and the RRP appeals have been established by the UN and its partners to meet the humanitarian needs resulting from the crisis in Syria. The RRP calls for US$1 billion

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in order to help over half a million refugees who have fled Syria into the neighbouring countries of Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt. The SHARP appeal, meanwhile, is for those still living within the Syrian borders and the current call for US$0.5 billion has been calculated to assist over 4 million people.

It should be noted that these financial totals are based on an assessment of current needs and so may be revised if the situation changes.

Together these two appeals, the SHARP and the RRP, represent the largest humanitarian financing appeal in 2013.

Of particular interest is the role played by donors from within the region who look set to become some of the leading donors to this crisis response. Donors within the Middle East region have shown strong support to

financing this response and are currently outperforming the top five global economies in their comparative pledges. If international donors were to provide funding on the basis of their ability to pay (based on the UN’s scale of assessment for contributions to the UN Working Capital Fund and Regular Budget), then the United Arab Emirates has provided 123% of its ‘fair share’ to the crisis; Saudi Arabia has pledged nearly six times its ‘fair share’; and Kuwait has pledged nearly 70 times its ‘fair share’ .

Before the pledging conference on 30 January, only 4% of the financing requirements had been met. In 2012, only 65% of the Syrian appeal for that year had been met and subsequently many were worried that the appeals would be significantly underfunded

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and the victims of this crisis would not be adequately supported. It was speculated that due to limited access to those inside Syria, donors would not be inclined to fund the appeal on the levels that are normally expected for such internationally recognised crises. Some agencies, particularly the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, are now working inside the country but the majority of relief organisations have to focus on those who have fled into neighbouring countries.

Pledges have yet to translate into cash contributions, with the RRP just 19% funded and the SHARP 21% funded at 1 March 2013. It is also important to understand the difference between contributions, commitments and pledges to these international appeals and the translation to assistance on the ground.

A pledge is a non-binding announcement of an intended contribution or allocation by the donor. A commitment creates a legal, contractual obligation between the donor and recipient entity representing a specific amount. Only, when the funds are transferred from the donor to the recipient then the amount is recognised as a contribution . Only a contribution, results in assistance arriving

to the individuals in need on the ground.

This explains how the SHARP and RRP total asks can be reached in pledges but remain so under-funded.

Another significant difference between these appeals (SHARP and RRP) and other UN appeals (like the CAP appeal) is that the UN has calculated the cost to assist each individual as greater than other current crises with similar appeals. For each person, donors

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need to provide greater funding than in other ongoing crises, meaning that the total appeal particularly large. Funding requirements per affected person are lower for people within

Syria, in comparison to the Syrian refugees in the surrounding countries.

The Global Humanitarian Assistance (GHA) programme will continue to track funding trends for this and other crises during 2013 and will publish its Annual Report in July.

Al-Khair Foundation is continuing with its commitment to rebuild the many Masajid that were made shaheed in the Pakistan floods. Funding for our Masjid Campaign has now exceeded £1,000,000 with your help Masha'Allah. Hundreds of Masajid have been constructed with many more nearing completion.

You may decide to support the reconstruction of a whole mosque or support an aspect of the building. Your donation will go a long way to helping the people of Pakistan rebuild their lives and get back to some level of normality by providing them a safe place to worship.

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INTERVIEW

In the spot light Lindsay Coates Executive Vice President of InterAction, which is the

largest alliance of US-based international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) with 200 members working in every developing country

Q. What similarities and differences are there between the US and UK international development sectors?

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nteraction’s members get a large portion of financing from the American public; support that runs across the ideological spectrum. I get the sense that while there is giving in the UK context, it’s not to the extent as it is in the US. On the other hand, a significant asset for UK NGOs is that there is strong publicpolitical support for international development.

In the US, international development is not part

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of mainstream political dialogue and politicians often feel that they pay a price for engagement with these issues. In the last election, two big champions of foreign assistance lost their seats, with some citing that this was due in part to their strong advocacy stance at a time when many believe that congressmen should be focussing on their constituents. UK politicians seem to have stronger accountability to their public for foreign assistance work, and therefore there’s a greater commitment to it. This is a huge advantage. I’ve had political staff on Capitol

Hill say to me that we need to do what you’re doing in terms of building advocacy support that actually reaches law-makers.

Your relationship with DFID is inspiring.

They are seen as a leading agency that actively engages with NGOs as partners. We’re pushing for a similar relationship with USAID as there has been a languishing of US policy around engagement with NGOs. Q. What does the US do well?

There’s a strong sense of trust in NGOs by the

INTERVIEW

public that support them. Last year, a study on public views on foreign assistance found that while there was concern about money going to corrupt dictators and issues of transparency and accountability, if you told members of the public that the funds and work were being delivered through a well-known NGO their support went up dramatically.

Q. Should we be thinking ‘beyond aid’?

Hans Rosling gave a brilliant TED Talk that highlighted how much of our policy is still based on the idea of first world, second world and third world, when actually this hasn’t been the case for years. To go beyond aid means that we need to move to more country ownership whereby we support a developing country’s chosen path.

Q. What are your views on the postMDGs discussions?

The dialogue we have with the Obama administration is significant in terms of trying to shape the US response. There are four things I would say on which the US NGO community is in broad agreement.

First, that there’s a belief that the MDGs work because they’re measurable. We can argue about whether we’re measuring the right things or applying it in the right way but this stands out from other United Nations endeavours.

profits that are doing various work within the community, so it’s less of a politically charged issue than it might be elsewhere.

We recently asked our members whether they either wanted a relationship with corporations or already had one (primarily funding and joint projects and partnership) and 75 per cent said they either were doing it or wanted to.

There are strong feelings that the NGO community engages with corporations that have agreed to certain standards of conduct and behaviour and with industries that are

For some countries traditional aid is going to be important but for others it might be more important to help to strengthen the health system, or explain how to partner to improve social ccountability or how to improve government systems or tax collection.

It has to be a countryby- country dialogue.

Traditional aid has a place and humanitarian response is vitally important but effective long term development must be dictated by the country themselves.

Q. What does the increasing prominence of the BRICS and other emerging economies mean for ‘northern’ NGOs? Country ownership and building an effective civil society is critical. India is a good example of a country that needs to build and enhance its civil society and groups there are looking for partnerships and support. This is a challenge for big international NGOs because it means that they will need to devolve power to continue to be relevant.

I believe in the concept of accompaniment – the idea that we’re walking together; that we’re supporting the ride rather than defining the end of the journey. The boom we’re seeing in south-south cooperation is really instructive.

Of course, there are some core responsibilities that governments and civil society need to uphold around respect for civil society space and the enabling environment for civil society, but these are broader conceptual ideas and I don’t think we need to get involved in the detail of how it’s done.

President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton pose for a photo with USAID staff at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon, Burma, Nov. 19, 2012

Second, I think there’s strong concern about addressing the issues and needs of fragile states the places where the MDGs are not being met and a desire for serious attention on how we deal with that.

Third, there’s strong conviction that what follows the MDGs must be married to sustainable development and climate issues.

Fourth, while there’s a wide range of opinion on how exactly you do this, there is strong belief that we have to get at minimum inequalities and maybe go all the way to including rightsbased approaches.

There’s an intense desire for inclusive dialogue that transcends the ‘north-south’ divide.

Q. What is the role of the US private sector in development?

There’s a well-developed corporate philanthropy space in the US. In some ways it’s simply an extension of the fact that businesses have, for a very long time, been donors in their communities and have partnered with not-for-

forward looking in their policies and practices.

There’s an interesting dynamic here because the buying public has quite high expectations of how corporations should go about doing their business and that filters into whether or not NGOs engage with them.

Q. What are your hopes for Obama’s legacy in relation to development?

I am extremely grateful for the President’s leadership on Feed the Future, the US government’s global hunger and food security initiative. Agriculture and food security are core to economic development, to women’s empowerment, to education and health – it touches on so many things.

The President has a keen personal interest so I’m hopeful that funding will be solidified, possibly through legislation that it doesn’t currently have, and that it will receive the institutional support needed to ensure it continues.

Lindsay Coates interviewed

by Jemma Ashman at Bond

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ARTICLE

Mosques contributing to humanitarian development

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ost people know a mosque to be a place of worship for Muslims, however very few know that contrary to certain reports, what an important beneficial role mosques play in the lives of the Muslim community.

There is no exact figure for how many mosques there are in Britain although the best estimate is in the region of 1,500 to 2,000. Of these, approximately 200 are purpose-built, the rest being either converted houses or other nonresidential conversions.

The increase in the number of mosques also reflects the growth of a multi -cultural societies in Western Europe.

A mosque is based on the simple basis of

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needing only an open space that is clean, in which people can face Mecca and offer their prayers. Along with running water for ritual ablution before prayer, there is no other special requirement. This means that every formal and architectural representation of the mosque visible today is a result of cultural influences rather than religious.

Post-war immigration was encouraged by the British government which needed workers for industries across the country. Muslim communities therefore emerged in the innercities and at the same time so did the social and religious institutions.

The mosques played an important role to support and help the adjustment of the community as they increasingly remained

marginalised through institutional racism and eventually unemployment.

As part of a civil society Mosques are playing a vital role and is a centre for the Muslim community. It is obligatory for a Muslim to contribute a certain percentage of wealth. The principles of charitable giving and compassion are enshrined in Islamic teaching.

The redistribution of wealth in the form of charitable giving is an obligation on every believer. The basic mechanism for this is Zakah (obligatory charity), which became a mandatory act of worship at the time when the Islamic state was established by the Prophet Muhammad in 622.

Zakah must be given by every Muslim, and is

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calculated at a rate of 2.5% of any disposable wealth above a minimum amount at the end of each year. Another obligation is also sadaqa which also involves giving charity.

Land’s End; during the 3,000km ride he visited over 200 mosques and centres meeting people, raising funds and managed to collect over £1m while creating awareness for disaster victims.

In the IQ UK Tour 2012 he walked and bicycled across the country highlighting his Foundation’s work and also meeting the donor and volunteer base that made it possible for the Foundation to achieve meteoric growth.

We raised thousands of pounds which were sent to help the displaced people through charity organisations like Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief As Mosques are not allowed to use the obligatory funds for the development of funds so they contribute and mobilise these funds for the non -governmental organisations – to be used in humanitarian sectors, needy sectors, and different countries.

A Case Study – Noor Ul Islam Noor Ul Islam plays an active international role working closely with charity organisations by fundraising for disaster struck areas; for example during the Pakistani Floods in 2011 the mosque organisers held many events like family fun days out and raised thousands of pounds which were sent to help the displaced people through charity organisations like Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief.

government and the police to make a better environment. The Trust is only financed through minimal fees and donations however we run these services so that we have a stronger and more united community in the future.”

-Yusuf Hansa, Chairman of Noor Ul Islam Trust

A Case Study of a fundraiserImam Qasim

We also work closely with the local, central

Under the banner of ‘Their Dignity Our Pride’ we have launched its ‘Maternal Mortality Programme, designed to reduce mother and infant deaths. Mosques are the main reason why we Charities can function effectively to implement projects to help victims of disasters and poverty.”

Ikhlaq Hussain - Director Associate Member (IoF) Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust

Noorul Islam is a respected and trusted mosque and has established itself at the heart of the community as a welfare organisation.

In order for our future generations to have a clear identity of being British Muslim, the mosque engages the community, from toddlers to older people. It works to provide services for all age groups, regardless of cultural background.

“Our landmark projects of ‘Let’s Rebuild Pakistan’ and ‘Water for Africa’ has literally made a difference to the lives of millions. We are not only addressing those who are victims of disasters but also those dealing with poverty.

-Imam Qasim, CEO of IQRA TV and Al-Khair Foundation

The Mosque plays a continually active role by fundraising for countries where there is a humanitarian crisis taking place like Syria, Palestine and Afghanistan.

“Noor Ul Islam Trust believes the mosque should be at the centre of the community. Using the example of the Prophet’s Mosque (PBUH), Noor Ul Islam aims to emulate this by ensuring we offer more than just a prayer hall.

The Al Khair Foundation has gained a reputation for delivering effective projects in the most challenging conditions. The United Nations accredited its work in Haiti and Japan where the foundation not only took an entire field hospital with medical aid but also supplied food and temporary shelters.

Imam Qasim is an Imam with a difference he is one of the most proactive preachers in the field of humanitarian work. He is a prime example of the close relationship of trust that exists between Charities and Mosques and how they work’s closely in the field of humanitarian assistance and development.

In 2011 Imam Qasim took the unprecedented step of riding a bike from John O’Groats to

“Mosques have always remained an influential institution in Islamic history and life; teaching Muslims to help less fortunate at local and international levels, regardless of creed and religion.”

In last couple of decades it has been observed that mosques are the first place where people are encouraged to come forward and donate.

In fact, mosques in the UK have played a highly active role in helping to raise the awareness of international development issues and to raise the required resources to reach those less fortunate than us around the world’’.

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FEATURE

Dubai Cares hand reaches out internationally Dubai Cares is a philanthropic organization working to improve access to quality primary education for children in developing countries

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ubai Cares is fast establishing itself as an international charity. It’s hands reach out to countries as far as Nepal and Zambia to over 7 million children around the world.

Established in September 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Cares expresses the UAE’s commitment to achieving, by 2015, United Nations Millennium Development Goals 2 and 3 - namely, to guarantee universal

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primary education and to promote gender equality, respectively.

partnership for development, as represented by UN MDG 8.

Dubai Cares is also helping to forge a global

Education is a critical factor in every child’s development. Yet, millions of children around the world, particularly in developing countries, do not have access to quality primary education.

Education is also the most effective tool to break the cycle of poverty, a belief held by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It was with this belief and a desire to give children regardless of their nationality, creed or religion the opportunity to become positive contributors

FEATURE

to society, that His Highness established Dubai Cares.

Yemen, Zambia and with Palestinian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon.

As part of its mandate, Dubai Cares works in countries with chronic deficiencies in primary education where it implements integrated development programs that target the underlying causes preventing children from accessing quality primary education.

In a short time, Dubai Cares, with the help of the UAE community, is making a difference in the lives of children and their communities. Dubai Cares is:

Dubai Cares’ approach to development mirrors its vision: providing access to and promoting quality education.

Under its School Health & Nutrition programs, the organization increases primary education

• Reaching more than 7 million children in 28 developing countries • Building and renovating over 1,500 schools and classrooms • Providing more than 1,000 water wells and potable water sources and constructing over

This intervention is designed to provide out-ofschool children with cost-effective, quality nonformal education that enables them to achieve competencies comparable to five years of formal primary school in four years.

Each center receives a provision of textbooks and learning materials that emphasize on teaching and learning methodologies, school health and hygiene, flexible and equivalent primary education curriculum and active parenting.

Dubai Cares has also partnered with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to provide primary school-aged children with nutritious hot meals in schools produced at community-based kitchens in Mymensingh and Dhaka districts. Through this model, income generation opportunities are created for women, who produce and distribute the meals to nearby schools.

Dubai Cares, together with its third partner in Bangladesh; Room to Read, is helping to increase literacy levels in marginalized children in the Sirajganj district by establishing classroom libraries that allow for easy accessibility to books.

Stories from the Field

enrollment and retention by improving children’s health and enhancing their learning environments. Similarly, under its Quality of Education & Learning programs, Dubai Cares helps improve students’ performances by enabling early learning, literacy and numeracy, as well as providing teachers with new knowledge and teaching methods.

Gender sensitive activities are integrated in order to promote gender equality in schools.

Underpinning its programs is Dubai Cares’ commitment to effective monitoring and evaluation that ensures a culture of continuous learning and greater impact.

To date, Dubai Cares has supported primary education programs in 28 countries including Angola, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Chad, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Laos, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sir Lanka, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan,

3,000 latrines in schools • Providing nutritious food everyday to more than 490,000 children in schools • Training over 23,000 teachers • Keeping more than 1.5 million children free from intestinal worms through its de-worming activities • Distributing over 2 million books written in local languages • Establishing over 6,600 Parent-Teacher Associations

Dubai Cares Programs in Bangladesh With support from Dubai Cares, Save the Children is working in three districts and 11 upazilas in the northwest Sylhet region and three districts and 11 upazilas in the southeast Barisal region of Bangladesh to create positive changes in the lives of highly disadvantaged children.

“I did not go to school, but my granddaughter does. I love to see her going to school and think if I could have had the chance to go, perhaps my life would have been different,” says Promila Bouri, an 80-year old garden laborer in the Rashidpur Tea Garden located in Bahubal Upazila of Hobigonj District in the northeastern city of Sylhet.

With support of Dubai Cares, the SHIKHON Learning Alternatives for Vulnerable Children project is designed to provide 75,000 out-ofschool children with cost-effective, quality, nonformal education thus enabling them to achieve competencies comparable to five years of formal primary school in four years. Haribal Deshwara, Chairperson of the School Assistance Group added: “We are observing positive changes in our children’s daily activities both at home and outside.

They seem so much happier and they like their teacher as well as the outdoor games. They love coming to school and actively participate in keeping their school premises clean.”

Initial assessments show excellent attendance and achievement rates. This is a source of hope to tea garden laborers, as they clearly see education as the key to opening better alternatives and opportunities for their children.

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ARTICLE

Acid victim to activist: Hasina’s courageous journey How the Acid Survivors Foundation is helping victims of acid attacks in Bangladesh

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iolence against women is widely condemned in Bangladesh but the country still witnesses horrific reminders of what people are capable of inflicting on others.

The Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), supported by UK aid, is a trusted partner in the British Government’s work to reduce violence against women and girls in Bangladesh.

Hasina is one of many victims who found the ASF to be her last beacon of hope after her life

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saw a tragic turn of events.

Hasina’s story “When I was 17 years old, a man who worked for my family for 12 years as a labourer threw acid on me when I was sleeping with my siblings in my family home. I didn’t realise what it was at first.

It just felt like something warm but with a sharp burning sensation,” says Hasina. “I immediately ran to my mother. No one knew

what to do as I was rolling on the ground and screaming for help.”

After being unable to receive the right treatment because of resource constraints at a government hospital, ASF came to Hasina’s rescue providing two months post-operative nursing care for free. Sadly her ordeal did not end there - even the best treatment couldn’t remove all trace of the acid attack. On returning home she discovered the social stigma of being disfigured.

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“No one actually threw me out of the village but people seemed scared of me. My pregnant friend’s mother asked her not to see me for fear that her child would come out like me. As a result of all this, I hated going out. I couldn’t move freely. I would keep myself covered up.”

Once again she found support from ASF, which had established a new hospital and was attracting volunteer plastic surgeons from Bangladesh and overseas. Eight operations later, her face was much nearer to its preattack condition.

Advocacy and raising awareness Hasina participates in awareness raising campaigns arranged by the ASF. Here she attends the Eliminating Violence Against Women event on 25 November 2012. Picture: Narayan Debnath/DFID Whilst continuing her studies and working,

a hefty fine, life imprisonment to a maximum statement of death penalty. The Bangladeshi social welfare department along with ASF is working together to address acid attacks and bring the number of incidents to a halt.

It is imperative to support the victims who are in need and maintain the spotlight on acid

Unfortunately Hasina’s father did not have enough money to continue both his daughter’s treatment and pursue a legal case to bring charges against her attacker.

Hope for the future Hasina’s interest in joining the legal unit of ASF as an intern helped her take back control of her life and seek justice. The Foundation arranged an interview with the country’s leading Bangla newspaper on International Women’s Day and Hasina was able to publicise her case and encourage society to take action.

Hasina remembers this clearly as it prompted the perpetrator’s arrest.

“My picture came out in the paper, and so did my comments on police corruption and the failure to arrest those responsible.

The then Inspector General of Police saw the story and was surprised to see my status. He

Hasina has participated in various national and international platforms involving government officials, donors, police, NGOs, and the media.

She has shared her story to raise awareness

I am thinking about purchasing a piece of land for my future. I believe there are more good people than bad people and if we have the political will, we can combat acid attacks gave an order for an arrest to be made within 24 hours. “After waiting agonisingly for three years, suddenly the perpetrator was arrested literally within 24 hours, and was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.”

Hasina is now hopeful for her future and believes that society is more aware of the issues. “There has been a lot of change in all these years. People are more conscious, sensitive and understanding about acid attacks and are trying to do something. I am thinking about purchasing a piece of land for my future. I believe there are more good people than bad people and if we have the political will, we can combat acid attacks.”

on the challenges faced by survivors in pursuing legal action as well as contributing in workshops with the police to help identify loopholes in the current acid laws.

Hasina has participated in many awareness raising campaigns arranged by the ASF and these lobby efforts by the foundation have encouraged the Government of Bangladesh to introduce into law the District Acid Control Committees (DACC) and the National Acid Control Council (NACC).

The NACC and DACC control acid crimes by mandating stringent punishment ranging from between three to 15 years imprisonment and

attacks and violence against women. Tackling this issue is an example of how UK aid from the Department for International Development is focusing its efforts on women and girls to support wider development objectives.

Facts and Stats ASF’s main aim is to prevent acid attacks and protect survivors, helping them to gain economic independence and recover their self confidence.

The ASF’s advocacy and lobby efforts focuses on effective implementation of the laws through dialogue with law enforcing authorities at the local and national level, mass awareness raising campaigns, and advocating with government service providers to ensure effective rehabilitation of survivors.

UK aid has been funding ASF through its rights and governance challenge fund since 2004. Over the last 10 years over 3,000 acid attack survivors were supported through this programme. Thankfully the incident rate of attacks has more than halved and is declining Courtesy of DFID further.

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REPORT

TIPS TO GET FUNDING Martin Shaw is a partner with fundraising and management

consultancy Midas Charity Appeals LLP. He has experience in working with interfaith groups delivering training and consultancy. His latest book is on fundraising in the faith community

D

id you know that there are some 20,000 charitable trusts and foundations in England and Wales that give our grants for the work charities and NGO’s, and the largest give away around £3 billion per annum? Some have existed since Elizabethan times and were set up by philanthropic individuals, families and companies.

to the trust in order for the funder to commit to your work.

These trusts are sent thousands of applications each year and are only able to fund a fraction of those they receive. Therefore, any application you make must be outstanding and relevant

• Make sure your project or approach is well thought through and is ‘different’ in some respect.

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Your project will stand out if you: • Present your project clearly and make it relevant to the funder’s criteria.

• Demonstrate an enthusiasm and excitement for your work within the application and through the language you use.

• Show that your project will make a real benefit to the lives of those you support.

What funders are looking for An application that: • Is tailored to their priorities – not a mail-shot to thousands.

• Clearly shows what you want the money for and what the benefits will be for your clients/community.

• Has a realistic budget.

• Demonstrates that your organisation has the skills and expertise to run the work you are applying to do.

• Shows you have a track record of work.

• Clearly sets out what is so different about your project compared with others.

REPORT

• Shows how you will measure the outcomes of the project – i.e. how you will know you have been successful.

• States who else is funding the project.

• Includes an exit strategy – or what will you do when the funder’s money runs out.

• Indicates when you need the money.

Making your application – a checklist Starting out First check through the trust’s criteria and, if you have the details, look at its annual report and previous grants. Call previous grant recipients to see if they have any tips for you.

Check how much the funder gives on average – don’t ask a funder that gives average grants of £5,000 for £20,000.

Read about the funder’s priorities and make sure that both your organisation and proposed project fit them.

Try and work out what sort of funder it is from its information and by asking colleagues in other organisations. For example, does the funder like facts and figures or does it prefer to hear about the work and how you approach it?

Check the date of the trustees’ meetings and any published deadlines.

Funders tend to get a rush of applications at the last minute, so your application may receive more consideration if you get it in early and avoid this rush.

Develop a one-page outline of your project and ideas which fit the criteria; you can use this during your initial discussions with the funder.

Getting detailed information and planning Unless the funder states otherwise, it is often a good idea to call and check out your ideas/ project with a grants officer or the trust administrator.

Start by carefully reading through the funder’s criteria.

Check which criteria will go into which section of your answers/writing.

Presentation must be faultless – remember to check your spelling, grammar, layout, handwriting and spacing.

Important aspects of any funding application

What you want the money for: Show clear evidence of the need for the project; be clear who will benefit; what you will provide, when and where; the number of people you will work with; and whether your projects fits in with other local organisations and services.

What you will achieve: Be clear about what difference you expect your project to make to the lives of those with whom you work.

Amount of funding: When you submit your application, make sure it is for a specific sum – never just ask for ‘help’ or ‘funding’.

It is important to look at how much the funder gives on average and aim for this.

If the funder sets a maximum amount – for example many small funders state £5,000 – don’t simply apply for as much as you can get by writing £5,000 or £4,999.The funder will suspect that you have not thought through your application. Try to avoid having ‘lots of zeros’ in the budget! – i.e. £1,000, £10,000. Instead use £987, £9,983, as this shows you have actually costed out each element rather than plucked figures out of the air.

Equal opportunities: Be clear how your services or activities are accessible to everyone who may need to use them.

Why your organisation is best equipped to run this project: It is important to give the funder an insight into the experience your organisation has gained, what skills and experience there is within the management committee, trustees, staff and volunteers.

Drafting the application: Write a draft and get someone you respect to read through it.

Funders often ask for similar information so it’s a good idea to get this information ready and keep it up to date so it can be easily used for any future funding application. The type of information is often requested includes: • Constitution or governing document (signed and dated by your committee) • Your organisation’s aims and objectives • Names and skills of the trustees/management committee • Date the organisation was set up and a short history • Needs of your clients/community • Details of your current projects • Funding received to date • Annual report and audited accounts • Fundraising strategy.

Sending the application Make copies of the whole application for your records and file clearly. If the funder comes back to you in three months’ time you need to be able quickly to pull out the application and speak confidently about each area.

Common mistakes when applying for funds • Not reading the criteria properly and not tailoring the application to the • funder’s criteria.

• Failing to supply all the information the funder requires and/or sending • Unnecessary information.

• Not tailoring the application to the individual funder – applications to many funders at the same time invariably fail.

• Poor presentation.

• Not making key aspects of the application clear enough: for example, what the funding is for or what the benefits will be to the clients/community. A funder should be able to understand easily what you want to do, when, why and how, and what difference its support will make.

• Using language that is unclear and full of jargon – keep it simple and to the point.

• No evidence of need for what you want to do. You must provide the funder with a clear need for your proposed work – not just that you think it would be a good idea.

• Not thinking the project through properly – you must make sure there are no obvious questions in the funder’s mind after reading your application. You are asking it to invest in your work so make sure you have covered all aspects of the project.

• Unrealistic budget – make sure your budget is based on actual quotes where possible and that you can justify each amount.

• Incomplete/unsigned application forms – make sure you complete all sections, sign the form which is crucial and enclose all the additional documents before sending it off.

• Missing the closing date (if there is one) – make sure your application is posted in time to arrive by the closing date. Ideally use recorded post so that you can prove your application was sent in time, or at least keep your receipt from the post office as proof of postage.

• Using last year’s form – make sure you have the latest application form – not last year’s!

Feedback Even if you are unsuccessful, it is important to contact the funder and find out why you failed.

Funders will not change their minds so don’t try to get them to do so. However, you can get useful feedback for a future application.

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FINANCE ARTICLE

UK financial regulations on Muslim INGOs Saif Ullah, is a Policy and Research Officer for the Muslim Charities Forum, an umbrella organisation comprised of the leading Muslim INGOs based in the U.K. Here he argues how stricter financial legislation has hindered the operations of Muslim organisations and need to be reassessed

C

harity finances in the UK and abroad have come under elevated levels of scrutiny over the past decade as new and ever more stringent counter-terrorism laws and practices have placed international transactions under the microscope.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1989 out of the G7 initiative, has been at the centre of developing policies to combat money laundering (AML) and countering financing of terrorism (CFT).

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Yet since 9/11, the implementation of FATF policies has considerably reduced the humanitarian space within which all NGOs have been able to operate, particularly impacting their ability to assist people in volatile, high-risk regions. Disproportionately, this burden of suspicion has fallen upon Muslim INGOs, whose activities, funding streams and financial transactions have been unreasonably scrutinised. This suspicion on the sector is wrong, and has been fuelled by political and media rhetoric that does not match up to the small number of cases that regulatory bodies have uncovered.

Giving internationally According to the Charity Commission, the independent regulator for charitable organisations in England and Wales, there are approximately 18,000 registered charities operating internationally, with a combined income of around ÂŁ22.7 billion. Muslim INGOs make up a small but significant fragment of the sector - the top ten Muslim INGOs alone account for over ÂŁ167 million in income.

There are over 1,300 Muslim charities registered

FINANCE ARTICLE

with the Charity Commission, with a significant proportion of these organisations carrying out some form of international humanitarian work, such as providing poverty relief and responding to disasters in the Muslim world (Kroessin 2007).

Increasingly, Muslim-led INGOs are visibly operating in high-risk, volatile countries where few other mainstream organisations have been able to gain access, with notable humanitarian campaigns in Somalia, Myanmar, Gaza and Syria.

FATF regulations affecting charity operations In 1990, the FATF issued a report containing Forty Recommendations to fight against money laundering. Following 9/11, the FATF’s remit was expanded to develop standards in the fight against terrorism financing.

risk charities pose, due diligence software that highlights uncertainty, and the fear of litigation in the United States.

The FATF system of suspending or blacklisting countries that do not comply with their recommended standards can also lead to states passing laws that are compliant but not necessarily effective in fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. Recent threats made by the FATF to Turkey to address their shortcomings in tackling terrorist financing could potentially have had serious consequences on the delivery of humanitarian relief to conflict-ridden Syria.

counter-terrorism legislation (ODI 2011).

In the United States, a report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) found that government policy on transnational giving had created “a climate of fear that chill American Muslims’ free and full exercise of their religion through charitable giving”.

Breaking the bottleneck While there are obvious difficulties faced by banks, regulators and charities in ensuring they comply with financial regulations, clearly the issue over how these policies are being implemented needs

Particularly relevant to the activities of charities and INGOs has been FATF Special Recommendation VIII (also known as ‘SRVIII’). This requires states to “review the adequacy of laws and regulations that relate to entities that can be abused for financing of terrorism”, stating more specifically that “nonprofit organisations are particularly vulnerable... countries should ensure they cannot be misused (for terrorist financing purposes)”.

UN Security Council Resolution 1373 further underlines the obligation and powers states have in countering terror threats. The regulation obliges states and organisations to take all avenues necessary to counter terror threats (UN 2001).

This includes detention and asset freezing, and drastically increased regulations for charities around transparency and accountability.

Impact upon charitable activities Regulations have affected charitable activities at different levels. States have struggled to find a consistent approach to registering and regulating non-profit organisations, with governments experiencing difficulties in managing the large administrative burden of registering charities while implementing FATF legislation.

This has been problematic with financial institutions lacking sufficient knowledge of the charity sector to investigate claims appropriately, nor the mandate to protect the sector from abuse and false allegations, many have adopted a zero tolerance approach through policing of all financial transactions. Yet even with charity regulators present, the FATF system requires banks to regulate charitable transactions all across the money chain, given their responsibility for its end use. Scrutiny of the money trail is exacerbated

by FATF and Government rhetoric about the

At an operational level, NGOs working in highrisk countries have faced significant delays in the transfer of money by banks while they conduct investigations into a transaction, even when there is no evidence of wrong-doing. This in turn has an impact on the speed with which NGOs are able to provide emergency aid to beneficiaries on the ground.

Stricter financial legislation and its practical implementation have particularly harmed the operations of Muslim organisations based in the UK. A survey conducted by the Muslim Charities Forum last year showed that transferring funds to overseas locations was the most common challenge experienced by several Muslim NGOs, causing delays to aid delivery and implementing projects on the ground.

Government enquiries into the activities of Muslim charities, most of which found no evidence of foul play, have also increased feelings amongst organisations of being mistrusted, and harmed their reputation among donors as their assets are frozen while investigations take place. Conversely, charitable giving has become less transparent as people have become fearful of falling foul of

to be assessed and better understood by all parties to help alleviate some of the current barriers to effective operation.

At a policy level, engaging in discussions with the FATF and regulators to highlight the impact of counter-terrorism legislation on charitable operations is important in finding ways to increase the space within which they work. In particular, exhibiting the ways in which Muslim INGOs feel targeted and stigmatised by the global fight against terrorism and how it is specifically affecting their capacity to deliver humanitarian aid is something that should be investigated and presented as a repository of evidence for the issues faced.

The FATF has already stated that its next round of assessments will focus “much more” on how countries are actually fighting money laundering and terrorism financing instead of examining their laws, which is an encouraging step.

Yet as an underlying humanitarian concern, it is vital that we do all we can to ensure that people in need – particularly those in volatile, high-risk and isolated zones – are able to access aid services before their vulnerable situation means it is too late.

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CLASSIFIED

to Arab confnerence strengthe n action humanitaria

Head Fundraiser

Bill Gatesof Aid in an age Austerity

ry 2013 Issue 1, Janua

IAN HUMANITAR EUROPE

Tibet Relief Fund £27,000 - £29,000 (pro rata, dependent on experience) Greater London Either Full- or Part-Time

TOP 100 NGOs in the world

Tibet Relief Fund (TRF) is a well-established and dynamic charity.

Through innovative new work and long-term projects TRF helps vulnerable and disadvantaged Tibetans both inside Tibet and in exile to build better futures. We are now seeking to recruit an experienced fundraising manager to join our small and enthusiastic team.

The appointee will be responsible maintaining and developing our current fundraising operation, which currently raising around £400,000 a year. We are seeking candidates who have a good understanding of the following sources of funding: individuals, major donors, direct mail appeals, raffle, trusts and sponsored events.

This is a ‘hands-on’ role for an energetic and enthusiastic person who enjoys working on their own initiative and to targets. There is considerable scope to initiate new fundraising activities and, after the completion of one year, to visit our projects in India and Nepal.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years fundraising experience over two paid fundraising roles.

This position is office based and can be either full or part-time (minimum of 4 days per week). However, for an exceptional candidate, flexible hours can be negotiated.

For full details, please download the Job Description. To apply, please email your full CV with a covering letter, outlining in no more than 500 words your core skills and why you are the ideal candidate, to Kathryn@tibetrelieffund.co.uk The deadline for applications is 5pm, Thursday 28th March.

Sorry no agencies.

Tibet Relief Fund is an equal opportunities employer.

Charity Commission Reg. No: 1061834

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Muslim Charity

implementing the Millennium ls Development Goa

diseases “one of the greatestanybody” is to be a nobody to Mother Teresa

Price: UK £2.95 US $ 5.00

Humanitarian Europe is a newly launched magazine At present the magazine is looking for volunteers for the editorial department.

An assistant to the editor Researchers Please send your CV to the Editor – info@humanitarian.eu

Humanitarian Europe 3rd Floor, 5 Watling Gate, 297 - 303 Edgware Road London, NW9 6NB, UK

Muslim Charity, UK Marketing & Fundraising Manager £40,000 p.a.

Part of a small team, the role incorporates all elements of marketing activities from planning to delivery, and from resolving supprter queries to influencing strategic plans.

Closing date: 15-May-2013.

Application method by email to: recruitment@muslimcharity.org.uk

Advert

Noor Ul Islam Appeal NOOR UL ISLAM TRUST

was established in 1990 and has built a reputation as an active Islamic organisation catering for the whole community. Our aim is to meet the demands of men, women, youth, children and families.

Support an active Masjid and community centre to expand further. Help NOOR UL ISLAM TRUST raise funds for our rebuild project

We need your help to raise approximately

ÂŁ8,000,000

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Due to lack of space our active organisation has become limited and cannot cater for the populated muslim community efficiently.

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Barclays Bank Account Details Noor Ul Islam A/C 73779645 S/C: 20-53-04

artist impression

www.noorulislam.co.uk enquiries@noorulislam.co.uk

Global Eye Statistics

285

39

90%

80%

million people visually impaired worldwide

of blindness occurs in the developing world and mostly in Muslim world

million are blind and 246 million have low vision

Noor Ul Islam Trust 713 High Road, London, E10 5AB T: 020 8558 0786

Helping to see again Every ďŹ ve seconds some one goes blind Help us to reach 10000 blind people this year

of all visual impairment can be avoided (World Health Organisation)

www.almustafatrust.org

8 douglas road, Hounslow, TW3 1DA Tel: +(44) 0208 5696 444 Fax: +(44) 0208 5696 555

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There are approximately 2.5 million Muslims in the UK. K.

33% have no qualifications (higher than any other faith th group and twice that of the national average).

45% of Muslim women in the UK have no academic education.

Help establish Eaton Girls Boarding g School and invest in a brighter future for the coming Muslim generations in Great Britain www.muslimcharity.org.uk facebook.com/muslimcharityuk twitter.com/muslimcharityuk youtube.com/muslimcharityuk

01777 702 555

Eaton Hall, Retford, Nottinghamshire UK DN22 0PR