By Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations Agency, launched its Islamic Philanthropy Fund on Tuesday, 25 February.
This innovative initiative aims to harness the power of Islamic charitable giving to support some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
The launch took place at the United Nations House in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the eve of Ramadan. The event was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed S. Barrie, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as representatives from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Islamic Development Bank (IDB), diplomats, UN agencies, and representatives from the private sector and Islamic philanthropy organisations.
The IOM is seeking Ramadan donations from Islamic organisations and countries that are members of the OIC to support the Philanthropy Fund.
During the launch, the IOM signed memoranda of understanding with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, boosting support for the Fund and ensuring its efficiency and impact.
The Fund’s long-term vision is to provide a strong and sustainable source of income to support migrant and displaced communities worldwide, upholding their safety and dignity. According to IOM’s Director General Amy Pope, “With today’s complex crises displacing record numbers of people and causing immeasurable suffering, it’s critical to harness the spirit of Islamic charity to help alleviate suffering, empower communities to rebuild and thrive, and protect the dignity of people in need.”
In its inaugural year, the Fund is prioritising the Sudan Emergency Response by delivering cash to displaced families, those stranded at borders, and communities in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
On the sidelines, H.E. Mohammed S. Barrie met with UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, Dr. Khaled Khalifa, and his deputy, Dr. Nadjia Hafsa, to discuss the Islamic Philanthropy Fund. Ambassador Barrie described the IPF as a strategic milestone that would boost IOM’s initiatives to support some of the world’s most vulnerable people and expressed Sierra Leone’s interest in the Fund.
The IOM’s Representative and Director of IPF, El Nour Ashraf, thanked Ambassador Barrie for attending the event and looked forward to his full and constructive participation. He assured the Ambassador of his assistance.