The Role of Islamic Relief Malaysia

In my opinion, I am quite disagree with the Hazie opinion on The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) in the context of Malaysian contribution towards the human rights issue in Africa. As we know, SUHAKAM only one of the Malaysian government agency that promoting human rights among our nation. Despite of that, Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia) is one of our NGO's that really active on medical assistance especially in African conflict situation. I will share with all of us about the Islamic Relief Malaysia non-government organization that contribute in humanitarian assistance in East Africa.

ISLAMIC RELIEF MISSION Islamic Relief strives to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and diseases worldwide regardless of colour, race gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish local development projects to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease. ISLAMIC RELIEF BACKGROUND Islamic Relief is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) for emergency relief and sustainable development dedicated into helping the world’s poorest population. Established in 1984 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, Islamic Relief is the first Muslim humanitarian organization to be formed in Europe. The Founder, Dr. Hany al-Banna decided to establish Islamic Relief after he witnessed the effect of devastating famine in sub-Saharan Africa. Islamic Relief headquarter remained in Birmigham to date. In 1988, its capacity grew to become a functional team. In 1993, Islamic Relief obtained a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).In 1992-1993, more offices were established in Europe: Albania, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, as well as in the United States. Until now Islamic Relief is actively involved in emergency relief and humanitarian development worldwide including Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Chad, Chechya, China, Mesir, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kosova, Lebanon, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Africa, Sudan and Yemen. ISLAMIC RELIEF MALAYSIA Islamic Relief Malaysia was officially formed in Malaysia in 2005. Understanding the mission, Islamic Relief Malaysia main objectives are to support fundraising and continue Islamic Relief humanitarian aid in the region. Islamic Relief Malaysia is also responsible to increase awareness and providing accurate and updated Islamic Relief information to people in Malaysia. Other than fundraising, Islamic Relief Malaysia also implement community, economies and social development programs in Malaysia where the target group beneficiaries are the poor, orphans, single mothers, senior citizens and physically challenged. Kenya Islamic Relief is currently working in Mandera District which have been seriously affected by the drought and food crisis. We are currently running 27 supplementary feeding centres which are providing emergency food and nutritional support to thousands of malnourished children and pregnant women. Our teams of health workers visit local communities to identify those in need of support and then refer them to our health centre where they receive rations of highly nutritious food as well as essential medical care. To help communities affected by drought we have repaired and constructed new water systems, providing more than 75,000 people with clean, safe water. We have also set up water committees and trained local people as health and hygiene promoters to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases. By providing training, equipment and seeds, Islamic Relief has also been successful in helping hundreds of farmers to irrigate their land and to grow crops on previously arid land. We have also set up grain and fodder banks to help pastoralists and farmers cope with the ongoing drought and lack of pasture. Ethiopia In Ethiopia we are working in the Somali region and the Afar region in the east of the country. Here we are helping communities affected by water shortages by repairing and cleaning water sources. Most people in these regions are pastoralists who are dependent on their animals for food and a source of income. To help local communities preserve their herds we are providing community-based veterinary services, vaccinations and training to improve the health of their animals, which is benefitting more than 10,000 people. We have also constructed new water sources which are providing more than 1,000 people with clean drinking water. However, the needs in Ethiopia are vast and people in these regions desperately need access to food and clean water, as well as assistance for those who are malnourished. With your help, we can do even more. Conclusion: The Islamic Relief have seen working in East Africa by assisting people affected by drought, conflict, and food shortages. They also providing the emergency food and nutritional support, constructed new water system, and open a health care for medical treatment and care for people in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Lastly, Malaysia should increase the number of non-government organization as it will show our civilized country and helping the African people especially with the medical and food assistance as we live in world community. Sources: http://www.irm.org.my/portal/ir-malaysia Posted by: Intan