THE International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has launched its Islamic Philanthropy Fund, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at leveraging Islamic charitable giving to aid some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. The launch, timed just before Ramadan, took place at the United Nations House in Riyadh and was attended by representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Islamic Development Bank (IDB), diplomats, UN agencies, and Islamic philanthropy organizations.
IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized the importance of harnessing Islamic charity to address the escalating global displacement crisis, which has left over 75 million people displaced due to conflict, disaster, and insecurity. “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,” she stated.
In its first year, the Fund will focus on the Sudan Emergency Response, providing critical cash assistance to displaced families, individuals stranded at borders, and communities in urgent need of humanitarian aid. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 11.5 million people internally displaced and nearly 30 million requiring urgent assistance.
To ensure the Fund’s effectiveness and integrity, IOM signed memorandums of understanding with the OIC and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy during the launch event. A newly established advisory body will provide ongoing guidance to ensure the Fund operates with transparency and impact.
The long-term goal of the Islamic Philanthropy Fund is to establish a robust and sustainable income stream to support migrant and displaced communities worldwide, safeguarding their safety and dignity. This initiative marks a significant step for IOM in addressing the complex challenges of global displacement through innovative and collaborative solutions.
