Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an independent international charity, based in the UK and inspired by Islamic values, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the world’s poorest people. Founded in 1984, IRW has its headquarters in Birmingham and works in over 40 countries, implementing programs that benefit more than 10 million annually. Islamic Relief Afghanistan, a branch of IRW, has been instrumental in delivering effective relief and development programs since 1992, focusing on sustainable livelihood, women’s development, child welfare, disaster risk reduction, and many more.

Our Mission in Afghanistan

Islamic Relief Afghanistan is committed to the Afghan people. Since its founding, IRA has been committed to serving the vulnerable through Afghan refugees in Pakistan and-to this date-throughout Afghanistan. At present, we work within 4 regions and 8 provinces to deliver life-changing services to the Central, North, East, and Central Highland regions of the country. With a strong network of partnerships with the United Nations, international NGOs, and local communities, IRA has emerged as an indispensable partner in the Afghan development landscape.

Key Areas of Operation

1. Sustainable Livelihoods: Islamic Relief Afghanistan is tirelessly working to develop the sustainable economic and social development of the most vulnerable communities, especially women. Our programs provide home-based education, vocational training, and skill development in provinces like Bamyan and Nangarhar. Thus, by empowering them with the wherewithal to get things for themselves, we achieve long-term self-sufficiency and resilience.
2. Education and Child Welfare: We believe that education is the key to a better future. Through our SEHAT programs-supporting education through health assistance and treatment-IRA brings much-needed education to children throughout the country, especially in very poor areas. Our programs have focused on holistic child welfare, including but not limited to education, to ensure children get the support they need to flourish.
3. Health and Nutrition: We are committed to improving the health and nutrition of vulnerable populations across Afghanistan by providing emergency health assistance, promoting sustainable healthcare initiatives, and making sure that IRA’s programs support access to healthcare for all to live a healthy life.
4. Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response: Islamic Relief Afghanistan is highly regarded for its timely response to emergencies within record time. Having responded to disasters in the shortest time possible of 72 hours in the past, IRA has always been standby-for mobilization of resources and delivery of immediate relief to beneficiaries. Be it through winterization assistance or emergency distribution of food and water, we ensure support reaches the targeted communities at the time when they needed it most.
5. Livelihood Development and Winterization: IRA implements livelihood development schemes and winterization programs that prepare families to cope with hard seasons of bad weather and accompanying economic instability. Through the process, IRA helps give them strength for resilience to overcome poverty and all aspects of development that concern livelihoods.

Our Values: Guided by Faith, Committed to Action

Islamic Relief Afghanistan has a set of values emanating from the teachings of Islam that underpin all that we do. These are the values that guide our approach to development and humanitarian intervention:

• Sincerity: Compelled by a strong sense of duty to Allah and humanity, we respond to poverty and suffering with the utmost sincerity, driven by the desire to discharge our obligations towards the Creator and the creation.
• Social Justice: Empowerment of the vulnerable to realize their full potential and claim their rights.
• Compassion: A Precious Life, We Act with Compassion: putting the well-being of people and communities at the heart of all that we do.
• Custodianship: We are stewards of the Earth’s resources and accountable for the trust our communities have placed in us.
• Excellence: We strive to excel in all that we do so that our work is worthy of the people we serve.

Our Global Presence and Impact

Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired humanitarian agency aiming to serve vulnerable communities across at least 45 countries. Islamic Relief’s objectives focus on promoting sustainable livelihood, education, health and nutrition, and intervening in emergency conditions, and by so doing it has earned the trust of millions all over the globe. Grown from humble beginnings into one with an annual income of more than £274.6 million at present (as of 2023), it enables Islamic Relief programs to reach many thousands.

A Commitment to Afghanistan’s Future

The vision of Islamic Relief Afghanistan is one empowered society, self-sufficient in all regards, where life is not just a struggle for existence but a joy to live. We continue to pledge our commitment to staying on in Afghanistan, expanding our programs, and continuing to work at the grassroots level for positive change. Through various initiatives, we aim at eliminating poverty, illiteracy, and diseases; we aspire to create sustainable solutions that will help the Afghan communities to overcome adversity.