The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and a faith-based organisation, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, have launched the Ramadan Campaign to raise N1bn annually from zakat collection and sadaqah contribution to improve the living conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.
Unveiling the campaign to the general public in Abuja yesterday ahead of the forthcoming Ramadan fasting, UNHCR representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Rahmathullah, said the campaign becomes necessary in view of increasing levels of internal displacement in the country.
He said 3.2 million people are internally displaced currently in Nigeria and that the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is chronically underfunded to fulfil its international obligations to provide international protection assistance and solutions to refugees
According to him, UNHCR has only received 8% out of the $107 million its need in 2024 to support the various populations of concern.
“As we witness increasing levels of internal displacement in the country, we struggle to adequately respond to the growing humanitarian needs. UNHCR has been chronically underfunded and so far for this year we have only received 8% out of the $107 million we need in 2024 to support the various populations of concern. Our traditional donors are also going through tough economic times due to conflicts, climate emergencies and collapsing economies that wreak havoc in communities around the world, response plans for 2024 are ultra prioritized on the very urgent needs constricting budgets further. As such distinguished ladies and gentlemen we need to come together and explore other opportunities to support the most vulnerable internally displaced families affected by the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria,” Rahmathullah said.
The chief Imam and founder of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, his organisation is pleased to join forces with UNHCR to support people who have to flee their homes because of violence and conflict.
“We are pleased to partner with UNHCR to support people forced to flee their homes because of violence and conflict. Our fellow displaced brothers and sisters represent some of the most vulnerable among us. Each contribution of Sadaqah or Zakat, no matter how much or how little, will greatly support IDPs in need with the resources and tools to rebuild their lives,” Imam Fuad said.
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