On 25th March, Islamic Relief launched a €10 million appeal for Iraq at the House of Commons in London, UK. The high profile event was attended by Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum as well as by the media and other charities including Human Relief Foundation, Help the Needy, Christian Aid, Muslim Aid, Families Relief, Muslim Hands and Oxfam.

The aim of the launch was to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Iraq, and the anticipated effects of the current war. Islamic Relief hopes to mobilise the British public to support the humanitarian efforts in Iraq.

MPs, including Shadow Development Secretary, Caroline Spellman, Christine McCafferty, and Jeremy Corbyn were all there to lend their support to the Islamic Relief initiative. They spoke of the need for politicians, aid organisations, the media and the general public to unite and raise questions about the humanitarian crisis which will inevitably arise after the conflict.

In response to the current crisis in Iraq, Islamic Relief staff on the ground in Baghdad, Amman and Damascus, are currently setting up support lines to assist in efforts to help Internally Displaced People and to receive the likely influx of refugees into neighbouring countries.

Recently, Islamic Relief has allocated €2 million for Development projects in Iraq and a further €1 million for Emergency Relief efforts. A convoy of 21 tonnes of men’s women’s and children’s clothes recently left Islamic Relief’s Birmingham Headquarters for the region, and are due to arrive next month.