This has enabled the UNHCR to distribute zakat and shadaqah (simple alms) to more than 1.2 million beneficiaries in 14 counties
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) confirmed to have distributed zakat (alms) fund to 1.2 million beneficiaries in 14 countries by 2021-end.

“This has enabled the UNHCR to distribute zakat and shadaqah (simple alms) to more than 1.2 million beneficiaries in 14 counties,” UNHCR’s senior advisor, Khaled Kahlifa, remarked during the UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy 2022 Annual Report Launch held virtually here on Wednesday.

He acknowledged that 2021 has been yet another challenging year in terms of managing the consequences of COVID-19.

Despite the reality, he noted that it has been truly inspiring to witness the generosity and support of over 40 Islamic philanthropy partners around the globe.

“Providing life-saving assistance to cover their immediate needs is a breakthrough,” he highlighted.

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However, in a situation where more than 86 million people were forced to leave their homes to nearly 60 percent coming from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OCI) countries, humanitarian needs are on the rise, he affirmed.

At the event, Kahlifa expressed gratitude to the key partners in Asia and more than 10 million institutions, both public and private, that have come forward to dedicate zakat and shadaqah for refugees in Indonesia, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Jordan, and Syria.

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“Here, I would like to make special mentions to Baznas (National Alms Agency) and Rumah Zakat in Indonesia,” he noted.

He also expressed gratitude to the Islamic Religious Council of the Federation of Malaysia (MAIWP) and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation in Singapore.

“We are proud and humbled by this trust, and we are committed to nurturing such partnership in order to grow together to address the impact of Islamic philanthropy on this place and host communities in Asia and globally,” he remarked.


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Reporter: Juwita Trisna Rahayu
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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