Norway enters into humanitarian cooperation with Islamic Relief Worldwide

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) provides important assistance in countries such as Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan. Norway has decided to allocate NOK two million to the IRW’s efforts on preventing gender-based violence and strengthening education for internally displaced children and young people in Iraq. Norway is also considering supporting the organisation’s work in southern and central Somalia.   

State Secretary Raymond Johansen commented: “Islamic Relief Worldwide is one of the few international organisations that has been working in Iraq for several years, and that has extensive outreach. It actively promotes humanitarian values and gender equality in Muslim countries, and can prove to be a valuable partner for Norway.  

“The humanitarian system has been dominated by a small number of Western actors. The Government wishes to help to address this situation and build new alliances. This makes this new partnership particularly interesting.”  

The IRW is an international organisation with offices in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In addition to emergency relief, it seeks to promote sustainable development in cooperation with local communities. Health, education and children are some of its focus areas.  

The organisation has been present in Iraq for more than ten years, and is one of the few organisations that continued its work after the war in 2003. The on-going humanitarian crisis and more than two million internally displaced people has led to huge deficiencies in basic services such as education, water and health. At the same time, the security situation makes it very difficult for aid organisations to gain access to those who need help most.  

Women are severely affected by the crisis in Iraq. They are increasingly subjected to violence, and account for a large group among the country’s poorest. Norway will support the IRW’s project on prevention of violence against women in Iraq. The project involves cooperation with two Iraqi universities and seeks to help young agents of change to build networks and increase awareness and change attitudes in several local communities.  

Norway also supports the organisation’s schools project in Tarmiya province. The area has received a large number of internally displaced people from Bagdad, and educational services have been severely weakened over several years. With Norwegian support, the IRW will rehabilitate schools, build new classrooms and improve sanitation facilities. The project will help to ensure that more children receive schooling. It will focus in particular on increasing education for girls in the area.