As the world celebrates the contribution of young people in creating a better world this International Youth Day, we reflect on how young people helped us to shine a light on the migrant crisis in Europe.
Since 2000, a staggering 23,700 people have lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety. Young people from across Germany joined Islamic Relief in highlighting the plight of refugees, in a street action organised by Gemeinsam für Afrika (Together for Africa) earlier this year.
The big-hearted volunteers helped Islamic Relief Germany to collect signatures for a petition calling for legal and safe entry into the EU, for the human rights of refugees in their countries of origin and receiving countries to be respected, and for action to improve the situation in their countries of origin. The petition was sent to the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel.
Islamic Relief Germany and our volunteers have supported initiatives by the coalition Together for Africa for several years, throwing weight behind efforts to raise awareness of the problems facing Africa as well as the enormous potential in the continent.
Previous street actions focussed on landgrabbing in Africa and saw Islamic Relief Germany working alongside organisations such as Oxfam and Aktionsgemeinschaft Solidarische Welt (Action for World Solidarity).
In a 2014 action, school students hit the streets to highlight the stark comparison between life in Europe and poor families in African countries.
Islamic Relief Worldwide has carried out extensive research into migration and displacement and the rights of migrants in Islam, and advocates for the empowerment of refugees, recognising the rights and dignity conferred on them by God.