Islamic Relief calls for loss and damage fund with debt relief

November 27, 2019 -

Islamic Relief has joined over 150 organisations, movements and unions, in signing an open letter calling for a new fund to support survivors of climate disasters in the Global South. Ahead of the UN climate conference (COP25) in Madrid, the letter is being sent to environment ministers, heads of delegations and the President of COP25, Carolina Schmidt, Chile’s minister of the environment.

The letter is endorsed by author and activist Naomi Klein, and Lidy Nacpil, activist and coordinator of the Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development.

Dear Carolina Schmidt,

The under-signed organisations, recognising that the UN finds that climate disasters are now occurring at a rate of one per week and are set to cost at least $300 billion per year, call for an end to the stalemate in the negotiations on the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) and the creation of a comprehensive financing facility, including debt relief, for developing countries experiencing such disasters.

A new fund should be financed through regular contributions from wealthy countries and other means, such as taxes on financial transactions, international air travel and fossil fuels. Funds should be disbursed to both governments and independent agencies, especially locally-based and women-led ones that are best able to reach those affected and/or contribute to lasting recovery and resilience.

An interest-free moratorium on debt payments should become automatic for developing countries experiencing climate disasters, in order to provide immediate access to resources which are already in the hands of the authorities and thus do not have to be mobilised through lengthy pledging exercises.

This should be complemented by resources from the new fund and a pre-designed framework for restructuring the entire stock of existing public external debt while allowing sufficient fiscal space for reconstruction to avert future debt crises. To be effective, the scope of the debt relief must be comprehensive, covering both private and official creditors.

Without a reliable and comprehensive financing facility to ensure finance to help countries cope with climate-induced loss & damage, the most vulnerable parts of the world will sink deeper into debt and poverty every time they are hit by climate disasters they did not cause.

We call for a comprehensive funding facility and a moratorium on developing countries’ debt, to be delivered at this COP in Madrid. We await your reply at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

International organisations and regional networks:
1. ActionAid International
2. ACT Alliance
3. Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development
4. Association for Climate Action Network Eastern Africa
5. CARE International
6. Christian Aid
7. Climate Action Network – International
8. Climate Action Network – South Asia (CANSA)
9. Cooperation Internationale pour le Développement et la Solidarité (CIDSE)
10. European Network on Debt and Development (Eurodad)
11. The European Research Network on Social and Economic Policy (ERENSEP)
12. Green Economy Coalition
13. Initiative for Equality
14. International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
15. Islamic Relief Worldwide
16. Jubilee Caribbean
17. Mercy Corps
18. Oxfam
19. Pan African Climate Justice Alliance
20. Public Services International (PSI)
21. Society for International Development (SID)
22. Tax Justice Network
23. Third World Network
24. Women’s Environment and Development Organization
25. WWF International
26. 350.org
National organisations:
27. Australian Marine Conservation Society
28. Australian Parents for Climate Action
29. Australian Religious Response to Climate Change
30. Climate Action Hobart (Australia)
31. Climate Action Monaro (Australia)
32. Climate Action Moreland (Australia)
33. Climate Justice Programme (Australia)
34. Lighter Footprints (Australia)
35. Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (Australia)
36. Pacific Calling Partnership (Australia)
37. Parramatta Climate Action Network (Australia)
38. Riverview Community Services Inc (Australia)
39. Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (Australia)
40. 350 Australia
41. Attac Austri
42. Aid Organization (Bangladesh)
43. Arjon Foundation (Bangladesh)
44. Center for Participatory Research and Development (Bangladesh)
45. Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD)
46. International Centre for Climate Change and Development (Bangladesh)
47. Oxfam in Bangladesh
48. Shariatpur Development Society (Bangladesh)
49. Songshoptaque (Bangladesh)
50. Women’s Voice (Bangladesh)
51. YouthNet for Climate Justice (Bangladesh)
52. Change Partnership (Belgium)
53. Corporate Europe Observatory (Belgium)
54. CNCD-11.11.11 (Belgium)
55. 11.11.11 (Belgium)
56. Plataforma Boliviana frente al Cambio Climático
57. Gestos (Brazil)
58. AidWatch Canada
59. British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (Canada)
60. Actions Communautaires Pour Le Developpement Integral (DR Congo)
61. La Ruta del Clima (Costa Rica)
62. Ekumenical Academy (Czech Republic)
63. CCFD-Terre Solidaire (France)
64. CliMates (France)
65. Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) (France)
66. Réseau Foi & Justice Afrique Europe antenne France
67. Secours Catholique – Caritas France
68. Brot für die Welt (Germany)
69. DEAB (Dachverband Entwicklungspolitik Baden-Württemberg) e.V. (Germany)
70. erlassjahr.de (Jubilee Germany)
71. Ethical Shareholders Germany
72. Katholischer Deutscher Frauenbund (KDFB) Bistum Speyer (Germany)
73. MISEREOR – German Catholic Bishops’ Organisation for Development Cooperation
74. Netzwerk Afrika Deutschland (NAD) (Germany)
75. Werkstatt Ökonomie (Germany)
76. Abibiman Foundation (Ghana)
77. UndebtedWorld (Greece)
78. National Society of Conservationists – Friends of the Earth Hungary
79. Association For Promotion Sustainable Development (India)
80. Integrated Research and Action for Development (India)
81. International Movement for Advancement of Education Culture Social & Economic Development (IMAECSED) (India)
82. Udyama (India)
83. ActionAid Ireland
84. Financial Justice Ireland
85. Trocaire (Ireland)
86. Funzione Pubblica CGIL (FPCGIL) (Italy)
87. Bio Vision Africa (Kenya)
88. Daughters of Mumbi Global Resource Center (Kenya)
89. Power Shift Africa (Kenya)
90. Action Solidarite Tiers Monde (ASTM) (Luxembourg)
91. University of Nottingham Malaysia
92. Friends of the Earth Malaysia
93. Instituto Nacional de Ecologia y Cambio Climatico (Mexico)
94. Community Empowerment and Social Justice (CEMSOJ) Network (Nepal)
95. Rural Area Development Programme (RADP) (Nepal)
96. United Mission to Nepal
97. Golden change concerned youth forum, Nigeria
98. Caritas Norge (Norway)
99. Changemaker Norway
100. Debt Justice Norway (SLUG)
101. Friends of the Earth Norway (Naturvernforbundet)
102. Womens International League for Peace and Freedom, Norway
103. Norwegian Church Aid
104. Community Initiatives for Development in Pakistan
105. Fair Finance Asia Philippines
106. Institute of Global Responsibility (Poland)
107. Ekvilib Institut (Slovenia)
108. EnaBanda (Slovenia)
109. Auditoría Ciudadana de la Deuda en Sanidad (Spain)
110. Coordinadora de ONGD (Spain)
111. Ecologistas en Acción (Spain)
112. Ingeniería sin Fronteras (Spain)
113. NOVACT International Institute for Nonviolent Action (Spain)
114. Observatorio de la Deuda en la Globalización (ODG) (Spain)
115. Plataforma Auditoría Ciudadana de la Deuda (Spain)
116. Conservation Action Trust (South Africa)
117. Alliance Sud (Switzerland)
118. CAN Tanzania
119. Center for Peace Education and Community Development (Uganda)
120. Climate Action Network – Uganda
121. Uganda Coalition for Sustainable Development
122. Amigos del Viento (Uruguay)
123. Bretton Woods Project (UK)
124. Church Action for Tax Justice (UK)
125. Environmental Justice Foundation (UK)
126. Global Justice Now (UK)
127. Jubilee Debt Campaign (UK)
128. Practical Action (UK)
129. Polyp cartoons (UK)
130. Positive Money (UK)
131. Quakers in Britain (UK)
132. Stamp Out Poverty (UK)
133. Sustainable Innovations for Development Action (UK)
134. Tearfund (UK)
135. UK Youth Climate Coalition
136. War on Want (UK)
137. Women’s Environmental Network (UK)
138. Center for Biological Diversity (US)
139. Climate Caretakers (US)
140. Corporate Accountability (US)
141. Earth Action, Inc. (US)
142. EcoEquity (US)
143. Edmund Rice International (US)
144. Franciscan Action Network (US)
145. Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy (US)
146. Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns (US)
147. Rainforest Relief (US)
148. Salesian Missions (US)
149. Sisters of Charity Federation (US)
150. Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (US)
151. Green Innovation and Development Centre(GreenID) (Vietnam)
152. Planned Governance Network (Zambia)

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.