Mettre fin à l’extrême pauvreté: une obligation morale et spirituelle

Notre vision commune

En tant que chefs religieux de différentes confessions, nous partageons le même souhait ardent de voir l’extrême pauvreté disparaître d’ici 2030. Pour la première fois dans l’histoire de l’humanité, nous pouvons aller au delà d’un simple espoir et transformer en réalité la vision d’un monde délivré de l’extrême pauvreté. Pour réaliser cet objectif, il faudra prendre deux engagements : agir en s’inspirant des pratiques qui ont fait leurs preuves ; faire entendre nos voix pour interpeller les autres et les convaincre de se rallier à cette cause fondée sur nos valeurs spirituelles les plus profondes.

Grâce aux progrès remarquables réalisés dans le monde au cours des vingt dernières années, le nombre de personnes vivant dans l’extrême pauvreté a été réduit de moitié. Les données du Groupe de la Banque mondiale et d’autres institutions ont amplement démontré que nous avons désormais la possibilité de mettre fin à l’extrême pauvreté dans un délai de quinze ans. En 2015, nos gouvernements devront s’entendre sur un nouveau programme mondial de développement durable qui pourrait permettre d’achever cette tâche impérieuse en prenant appui sur nos valeurs communes.

Nous, membres de la communauté religieuse, adhérons entièrement à cet impératif moral, car nous partageons l’idée selon laquelle la moralité d’une société se mesure à la façon dont vivent ses membres les plus faibles et vulnérables. Nos textes sacrés nous exhortent également à combattre l’injustice et à améliorer les conditions de vie des plus pauvres d’entre nous. Quels que soient le sexe, l’âge, l’appartenance ethnique ou les croyances, personne ne devrait se voir refuser le droit de vivre pleinement.

Un consensus moral partagé

C’est la raison pour laquelle la persistance de l’extrême pauvreté dans un monde d’abondance nous choque autant. Notre foi est mise à l’épreuve et nos cœurs se serrent lorsque nous voyons autant de personnes vivre encore dans des conditions dégradantes, alors même que la richesse et les avancées scientifiques atteignent des niveaux sans précédent. Nous savons pertinemment à quel point l’extrême pauvreté compromet tout objectif dans l’existence, étouffe le potentiel de chacun et fait affront à la dignité humaine. Dans un monde de plus en plus connecté, les ressources sont suffisantes pour que personne n’ait à lutter au quotidien pour survivre.

Pour mettre fin à l’extrême pauvreté, il est nécessaire d’appliquer une approche globale visant à supprimer les causes sous-jacentes du problème comme les maladies évitables, le manque d’accès à une éducation de qualité, le chômage, la corruption, les conflits violents et la discrimination contre les femmes, les minorités ethniques et d’autres groupes. Il faudra également modifier les comportements qui engendrent la pauvreté : la cupidité et le gaspillage, l’indifférence face à la douleur des autres et l’exploitation des hommes et de la nature. Une démarche durable et globale doit être adoptée pour transformer non seulement les cultures et les institutions, mais aussi les cœurs et les esprits.

Dans de trop nombreuses régions du globe, les femmes et les filles sont cantonnées dans un statut de citoyenne de seconde classe et n’ont accès ni l’éducation ni à l’emploi. Elles sont victimes de violences, de viols et de la traite d’êtres humains. Tant que nous ne disposerons pas tous des mêmes droits fondamentaux, personne ne pourra réellement s’épanouir.
Nous devons également affirmer très clairement qu’il sera impossible d’éliminer l’extrême pauvreté sans atténuer le changement climatique et lutter contre les inégalités. Le changement climatique affecte déjà de façon disproportionnée les populations pauvres. Les inégalités extrêmes entre les pays ou au sein même de leur société vont à l’encontre des principes religieux que nous partageons, exacerbent les divisions sociales et politiques et entravent les progrès. Il nous faut un nouveau modèle de croissance économique durable qui tienne compte de l’environnement et de l’intégration sociale.

Notre appel à l’action

Nous estimons que le moment est venu d’éliminer le fléau de l’extrême pauvreté en rétablissant des liens justes entre les personnes, en affirmant l’importance de la dignité humaine et en ouvrant la voie au développement général de tous. Si nous nous attachions davantage à appliquer ces valeurs communes, il y aurait moins de pauvreté dans le monde.

Nos convictions communes exigent que nous soutenions ceux qui vivent dans la pauvreté et que nous leur donnions les moyens d’agir, plutôt que de les dénigrer, afin qu’ils deviennent les acteurs de leur propre transformation. Nous devons abandonner une attitude politique qui, trop souvent, ne tient pas compte de l’opinion des plus pauvres, les accuse d’être responsables de leur situation et ne fait qu’exacerber les inégalités. Il est temps de remplacer la lassitude par un nouvel engagement, l’indifférence par la compassion, le cynisme par l’espoir et l’impuissance par un sens accru de notre capacité à en finir avec l’extrême pauvreté à l’horizon 2030.

Nous nous engageons à travailler ensemble pour mettre fin au scandale de l’extrême pauvreté. Nous allons passer à l’action, plaider pour cette cause, éduquer et coopérer, que ce soit entre nous ou dans le contexte d’initiatives plus larges. Et nous nous engageons à rendre les dirigeants de tous niveaux (public et privé, national et international) comptables de leurs actes.
Notre démarche doit être globale, s’ancrer dans le cadre de la spiritualité de nos fois respectives et reposer sur la reconnaissance universelle de la dignité et de la valeur intrinsèques à toute vie sur Terre.

Afin de réaliser cet objectif commun, il va falloir transformer la volonté sociale et politique de façon radicale et l’accompagner d’innovations, ainsi que d’une collaboration accrue entre les différents secteurs. Nous demandons instamment aux organisations internationales, aux gouvernements, aux entreprises, à la société civile et aux communautés religieuses de jouer leur rôle respectif, qui est crucial, et de se rallier avec nous à cette cause fondamentale.

La pauvreté, qui étouffe plus d’un milliard d’hommes, de femmes et d’enfants dans le monde, doit être éliminée. Le moment est venu de prendre des mesures audacieuses pour que la prochaine génération échappe à ce fléau.

 

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.