Iraq in Crisis

Iraqi children show off their new school kits -- some of the 2,000 such kits MH distributed in August 2005.

MH Work in Iraq

Even before the invasion of 2003, decades of war, sanctions and lawlessness had left Iraq a crippled country. Following the invasion, what little of the infrastructure that remained, including water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications and the education system were severely damaged, bringing further misery and suffering to millions of innocent Iraqis. One Muslim Hands aid worker remarked regarding the situation and people's response to the turmoil in their country, "The people of Iraq are tired, simply tired and worn out."

» Interview with Aamer Naeem of the 2003 MH UK Forward Team (opens new window)

» About MH Emergency Relief

The Work Continues
From the outset Muslim Hands teams have been working in Iraq and we are one of the few international NGOs that have remained in the country as the security situation has worsened. MH Iraq continues to work in some of the hardest hit areas such as Baghdad, Falluja, Karbala, Najaf and Mosul.

As well as continued support for the most vulnerable groups such as orphans, families, the elderly and disabled persons, our work is also focusing on long term development and the reconstruction of viable communities.

This work includes rebuilding and supporting educational establishments, supporting medical centres and equiping water treatments plants. In addition, specific projects are undertaken as and when needed. Two recent examples are help for the 1,000+ victims of a pilgrimage stampede and more than 2,000 school kits distributed to children in time for the new Iraqi school year.

Tackling Problems From All Angles
When working in areas such as Iraq there are many ways in which to help people return to normality, and as importantly to empower people to help themselves. MH Iraq has undertaken a number of more novel projects intended to do just this. This includes a training programme for Iraqi NGOs helping them become more effective, support for the rebuilding of mosques and teaching, and financial support for Iraqi Hajj pilgrims.

Stories and Reports

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Refurbishment of Little Moon Kindergarten

Carried out as part of the It's My Project scheme, this kindergarten in Baghdad was refurbished following the war. It now provides a safe place where children can escape the conflict.

NGO Capacity Building Programme

Representatives from 12 local Iraqi NGOs attended a Muslim Hands workshop in Amman, Jordan. The programme taught skills ranging from effective ways to apply for funding to managing the media and managing projects.

Iraq Aid Mission 2003 (PDF)

As the invasion of 2003 became an inevitability Muslim Hands began stockpiling supplies and distributing increased amounts of aid. Shortly after the end of major hostilities a UK Forward Team entered the country. Read about the personal experiences of two team members.

News and Press Releases

• Muslim Hands Emergency Aid in Falluja, Iraq -- 20 Apr, 04
• Project Update: DFID Funded Schools Rehabilitation in Falluja, Iraq -- 10 Oct, 03
• MH Receives £100,000 to Rehabilitate Schools in Falluja, Iraq -- 22 Jul, 03
• More Aid Shipments to Iraq -- 14 Apr, 03

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