Humanitarian forum
The Humanitarian Forum was initiated in June 2004 as an inclusive coming together of humanitarian organizations, which in particular seeks to foster partnerships and closer co-operation among humanitarian and charitable organizations from Muslim countries or denominations on the one hand, and humanitarian and charitable organizations from the 'West' and the multi-lateral system on the other.
The goal of the Humanitarian Forum is to help create a conducive, unbiased and safe environment for the implementation of technically sound and principled humanitarian action by
- providing a platform for dialogue,
- promoting mutual understanding,
- supporting capacity building and development of NGOs and charities,
- Advocating for a legal framework for greater transparency and accountability,
- promoting humanitarian principles and standards and
- improving communication And Co-operation.
Mechanism
The strategic direction of the Humanitarian Forum is advised by an assembly of stakeholder groups and decided by a representative Steering Committee. The Forum's goal is to be achieved through the following five modules (working groups):
- Module for the Coordination and Cooperation in the Field
- Module for building the capacity of Regulatory bodies/institutions
- Capacity Building Module
- Confidence and Bridge Building Module
- Module for the promotion and understanding of Humanitarian policies and standards
The key organisations involved in the HF so far are:
British Red Cross
Charity Commission (UK)
Department for International Development (UK)
International Islamic Charitable Organization (Kuwait)
Islamic Relief Worldwide
ICVA
ICRC
IFRC
IHH (Turkey)
Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation EMDAD
Mercy Corps
Mohamadiyyah Foundatio(Indonesia)
National Rural Support Programme - Pakistan
Near East Foundation
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Oxfam
Qatar Charitable Organisation
Qatar Red Crescent Society
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
World Assembly of Muslim Youth