ISLAMIC RELIEF PRESS RELEASE
British Muslim Delegation Returns from Sudan
22/08/07

A British Muslim delegation to Darfur, facilitated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has returned after its week long visit in Sudan. The main objective of the delegation was to welcome the move towards a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Darfur and to encourage increased involvement of Muslim countries in the issue.

	Jehangir Malik: “Islamic Relief is committed to help ease the suffering and plight of the people of Darfur in West Sudan"
	Darfur: Sudan's western state of Darfur has been torn apart by a conflict which began in March 2003. Over four years later the violence shows no sign of ending, despite attempts at making peace between the warring parties. To find out more about what Islamic Relief are doing in Darfur Click here
	Related Links: BBC The Gurardian CBC ABC

The delegation met a wide range of senior Sudanese government Ministers and officials,

tribal leaders and scholars. The delegation also visited the IDP (Internal Displaced Person) camp in El-Geneina and met a number of the IDPs.

The delegation welcomed the acceptance of the Sudanese government of the UN resolution backed hybrid forces and urged it to assist the hybrid force to establish security in Darfur as quickly as possible so people could start returning home.

It also welcomed and supported the strong commitment of the British government to help find a solution to the crisis in Darfur as well as the financial commitment of £110m in aid. 

One of the delegation members Jehangir Malik, UK Manager of Islamic Relief, said:

“Islamic Relief is committed to help ease the suffering and plight of the people of Darfur in West Sudan"

Another delegate, Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra of the Muslim Council of Britain added:

"We feel that as Muslims it is our religious obligation to help the suffering people of Darfur..."

As part of its awareness building campaign on Darfur the delegation announced a number of initiatives at a press conference on Monday.  One of the main announcements was a Muslim

Sami Yusuf Evening of Inspiration 04

'Live Aid style' concert to help tackle the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.  It will take place 21st October 2007 at Wembley Arena in partnership with Awakening media.  The aim of this project is to raise funds and awareness to the situation in Darfur.  Sami Yusuf dubbed “Islam’s biggest rock star” by Time Magazine will be performing alongside Outlandish and other acclaimed artists.  The revenue from the concert will go towards projects in Darfur such as the provision of emergency relief i.e. food, shelter and clean water. Click here more more details

The delegation also announced a national awareness media campaign with plans to place adverts on the issue of Darfur in major Muslim and mainstream newspapers as well as sending an open letter of appeal to the Organisation of Islamic Conference and Islamic Development bank in order to urge greater action from Muslim countries. 

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