RAMADHAN WITH IR IRAQ
IR Iraq staff answer your questions about the Ramadhan distribution process and its impact.
How long has IR Iraq been carrying out Ramadhan distributions?
IR Iraq has been carrying out Ramadhan distribution since 1996.
During the economic sanctions era, IR Iraq implemented a Ramadhan project for two years from 1996 to 1998. Operations stopped afterwards and were resumed in 2003 to the present.
How many people usually benefit?
This varies depending on the amount of funding and allocation for Iraq. Last year, for example the total number of beneficiaries reached 95,400 individuals because we had a large donation. In general, the average number of beneficiaries is 8,000 families comprising approximately 50,000 individuals.
Will the current food crisis affect the number of people you are able to help?
Vulnerability is increasing in Iraq because of the increasing price of food items. The price of food commodities usually increases during Ramadhan and this makes it more difficult for poor and vulnerable families to secure their basic food items. IR Iraq would like to help as many poor and vulnerable families as possible. This, however, will depend on the budget allocation and the price of commodities in the market.
How is the money for the distributions raised?
Money is raised through IR's fund–raising offices in Europe and other areas. In Iraq, some philanthropists donate either cash or in-kind food donations to be distributed to poor families through IR Iraq.
What are the main challenges you face in carrying out the distributions?
In the past, security was the main challenge facing IR Iraq. Now, with the improvement of the security situation in many areas, accessibility is better and IR Iraq could target many beneficiaries in remote and formerly hotspot areas.
The main challenges at the moment are: increasing prices, high inflation rates, and some logistical arrangements related to the transportation and distribution of food packages.
How do you decide who should take benefit from the distribution?
During the Ramadhan project, IR Iraq usually distributes through well known, trusted and active local NGOs. These are involved in the planning and implementation of the Ramadhan project. Local NGOs support IR Iraq in updating the database of needy beneficiaries and provide information and support with the logistics during packing and distribution processes. Each NGO has a list of beneficiaries. These are mainly vulnerable families, IDPs [Internally Displaced Persons] and others.
How much of an impact would you say the Ramadhan programme has?
From previous experience with seasonal projects, we believe that such projects have a strong impact on the profile and image of IR Iraq. It asserts the Islamic nature of our organisation and helps in creating and boosting good brotherly relationships with beneficiaries. This supports and enhances our presence and interventions in the field among the local communities in different areas. The project targets a large population, especially IDPs and host families in areas of displacement.