The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Human Concern International (HCI), Canada's oldest Muslim relief organization, have signed a one million dollar (around 865,000 euros) Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen protection systems and deliver vital humanitarian assistance to people affected by crisis, displacement, and human trafficking.

Grounded in Islamic values and practices, particularly Zakat (one of the five pillars of Islam dictates that every adult Muslim should pay a sum money towards charitable and religious causes) and Sadaqah (a voluntary act of charity, also practiced within Islam), this partnership embodies the shared commitment to confront exploitation and uphold human dignity.

Through this collaboration, IOM and HCI reaffirm their joint commitment to eradicating human trafficking, combating all forms of exploitation, and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations.

The partnership builds on the IPF in February 2025

"This agreement represents a meaningful step in strengthening IOM's partnerships with faith-inspired organizations committed to dignity, freedom, and protection for all," said Mohammed Abdiker, IOM Chief of Staff.

"It reinforces the power of faith-based collaboration in addressing the root causes of exploitation and ensuring that no one is left behind. Together with HCI, we can translate compassion into tangible action for people affected by crises across the world."

The partnership complements IOM's broader efforts to engage with a wide range of actors to deliver principled humanitarian assistance. It builds on the establishment of IOM's Islamic Philanthropy Fund (IPF) in February 2025, which channels faith-motivated giving towards humanitarian action worldwide.

'No single organization can address the challenges alone'

"We are living in a time of unprecedented and overlapping crises, conflict, displacement, economic instability, and climate shocks, all of which are deepening the vulnerability of millions to exploitation and abuse," said Mahmuda Khan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Human Concern International.

"No single organization can address these challenges alone. The solution lies in co-creating responses and bringing together the experience, compassion, and reach of NGOs, and partnering directly with communities on the ground. Through this collaboration with IOM, we are demonstrating how shared values and collective action can protect human dignity where it is most at risk."

The partnership will bolster IOM's ongoing efforts to protect communities at risk of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation in Bangladesh, Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine. It comes at a time of growing humanitarian need, as crises worldwide continue to erode resilience and increase vulnerability.