The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Human Concern International (HCI), Canada’s oldest Muslim relief organization, have signed a USD$1 million agreement to strengthen protection systems and provide essential humanitarian aid to people affected by crises, displacement, and human trafficking.

The partnership, built on Islamic values of compassion, charity, and justice through Zakat and Sadaqah, aims to fight exploitation and protect human dignity. Both organizations reaffirmed their shared mission to end human trafficking and defend the rights of vulnerable people across the world.

“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.

He added that the collaboration highlights the power of faith-based partnerships 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,” he said.

The new agreement supports IOM’s broader efforts to work with diverse partners to provide principled humanitarian assistance. It also builds on the creation of IOM’s Islamic Philanthropy Fund (IPF), launched in February 2025, which channels faith-driven donations toward global humanitarian action.

Global Chief Executive Officer of Human Concern International, Mahmuda Khan, emphasized the urgency of working together in a world facing multiple crises.

“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,” he said.

Mahmuda explained that collaboration is key.

“No single organization can address these challenges alone. The solution lies in co-creating responses, bringing together the experience, compassion, and reach of NGOs, and partnering directly with communities on the ground,” he noted.

“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 support IOM’s ongoing operations to protect people at risk of human trafficking and exploitation in Bangladesh, Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine — regions where ongoing crises continue to weaken community resilience and increase vulnerability.

As humanitarian needs grow globally, this collaboration between IOM and HCI stands as a strong example of how faith-based action and international cooperation can help protect those most at risk and restore dignity to millions worldwide.