UK for UNHCR launches ‘Born Connected’ Ramadan campaign to raise vital funds to help refugees 

LONDON, 11 March 2024 – As Ramadan commences, UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s national charity partner in the UK, is launching its annual Born Connected campaign.  

Born Connected aims to strengthen connections between Muslims living in the UK and displaced families across the world whilst also raising vital funds to help refugees. Funds raised will help to provide essential cash assistance, food, shelter and medicine for refugees like Om Ghazi, for whom Ramadan is a particularly challenging time. 

Originally from Syria, Om Ghazi fled to Lebanon after conflict broke out in her country.  

She lost five young men from her family and is going to be spending Ramadan alone in a refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley.  

She explained: “Ramadan was like heaven back in Syria, for its nights and gatherings. While Ramadan here, there’s no one from my family, my siblings, my loved ones…. no one.” 

This year, more vulnerable families than ever before will be forced to break their fasts without nutritious food, clean water or a safe roof over their heads.  

Emma Cherniavsky, CEO of UK for UNHCR, said “For many people, Ramadan is a period of reflection and personal growth, but also of generosity to support those most in need. Standing in solidarity with forcibly displaced people is especially meaningful during times like Ramadan, when refugees often have to observe long-standing traditions away from their families, homes and communities. Everyone who supports our campaign can help put food on the table and a roof over the heads of vulnerable displaced families around the world.” 

In 2023, UNHCR declared an unprecedented number of emergencies contributing to the global displacement of an estimated 114 million people by the end of September last year.  

For instance, individuals across many parts of the Middle East and North Africa have endured numerous crises in the past year, leading to significant displacement throughout the region.  

In Yemen, a protracted displacement crisis persists after more than nine years of conflict. Millions of people continue to suffer the effects of war, climate shocks, economic deterioration and disrupted services. Over 18 million individuals in the country are estimated to need humanitarian assistance and protection services in 2024.  

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to the forced displacement of more than 7 million people. Neighbouring countries were hosting significant refugee populations prior to the most recent outbreak of conflict and require support to provide protection and lifesaving assistance.  

Vulnerable displaced families observing Ramadan elsewhere in the world, such as in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Lebanon, continue to lack access to basic essentials including food, shelter, clean water and healthcare.  

UNHCR’s operations in many of these countries remain critically underfunded, which is why this Ramadan UK for UNHCR is urging supporters to extend their generosity to displaced families who are observing Ramadan far from home. 

To learn more about the Born Connected campaign, visit: www.unrefugees.org.uk/Ramadan2024  

The charity is also hosting an Iftar in Bradford at the end of the month, which will be attended by Khaled Khalifa, the Representative of the UNHCR to the States of the Gulf Cooperation.  

-Ends- 

For any additional information, please contact: 

Sara Guy, email: [email protected]; Tel.: 0208 183 0121 

Notes to Editors  

Endorsed by ten Islamic Institutions globally, UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund ensures that 100% of Zakat donations are delivered directly to families in need.   

About UK for UNHCR  

UK for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the UK. We build solidarity, create partnerships and raise funds across the UK to help deliver global humanitarian relief for refugees through UNHCR’s work. www.unrefugees.org.uk     

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. It delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. www.unhcr.org    

UK for UNHCR is a registered charity in England and Wales (registered charity number 1183415).