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Refugee Zakat Fund
Credible. Compliant. Effective.
UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund is a trusted, Sharia compliant and effective distributor that maximizes the power of zakat to transform the lives of refugees, including in hard-to-reach areas.
UNHCR ensures 100 percent of zakat funds are distributed to those most in need by covering overhead costs from non-zakat sources. This guarantees that 100 percent of zakat contributions are given to the most vulnerable, zakat eligible recipients in critical need.
The Refugee Zakat Fund supports vulnerable families by providing them with cash assistance, enabling them to support their essential needs. The fund follows rigorous governance tools to ensure transparency at every stage. This governance approach entails the following pillars:
Zakat Compliance
Recognition: The Fund is zakat compliant, backed by over 17 fatwas from credible scholars and institutions.
Infrastructure: The Fund follows Islamic scholar recommendations by dedicating 100 percent of funds to eligible refugees.
Compliance review: UNHCR coordinates annual, third party field visits to oversee distribution and publish compliance reports.
Assessment and Monitoring
Vulnerability assessments: UNHCR regularly identifies and maintains a database of eligible recipients based on their vulnerability.
Innovation: Technology ensures effective distribution and minimizes fraud and duplication.
Post distribution monitoring: UNHCR monitors projects twice yearly to measure impact and improve implementation.
Financial Governance
Management & accountability: Zakat funds are secured in a dedicated interest-free bank account in Geneva.
Traceability: All funds are dedicated to zakat compliant cash assistance programs in eligible countries with critical needs.
Transparency: UNHCR publishes annual Islamic Philanthropy reports and provides partners with customized reports.