Islamic Relief Malaysia Concerns On Mosul Issue

By Nabilah Saleh KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) is concerned with the situation in Iraq where around 700,000 people have become homeless and migrated to seek protection since the large-scale military operation to liberate Mosul from the Daesh militant group was launched by the Iraqi government. Its Country Director, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin, said that the operations against Daesh, which controlled the country's northern and western part including Mosul, have also resulted in "destruction against the civilians." "Civilians who attempt to flee, face the dangerous risk of being arrested and detained, while others who are under siege encounter issues of limited food access and medical assistance, which lead to hunger problem and human rights violations," he said in a statement to Bernama. Reports said that a coalition of around 100,000 Iraqi-led forces have been in a decisive push towards Mosul since Oct 17 to end more than two years of the Daesh group's brutal rule. Zairulshahfuddin said that since the crisis in Mosul, IR Iraq has been monitoring and carrying out an assessment on the current needs of those involved and was ready to provide emergency assistance, adding that IR Worldwide (IRW) has also sent additional members to Iraq. Aid such as hygiene kits and shelter were also provided while IR Iraq, which is also a member of the Food Security Cluster and a partner to World Food Programme (WFP) in Domiz Camp, Dohuk, helped distribute food pack and non-food items (NFIs) to those in need, he said. The United Kingdom-based IR has established permanent offices in more than 35 countries consisting of 100 branches that coordinate, implement and raise fund for its programmes. IRM serves as a fundraising office (for international and local projects) and local project implementor. -- BERNAMA