The World Federation of KSIMC

Yemen Poster by World Federation of KSIMC

This year the humanitarian crisis in Yemen had affected hundreds of our Khoja community members . They have been forced to flee their homes and businesses for fear of their lives and with the help of your donations; The World Federation has managed to find them temporary refuge in Djibouti. There are 456 refugees (108 families) registered with the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) under our care in Djibouti.

Whilst there, The World Federation is providing them with security, accommodation, food, electricity and medical care. We have an agreement with a local private hospital and a small government hospital for serious cases whilst the doctors in the group are themselves looking after the more manageable patients. We have also setup a makeshift school and religious classes and are carrying out religious functions, especially during the Holy month of Ramadhan.

The World Federation, on behalf of our community, is currently applying to governments around the world with the support of third party organisations and international institutions such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, for the refugees’ speedy resettlement into a safe country. However, finding a refuge for them is unfortunately not the end of this process. Once they have reached their new residence, there are many different costs to account for, such as housing, schooling, employment as well as other things such as language training, to ensure their resettlement is successful.

At the Extraordinary Executive Council Meeting   on this topic in June, members agreed that The World Federation would commit to supporting each family for one year both in Djibouti and during their resettlement. We estimate this cost to be £1.3m ($2m USD), which is approximately £12,000 per family for the whole year. For a family of five, the cost is £1000 ($1600 USD) a month for all expenses.

These refugees left behind all their businesses, stock, bank accounts and all their possessions when they fled for their safety. The only things they took were the clothes they were wearing and whatever they could carry onto the transportation.

Due to their current refugee status, they are unable to work while in Djibouti and therefore unable to support themselves. They are fully relying on the generosity of their fellow Khoja brothers and sisters. They called upon The World Federation and the Khoja community for help when they needed to evacuate and we all answered their call and have been supporting them. We will not stop until they have somewhere safe to call their home.

To sponsor a family, or to donate any amount please visit The Yemen Emergency Appeal  

Watch our Vice President, Shabbar Dhalla, deliver a speech about the situation and this sponsorship scheme.