Islamic Relief USA Launches Emergency Appeal for Libya

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the increasingly acute humanitarian situation at Libya's borders, Islamic Relief USA is launching an emergency appeal to assist Libyans and migrant workers at both of Libya's borders and inside the Libyan city of Benghazi.  

More than 1,000 civilians have died and over 100,000 refugees have fled to neighboring countries as a direct result of the violence, according the United Nations.

To date, Islamic Relief has provided emergency shelter and food to refugees fleeing the country on the eastern border with Egypt.   In addition, Islamic Relief delivered $150,000 worth of medical supplies to Al-Jala, Hospital in the coastal city of Benghazi.  A shipment of baby milk and food items has also been distributed to Libya's eastern towns.   IR is also partnering with the Libyan Red Crescent on relief projects in Libya.

First-hand accounts from those arriving from across the border mention shortages in food and medical supplies.  Libya depends heavily on food imports and could see a potential disruption to the food supply chain due to the unrest.

"We have launched a humanitarian appeal in response to growing concerns over conditions facing Libyans and migrant workers.  Our main concern is that the necessary medical supplies and food items are available to those most in need," said Abed Ayoub, Islamic Relief USA's CEO.

A limited number of interviews are available with Islamic Relief staff in or near Libya.  Please call Asma Yousef, Media Relations Representative, for all media requests.

MEDIA CONTACT: Asma Yousef at 703-582-5880, [email protected]

Inspired by Islam's values on charitable giving and community development, IR USA is a relief organization dedicated to alleviating poverty through disaster relief and development projects in the U.S. and worldwide.  Islamic Relief USA received the Charity Navigator four-star rating for the seventh consecutive year in 2010 and was ranked among the top 150 charities in the U.S.

For more information, please visit http://www.islamicreliefusa.org.

SOURCE Islamic Relief USA