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Islamic Instruments for Refugee Financing: The IsDB and UNHCR Collaborative Approach

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  • Altea Pericoli

Abstract

Considering the Islamic perspective on forced migration and displacement, along with the conceptual framework of Islamic social welfare instruments as tools for wealth redistribution to support those in need, this study explores the potential complementarity between Islamic and conventional financing in addressing refugees' basic needs and economic empowerment. Specifically, this research examines and compares programs implemented by the UNHCR Refugee Zakat Fund and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to support Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan from 2019 to 2022. To assess the effectiveness of different Islamic social welfare (ISW) instruments in responding to the Syrian refugee crisis, the study analyses projects financed by UNHCR and IsDB in both countries, focusing on the categories of beneficiaries targeted and the types of activities implemented. Which instruments are used by these two organisations, given their distinct mandates and approaches, in supporting Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan? How are they collaborating to establish a shared platform to tackle the global refugee crisis? Can secular and religious forms of financing be considered complementary tools for sustainable financial support? The research addresses these questions and identifies the limits and potentials of using Islamic social welfare instruments as a sustainable tool for refugee financing.

Suggested Citation

  • Altea Pericoli, 2025. "Islamic Instruments for Refugee Financing: The IsDB and UNHCR Collaborative Approach," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 16(S1), pages 46-56, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:glopol:v:16:y:2025:i:s1:p:46-56
    DOI: 10.1111/1758-5899.13476
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mehmet Asutay, 2007. "Conceptualisation Of The Second Best Solution In Overcoming The Social Failure Of Islamic Banking And Finance: Examining The Overpowering Of Homoislamicus By Homoeconomicus," IIUM Journal of Economics and Management, IIUM Journal of Economis and Management, vol. 15(2), pages 167-176, December.
    2. Angenendt, Steffen & Biehler, Nadine & Kipp, David & Meier, Amrei, 2019. "Growing needs, insufficient resources: How to fund international refugee protection?," SWP Research Papers 13/2019, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    3. M. Akram Khan, 1984. "Islamic Economics: Nature and Need الاقتصاد الإسلامي: الطبيعة والحاجة," Journal of Research in Islamic Economics, King Abdulaziz University, Islamic Economics Institute., vol. 1(2), pages 51-55, July.
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    1. Emanuel-Correia, Ricardo & Abdul-Rahman, Syahirah & Althalathini, Doaa, 2026. "Empathy in action: unravelling crowdfunding dynamics for female refugee entrepreneurs in Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).

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