Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA), is a humanitarian organization that aims to positively contribute towards improving the living standards and conditions of those adversely affected by disasters and conflict in the greater Horn of Africa.
Their Initial program components were set-up and designed to include free food distribution, food-for-work, and the distribution of Non-Food-Items. As the dynamics of their operating environment evolved from a situation of development one to emergency so has their focus. Today they work to implement emergency interventions through short-term resilience focused projects such as community based education, water, sanitation, livelihoods and healthcare services.
Together with their international partners, HIJRA has successfully implemented dozens of lifesaving projects. Projects implemented over the years include the construction of water storage and sanitation facilities, pit latrines, cash relief, distribution of NFI's and the management/renovation of Healthcare facilities.
They attribute their program success to lasting relations with communities, beneficiaries and other stakeholders whom share their goal of delivering timely and relevant programming.
HIJRA was founded in 1992 by a collective of professionals, community leaders and individuals in order to respond to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis following the collapse of the Somali state in 1991.
HIJRA, the Arabic term for migration was chosen to give voice and ensure that the memory of those that first inspired us to action. HIJRA, Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid symbolizes their reason for existence.
From the beginning the initiative has been dedicated to ensuring the survival of the most defenseless through immediate emergency intervention and the development of long term self-sustaining solutions.
HIJRA has grown from an indigenous organization of 12 into an international group of 75. Their dedicated staff and partner organizations have assisted and allowed HIJRA to establish over 50 lifesaving programs and provide care to over 280,000 individuals.
Their Origins as a “local solution to a local problem” has translated into 18 years of providing lifesaving care in one of the world’s most poverty stricken regions.
