Integrating zakat for refugee: UNHCR’s role in collaborative zakat distribution framework / Siti Mazlita Yamaludin and Sharifah Faigah Syed Alwi

The global refugee crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with over 117 million refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) projected by 2023, many of whom are from Muslim-majority countries and eligible for zakat. Zakat, a key Islamic social finance tool, holds immense potential to address the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations. However, its utilisation remains underexplored in humanitarian contexts. This study investigates the role of zakat in supporting refugees and IDPs, focusing on the collaboration between zakat institutions and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), this research examines how zakat can contribute to reducing the economic and social hardships faced by displaced populations. The study adopted a qualitative approach, conducting a content analysis of the Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report 2023 by UNHCR. The research objectives are twofold: (1) to evaluate UNHCR’s effectiveness as a third-party distributor of zakat to aid refugees, and (2) to propose a zakat distribution framework for refugees in Malaysia. The findings highlight the significant impact of strategic partnerships between UNHCR and zakat institutions, demonstrating enhanced efficiency in delivering zakat to refugees and IDPs. This study offers original insights by conceptualising a third-party zakat distribution model and advocating for the inclusion of refugees in zakat policy frameworks. It contributes to policy discussions on optimising zakat for humanitarian aid and underscores its potential to address refugee and displacement challenges globally.