September 12, 2026 – In an unprecedented and momentous decision for one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks, Islamic Relief Worldwide’s International General Assembly (IGA) voted unanimously today to expel Islamic Relief USA (IR USA) from the global Islamic Relief federation with immediate effect.
The extraordinary measure marks a critical turning point for the international relief organization, which has spent more than four decades delivering emergency aid, development assistance, and community support across the globe. The decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of the IGA—the organization’s highest governing body—which was convened following urgent requests from member country offices worldwide. These offices had raised serious concerns regarding recent actions taken by IR USA and the profound impact those actions were having on the operational integrity, reputation, and unified mission of the global federation.
The core of the fracture within the international network traces back to legal battles initiated earlier this year. In March 2026, IR USA filed a lawsuit against Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), the body mandated to serve as the secretariat and global programming headquarters for the wider Islamic Relief federation. The legal action brought forth a series of claims against IRW, which the headquarters firmly contested. The legal dispute progressed through the courts over the subsequent months until July 2026, when a New York Court issued an Order to stay the proceedings, a development that IRW formally welcomed at the time.
However, the ripple effects of the litigation prompted profound anxiety among other member entities within the decentralized network. Because the federation relies heavily on mutual trust, shared standards, and synchronized governance, member country offices expressed alarm that internal legal conflict was undermining the collective humanitarian mission. Acting in accordance with the federation’s established by-laws, member offices petitioned for the extraordinary meeting of the IGA to address the crisis directly.
The resulting vote by the IGA—comprising representatives elected from member countries worldwide, members of the board of trustees, and the remaining independent member—was unanimous. Under the terms of the resolution, IR USA loses all rights to operate, trade, or utilize the Islamic Relief name, as well as any assets currently held under that banner, effective immediately. This restriction will remain in place until a revised operational and governance model is established that fully complies with the federation’s overarching agreements and standards.
Addressing the gravity of the decision, Haroun Atallah, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Islamic Relief Worldwide, issued a comprehensive statement reflecting on the history of the organization and the necessity of collective accountability.
"For over 40 years, Islamic Relief has grown into one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations," Atallah stated. "That standing was never the work of any single office. It was earned by its members—each a separate legal entity, accountable in its own country—choosing to cooperate under shared standards and values. That is why the communities we serve, and the donors who generously support us, place their trust in the name Islamic Relief."
Atallah emphasized that the decision to severe ties with one of its largest national affiliates was not taken lightly, but was necessitated by a breach of fundamental trust.
"With a unanimous collective voice, the International General Assembly concluded that the actions of Islamic Relief USA have broken that trust and damaged the work of the entire federation," Atallah continued. "It is with deep regret that we therefore feel compelled to take collective action to remove Islamic Relief USA, as it is no longer in the best interests of the federation for them to remain a member."
He added that the unanimous vote underscores the foundational principles that govern the international network, ensuring that the organization remains focused on its primary beneficiaries rather than internal administrative or legal conflicts.
"This unanimous vote affirms a simple truth: the millions who rely on the Islamic Relief family are best served when its members pool their expertise and work together to maintain the highest standards. They remain, as they always have, our sole focus," Atallah concluded.
The expulsion of IR USA raises significant questions about the future landscape of humanitarian fundraising and program delivery in North America, as well as how the broader federation will restructure its presence to ensure continuous support for vulnerable populations worldwide. Islamic Relief Worldwide, operating under its registered charity mandates, continues to coordinate its global relief efforts through its secretariat and network of remaining member offices, striving to maintain continuity of care for communities relying on its international aid programs.