Introduction
emdad19.ir is the online presence of the Iranian charitable organization Emdad 19, a nonprofit dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons within the Middle East. The domain, registered in 2019, serves as the primary communication and donation platform for the organization, offering information on its mission, projects, financial reports, and volunteer opportunities. The organization operates under the legal framework of the Iranian Charity Foundation Law and collaborates with international aid agencies and local authorities to deliver relief supplies, shelter, and educational support to vulnerable populations.
Background and Formation
Historical Context
The foundation of Emdad 19 is rooted in the escalation of displacement crises that began in the late 2010s, particularly the influx of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq into neighboring countries. In 2019, the Iranian government approved the creation of several new charitable foundations to support displaced individuals. Emdad 19 was officially established on 14 March 2019, with its headquarters located in Tehran.
Founding Vision
The organization was conceived by a coalition of social workers, legal experts, and former diplomats who recognized the inadequacy of existing support mechanisms for refugees within Iran. Their goal was to establish a transparent, efficient, and community-driven platform capable of coordinating aid across multiple regions. The founders emphasized a commitment to respecting cultural diversity, ensuring that assistance is tailored to the specific needs of each community.
Mission and Objectives
Emdad 19’s mission statement articulates a comprehensive approach to humanitarian assistance: “To alleviate the suffering of refugees and internally displaced persons through timely relief, sustainable development, and advocacy for human rights.” The organization pursues this mission through several core objectives:
- Providing immediate relief supplies such as food, medicine, and hygiene kits.
- Developing long-term housing and community integration projects.
- Facilitating access to education and vocational training for displaced youth.
- Advocating for policies that protect the rights of refugees and support their integration.
- Ensuring financial transparency and accountability to donors and stakeholders.
Organizational Structure
Governance
Emdad 19 is governed by a Board of Trustees comprising ten members, including elected officials, representatives from partner NGOs, and a legal advisor. The Board meets quarterly to review strategic direction, audit financial statements, and approve major projects. The Executive Director, appointed by the Board, manages day-to-day operations and reports directly to the trustees.
Operational Units
The organization is divided into several operational units, each responsible for specific aspects of humanitarian delivery:
- Field Operations Division oversees on-the-ground logistics, distribution centers, and volunteer coordination.
- Program Development Unit designs educational and vocational training initiatives.
- Finance and Accounting Department manages budgeting, accounting, and compliance with Iranian financial regulations.
- Public Relations and Communications Office handles outreach, media relations, and the management of emdad19.ir.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Team collects data, conducts impact assessments, and ensures program effectiveness.
Services and Activities
Relief Distribution
In the immediate aftermath of displacement events, Emdad 19 mobilizes relief centers across provinces such as Khorasan, Fars, and West Azerbaijan. These centers provide a range of essentials: packed food rations, potable water, first-aid kits, and hygiene products. The organization maintains a database of beneficiary families, ensuring that aid is distributed equitably and without duplication.
Housing and Shelter Initiatives
For families who remain in host communities for extended periods, Emdad 19 offers temporary shelter solutions. These include modular housing units, tented camps, and assistance in securing long-term rentals. Projects such as the “Home for Hope” initiative in Qazvin aim to convert unused government properties into affordable housing units for refugees, with the support of local municipalities.
Education and Training
Recognizing the critical role of education in integration, Emdad 19 operates a network of language schools and vocational training centers. Courses cover Persian language instruction, basic literacy, computer skills, and trades such as tailoring, carpentry, and electrical work. The organization partners with local universities to offer certification programs that are recognized by Iranian labor markets.
Health Services
Medical outreach programs provide free primary health care, including maternal and child health services, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. Emdad 19 collaborates with hospitals in Tehran and Isfahan to facilitate specialist consultations for severe cases. Mobile health units travel to remote areas where access to medical facilities is limited.
Advocacy and Legal Support
The organization maintains a legal aid desk that assists refugees with documentation, residency permits, and disputes with authorities. Advocacy campaigns focus on raising public awareness about refugees’ rights and lobbying for policy reforms that ease bureaucratic hurdles. Emdad 19 publishes quarterly reports on legal challenges faced by displaced persons and recommends actionable solutions to policymakers.
Funding and Financial Transparency
Donor Base
Emdad 19 receives financial contributions from a diverse donor base that includes individuals, corporate sponsors, and international foundations. In 2023, the organization reported a total donation inflow of approximately 120 million Iranian rials, with 35% allocated to direct relief, 25% to housing, 20% to education, and 20% to administrative costs.
Financial Management
The Finance and Accounting Department adheres to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) guidelines for transparency. Annual financial statements are audited by an independent firm and made publicly available through the website. The organization also participates in the Iranian Charity Rating System, achieving a “B+” rating for financial integrity.
In-Kind Contributions
Beyond monetary donations, Emdad 19 accepts in-kind contributions such as food parcels, clothing, and medical supplies. These are cataloged and tracked using a digital inventory system, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. Volunteer labor, especially in logistics and distribution, is also recorded and acknowledged in annual reports.
Partnerships and Collaborations
International NGOs
Emdad 19 maintains formal partnerships with several international humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These collaborations enable joint projects, shared resource pools, and mutual training opportunities for staff.
Government Agencies
The organization works closely with Iran’s Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Through Memoranda of Understanding, Emdad 19 coordinates relief efforts during large-scale emergencies and participates in policy discussions concerning refugee affairs.
Academic Institutions
Universities such as Tehran University and the University of Tabriz provide research support and internship opportunities. Academic collaborations focus on evaluating program outcomes, developing best practices for refugee integration, and conducting longitudinal studies on displaced populations.
Impact Assessment
Quantitative Metrics
As of 2024, Emdad 19 has directly assisted over 45,000 individuals across 18 provinces. Key performance indicators include:
- Food parcels distributed: 2.5 million units
- Housing units established: 1,200
- Students enrolled in language programs: 3,400
- Medical consultations provided: 9,000
Qualitative Outcomes
Feedback surveys collected through in-field interviews reveal a high level of satisfaction among beneficiaries, with 87% reporting improved living conditions and 78% expressing confidence in the organization’s ability to meet their basic needs. Case studies on vocational training show that 62% of participants secure employment within six months of completing courses.
External Evaluations
Independent evaluations conducted by NGOs such as the World Organization for Human Rights have praised Emdad 19’s transparency and community engagement strategies. However, critics have highlighted the need for greater representation of refugees in decision-making processes and more robust mechanisms for addressing long-term integration challenges.
Controversies and Criticisms
Governance Concerns
Some advocacy groups have raised concerns about the composition of the Board of Trustees, citing a predominance of officials with close ties to governmental bodies. Critics argue that this may influence the organization's priorities and limit its advocacy potential.
Resource Allocation
There have been allegations that certain aid distribution channels favor specific demographic groups, leading to perceptions of favoritism. In response, Emdad 19 has instituted a third-party oversight committee to monitor distribution practices and ensure equitable access.
Transparency Issues
While the organization publishes financial statements, independent auditors have pointed out gaps in reporting certain non-financial metrics, such as the environmental impact of temporary shelters. Emdad 19 has committed to expanding its reporting framework to incorporate sustainability indicators.
Future Outlook
Strategic Expansion
Emdad 19 plans to expand its field operations into new provinces, particularly those bordering Syria, where displacement rates are projected to rise. The organization aims to establish at least five new shelter sites and double its educational outreach by 2026.
Digital Transformation
Investments in digital infrastructure will enable real-time data collection, mobile donation platforms, and virtual training modules. The website is slated for a redesign to enhance user experience, streamline donation processing, and provide interactive dashboards for stakeholders.
Policy Advocacy
In collaboration with partner NGOs, Emdad 19 intends to lobby for national legislation that formalizes refugee status recognition and grants access to public services. The organization’s legal team is preparing a policy brief addressing the economic and social benefits of integrating refugees into the labor market.
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