Blog

Development Research Ethics in the time of COVID-19

2020-05-22T15:47:00+00:00

In this blog, Research and Development Officer Dr Vanessa Malila, explores the importance and complexity of research ethics during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Humanities and social science researchers play a crucial role in epidemic preparedness and response. Their studies provide insight into the social context of outbreaks. This knowledge can help us to adapt and improve our response to outbreaks.” (Joao Rangel de Almeida) The current global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid and responsive clinical, scientific and health research. What has taken a back seat in the response to COVID-19 has been development research and [...]

Development Research Ethics in the time of COVID-192020-05-22T15:47:00+00:00

Coronavirus Crisis & the Future of Action on Climate Change

2020-05-22T15:45:00+00:00

The coronavirus pandemic and global lockdowns have caused a reduction in carbon emissions, cleaner air and re-emerging wildlife, offering a glimpse into an alternative future should drastic action on climate change be taken following the crisis. A silver lining The coronavirus pandemic and strict lockdowns that followed have grounded almost all flights, significantly limited the amount of people commuting to and from workplaces and drastically reduced the amount of traffic on roads. A 6% drop in carbon emissions has already been recorded but the head of the World Meteorological Organization has warned that this is only “short-term good news.” Cleaner air [...]

Coronavirus Crisis & the Future of Action on Climate Change2020-05-22T15:45:00+00:00

Research on Covid-19 and Faith

2020-05-20T08:00:00+00:00

What do we need to take into account when planning research on Covid-19 and faith? In this blog post, HAD’s Head of Research Dr Jennifer Philippa Eggert argues that we should learn from research responses to previous crises in order to avoid past mistakes. Risks and opportunities for research on Covid-19 If someone had described the situation we are currently finding ourselves in a year ago, I am not sure I would have managed to keep a straight face. Actually, it is quite likely that I would have burst into laughter … or indulged in a serious roll of the eyes [...]

Research on Covid-19 and Faith2020-05-20T08:00:00+00:00

Easing the Lockdown

2020-05-18T08:00:00+00:00

On Sunday 10th May 2020, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s televised address set out a provisional plan to begin easing the lockdown restrictions in England. The plan describes making gradual changes to avoid a second wave of coronavirus spreading, but Downing Street’s decision to drop the “stay at home” slogan in favour of “stay alert” has been criticised for being vague and unclear. What’s changed? The government website lists a new set of guidelines for easing the lockdown. One person from a household is now allowed to meet with one person from another household in an outdoor setting, such as [...]

Easing the Lockdown2020-05-18T08:00:00+00:00

5 Refugees that Impacted the World

2020-05-13T08:00:00+00:00

A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. There is a common misconception that refugees willingly leave their country in search of a better life in the western world, but that simply isn’t true. Many believe the UK accepts a lot of immigrants and asylum seekers but in reality, there are actually very few living in the UK compared to other countries and many dream to return to their home country when peace returns. But unfortunately sometimes that takes more than a single generation, and refugees are [...]

5 Refugees that Impacted the World2020-05-13T08:00:00+00:00

Decolonising Climate Justice: An Indigenous Perspective

2023-05-21T13:38:50+00:00

  The link between climate justice and white imperialism Many members of class, racial and ethnic minorities in the Global North might often associate climate activism with middle-class white communities. After all, as black, brown, Muslim and/or working class people, we have to deal with racism, injustice and lack of opportunities every day, so who has time to lobby for climate justice? And indeed, colonial history and white imperialism are not just things of the past. Their effect is felt by nations and peoples today whose cultures, beliefs and ways of life can be put under threat by the domination of [...]

Decolonising Climate Justice: An Indigenous Perspective2023-05-21T13:38:50+00:00

How to Practice Mindfulness

2020-05-06T08:00:00+00:00

I know that probably, like me, you’ve been inundated with adverts and articles that start “COVID-19” and, like me, you’ve got to the point of thinking “not another one!” As the UK government has implemented strict lockdown measures to help slow the spread of coronavirus, I’ve been reflecting on how we can all support our mental wellbeing during these unprecedented times and how to practice mindfulness not only during the lockdown but after we return to normality as well. Creating new habits On average it takes about 3 weeks of practicing the same behaviours to create new habits or routines. Therefore, [...]

How to Practice Mindfulness2020-05-06T08:00:00+00:00

Coronavirus & Domestic Abuse

2020-05-04T08:00:00+00:00

In an unequal world, crises like the coronavirus pandemic disproportionately affect women. Though recent evidence shows men are more likely to die from coronavirus, cultural and socio-economic factors impact women during crisis in other ways. In this blog, we look at the link between coronavirus and domestic abuse. With the global, rapid spread of the virus, many countries are in lockdown, encouraging people to stay home and stay safe – but homes aren’t always safe for women. Women are not necessarily safe in their own homes In the UK, the National Domestic Abuse helpline has saw a 25% increase in calls [...]

Coronavirus & Domestic Abuse2020-05-04T08:00:00+00:00

Managing Mental Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic

2020-04-29T08:00:00+00:00

The outbreak of COVID-19 has effected many aspects of all of our lives and the bad news can seem never-ending. The lockdowns and social distancing measures that governments across the world have introduced are paramount to stopping the spread of the virus, but can have a negative impact on us psychologically and many are concerned for their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. Government guidelines and potential drawbacks On 23rd March the UK Government declared a state of national emergency and announced strict lockdown measures to manage the spread of COVID-19. Despite passing the three week deadline originally stated, the lockdown [...]

Managing Mental Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic2020-04-29T08:00:00+00:00

Rethinking Localisation: The Case of Muslim NGOs in the UK and France

2020-04-27T08:00:00+00:00

Localisation is one of the buzz words that have recently been dominating debates about humanitarian aid and international development. In this blog post, which is based on a presentation at the Best Practice Forum jointly organised by the MCF, MBRN and HAD, French researcher Lucas Faure (Institut d'Etudes Politiques, Aix-en-Provence) reflects on the concept by discussing the example of Muslim NGOs in the UK and France. What can we learn about localisation from Muslim NGOs? Localisation is one of the trending topics in the humanitarian and development sectors. My doctoral research on localisation aims to answer the following question: what can [...]

Rethinking Localisation: The Case of Muslim NGOs in the UK and France2020-04-27T08:00:00+00:00

Add meaning to your inbox

Get the latest news, monthly round-ups and stories from around the world in your inbox.

Add meaning to your inbox

Get the latest news, monthly round-ups and stories from around the world in your inbox.

Let’s Connect!

Latest Projects

About Us

What we do

Get in touch

© Islamic Relief (Worldwide) TM 2019. Privacy Statement , Terms & Conditions Registered Charity No: 328158. Company Reg No: 02365572. OSCR Reg No: SC042020. Head Office: 19 Rea Street South, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6LB, United Kingdom. Disclaimer: Islamic Relief is not affiliated with any external websites. Islamic Relief is not responsible for the content of external internet sites and any links from external web sites to this site do not constitute an endorsement of that site by Islamic Relief. Important: About email scams Staff Resources: Extranet, Email, Remote Office.

Go to Top