IHH (Turkish NGO)

Turkish non-governmental organization

The logo of the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation

The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation (Turkish: İHH İnsani Yardım Vakfı ) is a Turkish non-governmental organization (NGO) involved in international humanitarian relief efforts. Founded in 1992 and officially registered in 1995, the organization is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. The IHH is known for its work in providing aid to areas affected by war, natural disasters, and poverty, as well as its involvement in controversial international incidents.

History

The IHH was established in response to the humanitarian crises in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian War. Initially focused on providing aid to the victims of the conflict, the organization expanded its operations to other regions affected by war and disaster. Over the years, the IHH has grown to become one of Turkey's most prominent humanitarian organizations, with operations in over 100 countries.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the IHH is to deliver humanitarian aid to those in need, regardless of their religion, language, race, or nationality. The organization focuses on several key areas:

• Emergency Relief: Providing immediate assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters and conflicts, including food, shelter, and medical care.
• Development Projects: Implementing long-term projects aimed at improving living conditions, such as building schools, hospitals, and water wells.
• Orphan Care: Supporting orphans through sponsorship programs that provide education, healthcare, and basic needs.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness about humanitarian issues and advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations.

Controversies

The IHH has been involved in several controversial incidents, most notably the Gaza flotilla raid in 2010. The organization was part of a coalition that organized a flotilla to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, which was under an Israeli blockade. The flotilla included the ship Mavi Marmara, which was boarded by Israeli forces, resulting in the deaths of nine activists.

The Mavi Marmara, a ship involved in the Gaza flotilla incident

The incident drew international attention and criticism, with various governments and organizations calling for investigations into the actions of both the IHH and the Israeli military. The IHH has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that its actions were purely humanitarian.

International Operations

The IHH operates in numerous countries across the globe, focusing on regions affected by conflict and disaster. Some of the key areas of operation include:

• Middle East: Providing aid to refugees and displaced persons in Syria, Iraq, and Palestine.
• Africa: Implementing development projects and emergency relief in countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
• Asia: Supporting communities affected by natural disasters in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Criticism and Legal Challenges

The IHH has faced criticism and legal challenges from various governments and organizations. Some have accused the organization of having links to extremist groups, although the IHH denies these allegations and asserts that its activities are strictly humanitarian.

Related pages

• Humanitarian aid
• Non-governmental organization
• Gaza flotilla raid
• Turkish Red Crescent