Press item

International Aid agency Muslim Aid held an evening of lively debate on Thursday 6th November at the House of Commons to discuss the current food crisis and the role of media and NGOs in reporting the neglected facts-asking why is the food crisis one without a voice?

As the world focuses on a major financial crisis there is a more pressing issue: what is responsible for the current global food crisis which is leaving one billion people on the planet hungry and do NGOs and the media resort to exaggeration and over simplification to get a reaction?

The event was supported by Shahid Malik, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice and guests were welcomed by Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Chair of Muslim Aid. The event was chaired by BBC 1, Six O’ Clock News presenter, George Alagiah.

“When I reported food shortages in my early days, it was easy and the causes were much more obvious, usually war and drought. I think the food crisis now is based on economics where the solutions are very complex. No longer can aid agencies rely on the old methods and rely on the old journalists and hacks to get their message across not least because there is nothing obvious to ‘show’ said George Alagiah.

Taking part in the discussion were an audience made up of journalists, scientists, academics, government representatives and NGOs.

Panellists included Barry Langridge, former BBC and Christian Aid specialist in media and development, John Mitchell, Director of The Active Learning Network for Accountability, Amjad Saleem, Country Director for Muslim Aid Sri Lanka, and Vicki Hird, Food Campaigner at Friends of the Earth. Each speaker offered different perspectives and approaches to the debate, focusing on what responsibilities NGOs and media have in addressing the food crisis and the difficulties they face.

“Congratulations Muslim Aid for organising this event. People often want to see more Muslims getting involved in these debates and it is fantastic you are taking a lead on this one” said George Alagiah.

Notes to Editors

• The shift in search of biofuels worldwide has forced global food prices up by 75%
• 862 million people in the world are malnourished with rocketing food prices pushing another 100 million people into dire poverty
• 25,000 deaths happen each day due to hunger-related causes

(Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) 2008)

Muslim Aid is a UK based relief and development agency with its roots in the humanitarian teachings of Islam. Our mission is to tackle poverty by developing innovative and sustainable solutions enabling people across the globe and their communities to live in dignity and independence. For more information visit www.muslimaid.org.

For more press information please contact Maryam Mohsin, Communications Officer, on 02073774200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .