The UAE allocates $20 million to support UNRWA
UNRWA plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of millions of Palestine refugees.
Shrouq
The UAE announced its contribution of $20 million to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Support for Palestinian refugees
The agency is keen to provide education, health care and social services to Palestinian refugees, and is funded almost entirely by contributions from member states of the United Nations.
Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations, announced the country's contribution, which will be disbursed over the next two years.
This came during a meeting of the ad hoc committee of the General Assembly to announce voluntary donations to UNRWA.
Funding that enhances the aspirations and sustainability of the agency
The ambassador said, "UNRWA is facing serious challenges, as its financial situation is unstable and its future is in the balance, so the support of the UAE came with the aim of contributing to financing that enhances the aspirations and sustainability of the agency."
Improving the lives of millions of Palestine refugees
She added, "UNRWA plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of millions of Palestine refugees, and also contributes to maintaining regional security and stability."
It is noteworthy that the UAE, before announcing this contribution, had provided aid to Palestine between 2018 and 2023, at a value of $521 million, of which $119.3 million was through UNRWA.
The agency was established on December 8, 1949, pursuant to United Nations General Assembly Resolution No (302).
Financial collapse
Despite a warning by the UN secretary-general that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees is "on the brink of financial collapse," donors at a pledging conference on Friday provided just $107 million in new funds -- far short of the $300 million it needs to continue to help millions of people.
Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the agency known as UNRWA, said he was grateful for the new pledges but fell short of the funds needed to keep more than 700 schools and 140 clinics open from September to December.
"We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners, including host countries - the largest backers of refugees - to raise the necessary funds," he said in a statement.
