UNRWA partners with RedR Australia to support emergency responses

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) today signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with RedR Australia (RedR AU), a leading humanitarian agency for international emergency relief, to help strengthen the Agency’s emergency response activities. The signing ceremony was attended by Ms. Kirsten Sayers, Chief Executive Officer of RedR Australia, and Ms. Francoise Vanni, Director of the UNRWA Department of External Relations and Communications.

RedR Australia, a Stand-By Partner (SBP) to 10 United Nations agencies, will help UNRWA strengthen its emergency response through the rapid mobilization of humanitarian experts to help communities rebuild and recover in times of crisis. RedR Australia has 25 years’ experience in the international humanitarian sector and its roster includes over 600 experienced emergency response experts across diverse technical sectors including Protection, Child Protection, Gender Based Violence, Emergency Coordination and Food Security.

Commenting on the MoU, Ms. Sayers said:

“Protection of the most vulnerable is one of RedR Australia’s highest priorities in a humanitarian crisis and stateless Palestine refugees are some of the most vulnerable in the Middle East right now. We are looking forward to sending our humanitarian experts to support UNRWA’s important work”.

Expressing appreciation for the support pledged through this agreement, Ms. Vanni said:

“Given the volatile environment in which UNRWA operates, predictable and reliable support from partners like RedR Australia is critical to strengthening the Agency’s preparedness and ability to respond to emergencies. The assistance to be provided by RedR Australia, for which we thank them, will help us meet the needs of the most vulnerable Palestine refugees affected by unanticipated emergencies”.

Original source: UNRWA.
Posted on 5 October 2017