The European Union announces EUR 246 million three-year contribution in support of UNRWA and Palestine refugees

ByUnited Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East

The European Union announces EUR 246 million three-year contribution in support of UNRWA and Palestine refugees

The European Union announced a three-year multi-year contribution of EUR 246 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In a key meeting on the margins of the Brussels IV Conference on ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region’, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini met with the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi to discuss the vital services the Agency delivers to Palestine refugees impacted by the ongoing conflict in Syria and across the Middle East.

The heartening exchange reconfirmed the shared commitment to a strong, and fruitful partnership in support of UNRWA and Palestine refugees, evidenced by this multi-year contribution agreement.

UNRWA welcomed the announcement of the provision of predictable and regular funding to the Agency for the next three years, totaling EUR 246 for the 2022-2024 period. This reliable and predictable support will ensure lifesaving assistance to Palestine refugees, including education, health care, relief, and social services.

In addition, the contribution of EUR 15 million from the EU Food and Resilience Facility will ensure food security for the most vulnerable Palestinian refugees, at increased risk given the sharp rise in global food and commodities prices.

Mr. Lazzarini said: “We are extremely grateful for this support from the European Union, steadfast partner of UNRWA and Palestine refugees. This multi-year funding allows us to plan in the medium term and we hope this will serve as a model for other donors. We welcome additional contributions to the UNRWA Programme Budget in 2022 to support food assistance to those most in need. For more than 50 years, the EU has been a solid and reliable partner, and our partnership continues to allow millions of Palestine refugees to be better educated and live a dignified life, thus contributing to the development of the entire region.”