The European Union and Germany sign vital contribution agreements at UNRWA Jerusalem Girls’ School in Silwan in East Jerusalem

The European Union (EU) and the Federal Republic of Germany signed additional contribution agreements with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

In 2019, the Agency was extremely grateful to receive a contribution of EUR 82 million from the EU in support of critical human development work UNRWA provides in the region. At an extremely difficult time for Palestine refugees, the EU is contributing a further EUR 21 million.

Similarly, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, through the KfW Development Bank, announced four new projects valued at EUR 59 million to UNRWA. The signing ceremony certified German support for the Agency’s basic social services, employment generation, and camp infrastructure.

At the UNRWA Advisory Commission meeting on 25-26 November, Mr. Christian Saunders, the Acting Commissioner-General of the Agency, appealed to donors to address the funding shortfall of US$ 167 million. Half of the vital donations announced now will contribute to easing the Agency’s severe cash flow crisis, helping it deliver key services for the remainder of the year. The balance of the funds for UNRWA will help alleviate poverty in the Gaza Strip through employment generation, as well as construction and infrastructure projects essential to the work of UNRWA on the ground.

The EU and its Member States, including Germany, collectively remain the largest contributors to UNRWA budget.

In addition to commitments signed, a new assistance package of an additional EUR 36 million to UNRWA was adopted under the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, to strengthen the resilience of Palestine refugees from Syria and host communities in Jordan and Lebanon through the provision of basic services. UNRWA recognizes the work of the EU Trust Fund has been instrumental in providing vital assistance to refugees fleeing from the Syrian war and to countries hosting refugees.

Original source: UNRWA
Published on 11 December 2019