Minister Coveney announces funding of €6 million to UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees
Press release
20 March 2022The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney T.D. today announced a contribution of €6 million by Ireland to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
This funding will assist UNRWA in addressing the humanitarian and development needs of 5.7 million Palestine refugees across UNRWA’s five fields of operation in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Announcing the contribution, Minister Simon Coveney T.D. said:
“Generations of Palestinian families have grown-up in refugee camps, living in poverty and facing incredible hardships. The work of UNRWA is a lifeline for millions of Palestinians. It provides critical services, such as healthcare, education, humanitarian relief and social services. Ireland is proud to be a committed partner of UNRWA. This funding will allow Palestinian families to continue to access services they so desperately need.”
The Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D. added:
“It is so important that Ireland continues to stand firmly behind UNRWA and the critical work they do for Palestinian refugees. Ireland’s funding will support the delivery of essential services to over 5.7 million Palestine refugees. I want to pay tribute to UNRWA’s dedicated staff, who continue to operate in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Without their dedication, millions of Palestinians would not have access to education, healthcare and other supports. Ireland is proud to play its role in ensuring these vital services can be provided for Palestinian refugees.”
Notes To Editors
- There are 5.7 million Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
- €5 million of Ireland’s 2022 support is core funding for UNRWA’s 2022 Programme Budget, of which €1 million is for use in Lebanon. A further €1 million will be allocated to UNRWA’s Syria Regional Crisis Emergency Appeal.
- UNRWA’s Programme Budget is used to provide essential services for Palestine refugees in the fields of health, education, microfinance, infrastructure and camp improvement, protection, relief and social services across its five areas of operation.
- UNRWA’s Syria Regional Crisis Emergency Appeal addresses the basic humanitarian needs of Palestine refugees affected by the conflict in Syria. Palestine refugees have been disproportionately affected by this conflict, with an estimated 438,000 UNRWA-registered refugees remaining inside the country, of which almost one third are children
ENDS
Press Office
20 March 2022