Belgium brings forward its annual contribution to UNRWA

2022-02-23 00:52:25
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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced that the Kingdom of Belgium has advanced the date of disbursing its annual contribution of 7 million euros to the agency's program budget for 2022.

And it added in a statement issued by it, this evening, Tuesday, that "this decisive and flexible funding is part of an existing multi-year agreement between the Kingdom of Belgium and UNRWA, with a total value of 21 million euros between the years 2021-2023."

The statement indicated that “this donation enables UNRWA to continue providing basic services to one of the most vulnerable population groups in the Middle East during the first part of the year,” noting that “these services include education for more than half a million Palestine refugee students and care services. Primary health care for nearly two million refugee patients in the midst of a global pandemic and a social safety net for nearly 400,000 poor refugees living in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, which includes East Jerusalem.”

UNRWA explained that "its services contribute to achieving the United Nations Action Program 2030, as well as contributing to regional stability and peace in a region suffering from multiple conflicts and crises."

“Belgium is committed to providing predictable and sustainable support to UNRWA through its contributions and multi-year projects,” said Belgian Consul General Wilfried Pfeffer.

He added: “Our support to UNRWA aims to ensure the continuation of vital health, education and social services for Palestine refugees in the region.”

The statement pointed out that “this funding is in addition to the amount of 11.5 million euros provided by the Kingdom of Belgium in 2021, which included a donation of one million euros for emergency cash assistance in Syria, in addition to 3.5 million euros for the Education in Emergencies program,” explaining that “ The program will address the most pressing educational and psychosocial needs of more than 370,000 UNRWA students affected by instability, conflict or poverty as well as the COVID-19 pandemic in the Agency’s five fields of operation.”

UNRWA Director of Partnerships, Karim Amer, expressed his thanks for this donation, saying: “Belgium's solid and reliable support and recognition of the need for early disbursement illustrate why the Kingdom of Belgium is an important donor and supporter of Palestine refugees.

More specifically, the diversity and flexibility of funding demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the region and the need for a diverse range of services that support Palestine refugees of all ages.”