Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed an emergency contribution agreement to support the “Regular Resources” of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This will help respond to the Palestine refugees’ chronic needs and support the efforts of UNRWA.
UNRWA has been undergoing chronic underfunding that threatens its ability to pay staff salaries, adding to the distress and despair of Palestine refugees as they face some of the worst socio-economic conditions in years. These additional resources will immediately bridge an acute funding gap and allow the continuation of critical services to Palestine refugees across the region.
HE Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, QFFD Director General, said: “This emergency contribution agreement comes at a critical time not just to support the UNRWA funding shortfall but to strengthen its pivotal role in protecting the rights of Palestine refugees at risk. In addition to alleviating their urgent and critical needs, Palestine refugees remain at the top of the state of Qatar’s agenda, especially given the refugees’ ever-growing humanitarian, health, and educational needs. QFFD hopes to improve the lives of numerous underserved communities in Palestine and change their lives for the better.”
This emergency contribution is a response to an urgent call that UNRWA raised to support the pressing needs and ramp up funding for the Agency amid an increased dependence of Palestine refugees on aid. This contribution is a supplementary end-of-year funding from QFFD to the Agency.
“Once again, Qatar sends a strong message of support to Palestine refugees” said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner General. “In the aftermath of the World Cup, where solidarity with Palestinians was very prominent, this gesture by Qatar, in response to an urgent call for support from UNRWA, is the first coming from the region. We are truly grateful for this generosity; it will go a long way in telling the refugees that they are not alone.”
Source: Qatar Fund For Development