Berlin, 27 November 2021 (TDI): UNRWA and Germany signed agreements in support of Palestine refugees in Gaza and Lebanon, amounting to a total of EUR 25 million.
UNRWA encourages all Member States to work collectively to exert all possible efforts to fully fund the Agency’s programme budget. UNRWA emergency programmes and key projects, also operating with large shortfalls, are funded through separate funding portals.
According to the organization, in 2020, Germany was the Agency’s top-ranking donor. It contributed more than EUR 182 million. In 2021, Germany can be the second-largest donor to UNRWA with total contributions of around EUR 127 million. Moreover, Germany has been a member of the UNRWA Advisory Commission since 2005.
It is important to mention that this is the second important contribution that the agency receives this month, as last week the European Union signed new agreements for the duration 2021-2024.
German financial support in UNRWA projects
UNRWA stated in a Press Release that “the additional funding will build on previous German-supported efforts in the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared camp in Lebanon after its destruction as the result of clashes in 2007 and where approximately 20,900 people are still expected to return to”. Furthermore, the financial contribution will enable approximately 192 families to return to 269 residential units.
For its part, German support will provide vital sanitation support for around 244,000 Palestine refugees in the Gaza Strip.
Vital sanitation includes rehabilitation and expansion of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. Therefore, the project will improve access to safe and efficient WASH services.
As well, to mitigate public health risks, including the spread of diseases.
Furthermore, UNRWA Director of Partnerships, Karim Amer, thanked Germany for its contribution:
“On behalf of the Agency, I would like to express my gratitude to Germany for the generous, steadfast support over the years to UNRWA and Palestine refugees. As of today, Germany provided EUR 56 million to the reconstruction of Nahr el-Bared Camp to allow displaced families to return safely to the camp. This contribution will also address the needs of Palestine refugees in Gaza, who will have increased access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. The support provided over the years is proof that Palestine refugees and UNRWA can count on Germany in the most troubled times”.
The Agency is closely cooperating on development initiatives in the region, especially in Gaza, Lebanon, and Jordan. Through this, UNRWA has realized important progress regarding the reconstruction of Nahr el-Bared Camp. The Agency also look forward to expanding engagement for infrastructure and service improvements. The agenda covers the WASH and the environmental health sector in Gaza, which will especially support the most vulnerable refugees.
