Doha, 11 November 2021 (TDI): The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) announced a US$ 18 million contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This will support its core resources for 2021 and 2022.
Qatar’s Contribution to UNRWA
The contribution will be distributed in parts, with US$ 10 million in 2021 and US$ 8 million in 2022. The agency pointed out that Qatar is the first Arab country to have ever signed a multi-year agreement with UNRWA. Hence, the country helps since 2018, and covered core UNRWA resources throughout 2019 and 2020.
Moreover, QFFD has contributed US$ 7 million to UNRWA in support of its emergency program in Syria. Therefore, the program covers cash assistance, education, health, and vocational training program for Palestine refugees in Syria.
The contribution of the organization comes at a much-needed time due to the deteriorating living situation. UNRWA stated that the difficult socio-economic conditions inside Syria are further impacting Palestinian refugees. These include the increased levels of poverty, food insecurity, and fuel and electricity shortages.
Agreements Between the Representatives
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini signed the partnership agreement with QFFD Director-General, HE Khalifa Jassim Al Kuwari. The organization stated that is extremely proud of its partnership with QFFD. The support has greatly contributed to the Agency’s capabilities to deliver health, education, and lifesaving services to Palestinian refugees. In the UNRWA’s official statement, he said: “At a time of intense pressure on our Agency, the generosity of the government of Qatar and QFFD sends a clear message of solidarity to the Palestine refugees.”
In addition, UNRWA is intensifying international partnerships. The next International Conference of Donors will be held in Brussels on 16 November. Therefore, the conference is seeking to reorganize the organization’s sufficient and sustainable funding. This will allow the continuation and modernization of the services that Palestine refugees receive as part of the UNRWA mandate from the United Nations General Assembly.
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