PRESS RELEASE
13 January 2008

The United States Announces US$ 40 million towards the General Fund

The Government of the United States has announced its first tranche contribution of US$ 40 million towards UNRWA’s General Fund.

“We are grateful to the people and government of the United States for this generous contribution,” said the Commissioner-General, Karen Koning AbuZayd. “An investment in UNRWA’s General Fund is an investment in the well-being and human development of Palestine refugees. By providing Palestinians with education, health care and enhancing their self sufficiency, UNRWA contributes to the humanitarian space in which peace can take hold.”

The Commissioner-General added, “We are also particularly grateful to the government of the United States because these funds are being made available to UNRWA so early in the year. At a time of increasing need, this contribution sends a powerful signal of support from the United States to the Palestine refugees whom we serve.”

This contribution illustrates the commitment of the United States to UNRWA and to the welfare of Palestine refugees. In 2007, the United States was the largest bilateral contributor to UNRWA, providing overall assistance of more than US$ 150 million.

UNRWA is a relief and human development agency, providing education, health care, social services and emergency aid to over 4.5 million refugees living in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.