Liechtenstein supports UNRWA’s regular programme to Palestine refugees – Press release

Liechtenstein donates CHF 100,000 to UNRWA

27 May 2013

Jerusalem

The Government of Liechtenstein has announced a contribution of CHF100,000 (approx. US$ 104,000) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This funding will support UNRWA’s regular programme to Palestine refugees living in the occupied Palestinian territory, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

“Liechtenstein’s regular support to UNRWA is a clear expression of our commitment to strengthening and enhancing the international protection of and assistance to Palestine refugees in a spirit of solidarity and burden-sharing among all members of the international community”, Director of the Office for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein Martin Frick said.

Accepting the donation, Director of UNRWA’s External Relations and Communications Department Salvatore Lombardo said: “UNRWA is grateful to the Government of Liechtenstein for its continued support to UNRWA and the support it gives to Palestine refugees. This donation is timely given the Agency’schallenging financial situation and will ensure the continued delivery of regular services like health and education to Palestine refugees in the region.”

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Background information

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, and microfinance.

Financial support to UNRWA has not kept pace with an increased demand for services caused by growing numbers of registered refugees, expanding need, and deepening poverty. As a result, the Agency's General Fund (GF), supporting UNRWA’s core activities and 97 per cent reliant on voluntary donor contributions, has begun each year with a large projected deficit. Currently the deficit stands at US$ 66.9 million.

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