Press Release
UNFPA, UNHCR, UNRWA and OFID initial agreements to pursue humanitarian projects
25/2007 August 31, 2007, Vienna, Austria
Press inquiries: info@ofid.org
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) welcomed, August 30, high representatives of UNFPA, UNHCR and UNRWA, visiting the institution to sign agreements for various grants aimed at advancing the work of the three organizations. Dr. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, the United Nations Population Fund; HE Dr. Antonio Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and Mr. Filippo Grandi, Deputy Commissioner General, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, were received at OFID by Director-General Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish.
Mr. Al-Herbish spoke of the long-standing cooperation between OFID and all three organizations and said the three and OFID were united in their commitment and dedication to the common cause of humanitarianism. Mr. Al-Herbish described his three guests as leaders who do vital work and have merited the accolade and trust of the international community.
- UNFPA is to pursue a Palestinian Population, Housing and Establishment Census, with US$1,500,000 in OFID grant assistance;
- UNHCR will implement an OFID/UNHCR Joint HIV/AIDS Program for Internally Displaced Persons & Returnees in Côte d’Ivoire & Liberia, with US$300,000 in equal contributions from OFID and UNHCR; while
- UNRWA carries out projects under an OFID Micro Enterprises for Palestine Fund (PALFUND), with US$4.5 million in OFID grant. OFID created PALFUND in 2002 and entrusted its administration to UNRWA.
Cooperation between OFID and all three organizations dates back several years. Thus far, OFID has pursued seven projects with UNFPA for a total US$7.6 million; 10 projects with UNHCR for the cumulative amount of US$5.1 million; and11 projects with UNRWA, in the sum of US$13.3 million. OFID has also worked, over many years, to help relieve hardships in Palestine. Between 1979 and 2002, some seven grant projects and programs, worth US$18.1 million, were implemented by OFID to the benefit of the Palestinians. A Special Grant Account for Palestine was created in 2002 and has delivered financing of US$44.5 million for humanitarian projects in Palestine.
Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: OPEC Fund for International Development, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Assistance, Economic issues, Population, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 31/08/2007