Netherlands Hikes Contributions to UNRWA
On 30 Jan, the Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation, Bert Koenders, announced in the Hague significant increases in contributions to UNRWA: support for the General Fund will rise from 11,8 to 15 million Euros; the Emergency Appeal will be supported with 1.5 million Euros.
These announcements were made on the occasion of the official visit to the Netherlands of UNRWA's Commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd.
Mr. Koenders expressed his admiration for UNRWA's work an was briefed extensively on all aspects of UNRWA's operations including emergency activities and major projects, such as the Neirab Camp Improvement Project in Syria.
In a conversation with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, the issue of access was discussed. Minister Verhagen briefed the Commissioner-General on the efforts that the Netherlands is undertaking so that the borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel can re-open: "Access requires security on the other side. The Netherlands will support plans for effective border control."
Karen AbuZayd thanked the Netherlands. She said, "UNRWA has benefited greatly from Dutch support both in financial terms and through its close involvement in the Agency's work."
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Country: Netherlands
Subject: Assistance, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 30/01/2008