EU and UNRWA commence infrastructure project in Lebanon – UNRWA press release

EU and UNRWA Commence Infrastructure Project in Lebanon

13 November 2013

Beirut

وضع حجر الأساس في مخيم عين الحلوة لمشروع اعادة تأهيل البنى التحتية المموّل من الاتحاد الاوروبي

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) marked the inauguration of an infrastructure improvement project today, unveiling the project's foundation stone in the Palestine refugee camp of Ein el Hilweh, Saida.

The ceremony was attended by the Head of the Cooperation Section of the EU Delegation to Lebanon, Diego Escalona-Paturel, and the Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon, John Marks. Also present were the representative of the Embassy of Palestine to Lebanon, Ramzi Mansour; the representative of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, Lina Hamdan; and a number of representatives of the Palestinian community.

The purpose of the EU-funded project is to improve the housing, hygiene and health conditions of the most vulnerable Palestine refugees in Lebanon through the rehabilitation of camp infrastructure. The project includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing infrastructure in the south district of Ein el Hilweh camp (Package 1) through improving the main and secondary water supply systems, upgrading the main and secondary sewerage systems, constructing new storm-water and drainage systems, and updating and reinstating all the roads and pathways of the area.

This intervention is part of the overall infrastructure rehabilitation of Ein El Hilweh camp. The project was divided into four packages to ease fundraising. UNRWA was able to secure complete funding, with the EU supporting two of the rehabilitation packages.

Thanking the EU for its continuous support to UNRWA, Mr. Marks said: “This project is crucial for residents of Ein El Hilweh, as the camp’s water and sewerage network has been in dire need of rehabilitation for years. We are, together with our donors, committed to doing all we can to improve the living conditions of Palestine refugees in Lebanon.”

Marking the occasion, Mr. Escalona-Paturel said: "We at the European Union strongly believe that Palestinian refugees have the right to live in a decent and safe environment with access to all social services.” He added, "Human development is possible only when social conditions and dignity for all are respected, thus offering the best environment to grow."

The generous contribution of EUR 4.4 million (US$ 5.9 million) from the European Union, under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), will enable UNRWA to not only upgrade the infrastructure systems in the south district of Ein el Hilweh camp, but also to rehabilitate the dilapidated shelters of at least 160 of the most vulnerable families living in Palestine refugee camps. The funding will also support the upgrading of eight UNRWA health centres located in, or in the vicinity of, Palestine refugee camps across the country, which will benefit more than 140,000 Palestine refugees in Lebanon.

The European Union is one of the leading UNRWA donors and has a long history of supporting the Agency through its regular budget, emergency appeals and projects. In 2013, the European Commission alone provided EUR 80 million (US$ 107.4 million) to the UNRWA General Fund, and around EUR 40 million (US$ 53.7 million) specifically to support UNRWA infrastructure projects in Lebanon, as part of a joint effort to improve the living conditions of Palestine refugees in the country.

– Ends –

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 contributions, has begun each year with a large projected deficit. Currently the deficit stands at US$ 54.3 million.

For more information, please contact:

Laura MACDISSI

Public Information Officer – Lebanon Field Office

Mobile:

(+ 961 1) 840468

Office:

(+ 961 1) 840468

l.macdissi@unrwa.org