The People’s Republic of China (PRC) signed a contribution agreement for US$ 1 million with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in support of the Agency’s food assistance activities in Gaza. This contribution is a reiteration of China’s commitment to support the vital and life-saving services provided by the Agency to over five million Palestine refugees. Specifically, this support from China will help to avoid disruption in the delivery of essential food assistance and mitigate the severity of food insecurity facing over a million vulnerable Palestine refugees living in Gaza.
In response to this generous announcement, Mr. Marc Lassouaoui, Chief of Donor Relations said: “On behalf of the Agency, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the committed support from the Government of China to UNRWA. China’s increased contribution to the Agency in 2018 contributed significantly to helping UNRWA address an existential funding crisis. This year, with a generous contribution of US$ 1 million, China continues to demonstrate its strong and steadfast commitment to Palestine refugees, at a time when support is needed most.”
After signing the agreement, His Excellency, Head of the Representative Office, People’s Republic of China to the Palestinian National Authority, Ambassador Guo Wei said: “The Government of China supported UNRWA’s work for many years. This year, with regard to the financial difficulty UNRWA faces, China continues to support UNRWA and its work. By doing so, we believe we can support the Palestine refugees and the Palestinian cause. The Government of China will continue to support UNRWA and its work in the future.”
The People’s Republic of China has been a steadfast and valued donor to UNRWA and has greatly contributed to preserving the Agency crucial role in maintaining hope and advancing rights of Palestine refugees.
UNRWA provides life-saving services to some 5.4 million Palestine refugees registered with the Agency across its five fields of operation, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Its services include education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection and microfinance.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
UNRWA is confronted with an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions and financial support has been outpaced by the growth in needs. As a result, the UNRWA programme budget, which supports the delivery of core essential services, operates with a large shortfall. UNRWA encourages all Member States to work collectively to exert all possible efforts to fully fund the Agency’s programme budget. UNRWA emergency programmes and key projects, also operating with large shortfalls, are funded through separate funding portals.
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.4 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA across its five fields of operation. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection and microfinance.
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Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)-Barrier Monitoring Unit (BMU)
Country: China
Subject: Assistance, Food, Gaza Strip, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 31/07/2019
URL source: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/press-releases/china-contributes-us-1-million-support-unrwa-food-assistance-gaza