19 July 2022
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) deeply appreciates the resolute support by the United States to its operations that contribute to the human rights and dignity of Palestine refugees. During his recent trip to the West Bank, the President of the United States personally reiterated the U.S. commitment to the Agency, announcing a contribution of $201 million in support. This brings to $618m the total US contribution to UNRWA since the start of his administration in 2021. The contributions from the US are utilized in support of the Agency’s core budget, emergency humanitarian responses to the crises in Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory, and for special projects.
The needs are significant. The overall UNRWA budget for 2021 and 2022 is US $1.5 billion and US $1.6 billion, respectively, and even with the generous support of the United States announced Friday, interruptions and decreases in funding from major donors, including regional donors, still leave an expected funding shortfall above US$ 100 million in 2022. UNRWA calls on member states to provide the agency the Agency with increased financial predictability and multi-year funding.
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Country: United States of America
Subject: Assistance, Funding needs
Publication Date: 19/07/2022