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A Palestinian girl treats her brother’s wounds after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.document
gulf today report
The United Arab Emirates announced a $20 million (AED73.6 million) contribution in support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The agency provides education, health care and social services to Palestine refugees. The agency is almost entirely funded by contributions from UN member states.
Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, announced the UAE’s contribution, which will be disbursed over the next two years.
This was announced during a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly as a voluntary contribution to UNRWA.
She said, “UNRWA faces serious challenges as its financial situation is precarious and its future is in the balance… Therefore, the UAE’s support is to facilitate financing to strengthen the aspirations of the United Nations and sustainability. Institutions.”
“UNRWA plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of millions of Palestine refugees and contributes to regional security and stability,” she added.
It is worth noting that before today’s announcement of the contribution, the UAE had provided aid worth US$521 million to Palestine between 2018 and 2023, including US$119.3 million through UNRWA.
The body was established on 8 December 1949 by United Nations General Assembly Resolution (302).
Despite dire warnings from the UN secretary-general that the UN agency for Palestine refugees is “on the verge of financial collapse”, at Friday’s pledging conference donors provided just $107m in new funding – far less than it needs $300 million continues to help millions of people.
UNRWA Commissioner Philippe Lazzarini said he was grateful for the new pledges, but they were below what was needed to keep more than 700 schools and 140 clinics open from September to December funds.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners, including the host country, to raise the required funds,” he said in a statement.
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