UNRWA provides services and programs, including education, health and food assistance, to more than five million Palestinians across the Middle East.
The 2022 budget proposal includes additional emergency funding to address humanitarian needs arising from crises in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria and Lebanon.
‘Indispensable’ for stability
Philippe Lazzarini, the agency’s Commissioner General, said the budget shortfall was a serious threat to the agency’s ability to stay afloat.
“The international community recognizes the vital role UNRWA plays and its indispensable contribution to stability in the Middle East. It also recognizes how cost-effective and agile UNRWA is. Grandfather speak.
The budget proposal comes as UNRWA faces chronic funding shortfalls as demand continues to grow.
Suffering and despair
It is estimated that 2.3 million Palestinian refugees are living in poverty, and COVID-19 The pandemic continues to threaten health and livelihoods.
According to UNRWA, suffering and despair have become the norm for Palestinian refugees. Many people, especially in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, report that they are ready to use any means to try to migrate outside the region.
Break the cycle
UNRWA has committed to investing in comprehensive reform and program modernization to meet needs in an even more efficient and cost-effective manner.
Fully funded across its services, the agency said, will support its efforts towards breaking the cycle of despair for Palestinian refugees through measures such as provided microfinance loans of approximately $31.2 million and made significant structural improvements to refugee camps.
“The money that UNRWA has requested for 2022 will directly contribute to the lives of Palestinian refugees, efforts to combat and contain COVID-19 and the stability of the region,” Mr. Lazzarini said. urge donors to step up.
“The international community must provide UNRWA with adequate and predictable funding so that we can continue to provide Palestinian refugees with the sense of security and normalcy they deserve.”
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