Liechtenstein makes its largest donation to UNRWA

21 December 2011
Jerusalem

Liechtenstein today announced its largest single donation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), with a voluntary contribution to the UN agency’s General Fund of US$ 110,742.

“We welcome Liechtenstein’s increased support for UNRWA through this contribution,” said Filippo Grandi, Commissioner-General of UNRWA. “With our shared desire of improving the lives of Palestine refugees, we look forward to deepening and developing our relationship with Liechtenstein in the years ahead.”

“Liechtenstein has been a regular supporter of UNRWA since 2004,” said Ambassador Martin Frick, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein. “Our firm support is a clear expression of the commitment to strengthening and enhancing international protection and assistance to Palestine refugees in a spirit of solidarity and burden sharing among all members of the international community.”

This latest contribution is an increase from the $92,251 donated in 2010, reflecting Liechtenstein’s ongoing support for UNRWA’s work to alleviate the plight of Palestine refugees.

ENDS

Background information

UNRWA provides assistance, protection and advocacy for nearly 5 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory, pending a solution to their plight. The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, social safety-net, camp infrastructure and improvement, community support, microfinance and emergency response, including in times of armed conflict.

UNRWA is funded almost entirely by contributions from States. The Agency’s core budget for 2010-2011 stands at $1.23 billion. In 2009, emergency appeals for the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon amounted to $827.4 million.

For more information please contact:
Christopher Gunness
UNRWA Spokesperson
Mobile: +972 (0)54 240 2659
Office: +972 (0)2 589 0267
c.gunness@unrwa.org

Sami Mshasha
UNRWA Arabic Spokesperson
Mobile: +972 (0)54 216 8295
Office: +972 (0)2 589 0724
s.mshasha@unrwa.org