3 February 2012
Beirut, Lebanon
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced today a new donation of DKK 1 million (USD 173,762) from Denmark toward the Restoring Dignity fundraising appeal for Lebanon.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi launched the appeal on 28 September 2011, requesting approximately USD 147 million over a five-year period, until 2016.
The appeal aims to carry out relief and recovery activities for vulnerable Palestine refugees throughout Lebanon, and is meant to raise funds for special projects in addition to regular funding to sustain the Agency’s core programmes, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation.
In order to fund its activities in 2012, UNRWA requires USD 41 million to support Palestine refugees in Lebanon. This figure includes funds needed for the relief activities of Nahr el-Bared Camp, which amount to USD 15.7 million.
While some pledges have already been received, the Agency remains in urgent need of USD 10 million for the first half of 2012.
UNRWA continues to seek additional funding to implement projects in the areas of infrastructure, health care, education, employment, and relief services for all Palestine refugees living in camps throughout Lebanon.
“We are very thankful for Denmark’s contribution and continued support for Palestine refugees in Lebanon,” said Salvatore Lombardo, the Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon. “This donation is particularly important as we continue our efforts to bridge our funding shortfall this year.”
In the aftermath of the conflict in Nahr el-Bared, Denmark responded generously to the humanitarian emergency with a contribution of USD 1,869,199 to UNRWA for relief and reconstruction activities. Denmark has also contributed an additional USD 15,830,527 for UNRWA activities in Lebanon since 2006.
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