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 USD 250,000 from Turkey 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.
“I would like to thank Turkey for being a regular and generous contributor to the Nahr el-Bared relief programme,” said Salvatore Lombardo, the Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon. “This contribution is most appreciated, as it comes at a time when funding for the programme is decreasing.”
In the aftermath of the conflict in Nahr el-Bared, Turkey responded generously to the humanitarian emergency with a contribution of USD 1,900,729 for relief and reconstruction activities as well as in-kind food assistance. Turkey also contributed USD 1 million toward the Agency’s general fund in 2011.
InterTech 
