25 October 2012
Amman, Jordan
The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent (UAERC) has generously donated USD 54,451 towards the distribution of sheep for poor families in Gaza during the Muslim feast of Eid el Adha.
The contribution from the UAERC will be used to provide 426 families (4,699 people), representing the poorest refugee families and classified as abject poor families, with a sheep. This will notably ease the burden on impoverished parents who suffer arduous social pressures to meet the demands of the Eid El-Adha traditional feast, and will help children to enjoy the celebrations.
Welcoming the contribution, Peter Ford, Representative of the UNRWA Commissioner-General, said: “Once again, the Red Crescent and the people of the UAE confirm their strong support for the people of Gaza.
"On behalf of UNRWA and the refugees of Gaza, I express my deep gratitude”.
The UAERC is a regular supporter of Palestine refugees through UNRWA. Over the last five years, the UAERC has contributed over five million dollars for food aid. The UAERC also supports the Agency’s shelter reconstruction projects, having contributed funds for rebuilding in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.
Background information
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance.
Financial support to UNRWA has not kept pace with an increased demand for services caused by growing numbers of registered refugees, expanding need, and deepening poverty. As a result, the Agency's General Fund, supporting UNRWA’s core activities and 97 per cent reliant on voluntary contributions, has begun each year with a large projected deficit. Currently the budget deficit stands at USD 37 million.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Ford
Representative of the UNRWA Commissioner-General
Mobile: +962 (0) 77 676 0062
Office: +962 (0) 65 80 8521
p.ford@unrwa.org
Sami Mshasha
UNRWA Arabic Spokesperson
Mobile: +972 (0)54 216 8295
Office: +972 (0)2 589 0724
s.mshasha@unrwa.org
InterTech 
