Core Programme Budget
All contributions to the UNRWA Programme Budget go directly towards serving the Palestine refugees the Agency is mandated to protect and assist. UNRWA is committed to transparency and accountability, with sensible investment in fundraising and communication, and prudent expenditure on management support and administration.
Understanding the UNRWA Funding Structure
UNRWA is mandated by the General Assembly under resolution 302(IV) to respond to the needs of more than 5.6 million refugees in its five fields of operation until a just and durable solution is found to the refugee issue. Based on this mandate, UNRWA delivers essential services in the areas of education, health, protection, relief and social services, microfinance and camp improvement with the support of more than 28,000 national Palestinian staff members.
The UNRWA Programme Budget (General Fund), approved by the General Assembly for the 2020-2021 biennium, comprises recurrent staff and non-staff costs.
In budgeting, UNRWA is guided by the strategic objectives and priorities outlined in its Medium Term Strategy 2016-21 (MTS). This strategic vision is further refined by strategic plans for each UNRWA field of operation, based on programme cycle management.
The MTS identifies five strategic outcomes:
- Refugees’ rights under international law are protected and promoted
- Refugees’ health is protected and the disease burden is reduced
- School-aged children complete quality, equitable and inclusive basic education
- Refugee capabilities are strengthened for increased livelihoods opportunities
- Refugees are able to meet their basic human needs of food, shelter and environmental health
To link financial resources directly to the achievement of results consistent with the Agency's strategy, the budget includes a breakdown based on these goals and strategic objectives.