Austria and UNRWA sign new three-year multi-year agreement for Health Programme in the occupied Palestinian territory
EAST JERUSALEM,
The Government of Austria signed a new multi-year agreement which will provide a total of EUR 9 million over three years to the UNRWA Health Programme in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, starting from 2023.
“Another decisive milestone in our long-standing cooperation with the most important international agency in the region. Today’s agreement clearly demonstrates Austria's commitment to support Palestine Refugees, particularly in the crucial health sector. This new multi-year agreement will allow UNRWA more predictable financial planning,” said Mr. Oliver Walter, the Acting Head of the Austrian Representative Office in Ramallah.
This generous contribution allows UNRWA to continue providing vital health services, including maternal and child health care, the treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases, medication and psychosocial support. It comes at a critical time as the Agency continues to face financial challenges.
“UNRWA expresses thanks to Austria, a strong supporter of Palestine Refugees and the Agency, as it continues to seek sustainable, predictable funding. With this contribution, UNRWA will be able to reach 145,000 Palestine Refugees every year and will help women of reproductive age, children and people with chronic diseases,” said Juliette Touma, UNRWA Director of Communications.
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Notes to Editors
This agreement will provide a total of EUR 9 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Health Programme between 2023-2025. This year, Austria has already contributed EUR 400,000 to the UNRWA Programme Budget and EUR 1 million to the Syria Emergency Appeal. To date, Austria has provided EUR 4.4 million in 2023 to the Agency.
UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency’s area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.
UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
