United Arab Emirates announces a contribution of US $15 million for immediate humanitarian and rehabilitation needs in Jenin
AMMAN,
The Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah Ben Zayed informed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, yesterday that the UAE will contribute US$ 15 million to help the Agency respond to the most urgent needs of Palestine Refugees in Jenin camp.
“The UAE is the first country to show its support to UNRWA this week, in the face of the immense destruction in Jenin camp. I am truly grateful for this renewed show of solidarity towards Palestine Refugees, something the UAE has long been known for. The funds will allow the Agency to undertake immediate rehabilitation and repair work inside the camp, including to the Agency’s health centre and to homes that were destroyed or severely damaged,” said the UNRWA Commissioner-General.
Infrastructure such as roads, and water and electricity networks suffered significant destruction following a two-day Israeli military operation that came to an end on 4 July. Assessments are ongoing to determine the scope of the damage and the amount of funds required to restore services, rehabilitate damaged installations and provide immediate support to refugees whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
Over the years, the UAE has generously contributed to the work of UNRWA in support of Palestine Refugees. In 2002, it fully covered the rebuilding of Jenin camp following a previous round of conflict.
“The government and people of the UAE have been major and longstanding supporters of UNRWA and its work for Palestine Refugees. I look forward to continuing this partnership, with the message it sends to the refugees that they are not alone,” concluded Lazzarini.
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Notes to Editors
- The UAE has contributed US$ 172.8 million (between 2012–2022) in support of the work of UNRWA.
- In June this year, the UAE pledged the sum of US$ 20 million over two years.
- The UAE Red Crescent contributed US$ 34.6 million between 2012 and 2022.
- Jenin camp profile
- UNRWA situation reports on the Jenin crisis
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.
