UNRWA COMMISSIONER-GENERAL VISITS LUXEMBOURG FOR HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS
LUXEMBOURG
The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, was on a two-day official mission to Luxembourg to meet with Government officials and explore new avenues for cooperation, his first visit to Luxembourg since his appointment as Commissioner-General of the Agency in April 2020.
The Commissioner-General said: “We are grateful for Luxembourg’s steady and strong support to Palestine refugees, both politically and financially. As a reliable donor, the second highest donor in terms of contributions per capita, Luxembourg is setting an example of supporting UNRWA to deliver much-needed health, education and other essential services. This help is so timely across region and especially in Gaza, where a majority of Palestine Refugees lives in poverty.”
The Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Jean Asselborn, stated: “Luxembourg attaches great importance to the vital humanitarian work provided to Palestine Refugees by UNRWA, which plays a crucial role for security and stability in the Middle East and remains one of our key partners in the region. You can count on Luxembourg’s long-term support to the UNRWA mandate, both in financial and political terms.”
“Luxembourg is a long-standing and reliable supporter of UNRWA. We recognize the unique value of UNRWA and its work with Palestine refugees. More than ever, it is essential to provide stable and predictable funding to enable the Agency to operate at its fullest potential”, the Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs and Minister of the Economy, Mr. Franz Fayot added.
On this occasion, he met with His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Jean Asselborn, as well as the Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs and Minister of the Economy, Mr. Franz Fayot. During his stay, the Commissioner-General also had the opportunity to brief the Committee for European and Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Immigration and Asylum of the Chamber of Deputies chaired by Mr. Cruchten, and to visit Luxembourg’s innovative Data Center “LuxConnect” and Super Computer “MeluXina” in Bissen. Discussions focused on ways to further strengthen the Agency's partnership with Luxembourg, avenues to continue delivering basic services, in particular in the context of the Agency’s ongoing financial challenges.
With a total contribution of US$ 7.49 million in 2022, Luxembourg was the second largest per capita donor to UNRWA. In 2023, the Government of Luxembourg has already supported the Agency’s Programme Budget with EUR 4.5 million, as well as its Health Programme in Gaza, with EUR 1 million, for a third year running.
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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.
