UN Agency for Palestine refugees in Lebanon Joins call to end violence against women and girls
Beirut, 1 December 2022 - As Lebanon grapples with an unprecedented socio-economic crisis, today it is more important than ever, to work towards a life free from violence for women and girls. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is joining the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign under the UN Secretary-General’s 2022 call for UNiTE to End Violence against Women and Girls and is conducting activities in all its fields of operations.
When women and girls are safe and able to enjoy all their rights, communities are healthier, more peaceful and more successful. This is something that benefits men, women, boys and girls alike. The long-term pressures on the Palestine refugee community in Lebanon impact Palestinian women and girls in different and distinct ways. All parts of society should unite to support women to stay strong and contribute to their community and families living in dignity.
This year UNRWA in Lebanon joined efforts with local organizations, women’s groups and child protection and women and girls’ protection networks. We believe that change can happen when people come together. When women are protected, communities live together more safely, children are better able to cope and enjoy healthy development. Freedom from violence is a fundamental human right and it is everyone’s responsibility to stand together and to unite for a safer society for everyone.
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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.
