UNRWA Calls for Fair Distribution of Life-Saving COVID-19 Vaccines and Supports Vaccination Effort of Palestine Refugees

Today is the second World Health Day in the shadow of the devastating spread of the COVID-19 virus, leaving in its wake untold death, suffering and economic hardship across the globe.  Refugees and displaced persons, including Palestine refugees, are among the populations hit hardest during this devastating crisis. For the 5.7 million Palestine refugees UNRWA serves, this pandemic has added another tragic dimension on what is already seven decades of displacements, dispossessions and violence for so many among them.  In line with the theme of this year’s World Health Day “Building a fairer, healthier world”, UNRWA calls on countries to implement a fair distribution of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines. This deadly pandemic knows no borders and does not differentiate between rich and poor, or refugee and non-refugee. While host governments in the region have included Palestine refugees among those eligible for vaccination, UNRWA employees continue to serve on the front line and, most recently, have started supporting host authorities in administering the vaccines as they become available in UNRWA health centres.