Sustainable Development Goals

UNRWA and SDG 1: No Poverty

The SDGs call for the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions by 2030. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the number of people around the world living in extreme poverty dropped by more than half during the preceding 30 years. The Middle East North Africa region stood as the only region to experience rising levels of poverty during this period. In addition, an increase in extreme poverty in the Middle East was observed between 2011 and 2018, rising from 2.4 per cent to 7.21 per cent.2 Poverty remains prevalent amongst Palestine refugees, with those suffering the impacts of conflict (Gaza and Syria), occupation (West Bank, including in East Jerusalem), blockade (Gaza), political crisis and social and economic exclusion (Lebanon) bearing the brunt. Poverty rates are also typically higher inside Palestine refugee camps, where approximately one third of the Palestine refugee population live, than outside. Read more… more

UNRWA and SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The right to food is the most basic of human rights. UNRWA safeguards this right through the provision of cash assistance and basic food items to the most vulnerable Palestine refugees who would otherwise be unable to meet their food consumption needs. The Agency also provides emergency cash and food assistance in times of crisis to reduce the suffering of affected families... more

UNRWA and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the quality health care they need, when and where they need these services, without financial hardship. At its heart is primary health care, which is about caring for people and helping them improve their health or maintain their well-being, rather than just treating a single disease or condition. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of both universal health coverage and well-coordinated, multisectoral health responses as effective pandemic mitigation measures... more       

UNRWA and SDG 4: Quality Education

Since it began operations in 1950, UNRWA has educated over two and a half million refugee children under a programme recognised as a significant educational force in the Middle East. Quality education helps young Palestine refugees understand the world in which they live and promotes values of tolerance, cultural identity and gender equality. Through its education system, the Agency aims to ensure that Palestine refugee students develop their full potential and become confident, innovative, questioning, thoughtful and open-minded individuals who uphold human rights, are proud of their Palestinian identity and contribute positively to the development of society and the global community... more

UNRWA and SDG 5: Gender Equality

Advancing gender equality is not only critical for the equal enjoyment of human rights, it is also integral to all dimensions of inclusive and sustainable development. UNRWA’s commitment to the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment is enshrined in its Gender Equality Policy (2007) and the Gender Equality Strategy 2016-2021. Building on a ‘dual-track’ approach that focusses on changes in both organizational culture and front line service delivery, the Agency has also, since 2009, taken a multi-sectoral approach to ending gender-based violence by: (i) ensuring that survivors have access to a range of preventative and rehabilitative services provided through UNRWA programmes and external service providers; and (ii) engaging community members in prevention and awareness-raising. In addition, the Agency addresses the gendered impact of crises and emergencies, focusing on ensuring the delivery of gender-sensitive programming to those affected... more

UNRWA and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Palestine refugees face high levels of unemployment. Amongst young people, especially female youth, levels of joblessness are quite alarming. Gaza suffers one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world as a result of the blockade while in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Israeli occupation and its entrenched system of access and movement restrictions continue to stifle economic growth, limiting Palestinian access to land, markets and livelihood opportunities. In Syria, the continuing conflict has devastated the economy, with dramatic consequences for all, including Palestine refugees... more

UNRWA and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Palestine refugees make up one of the largest and longest-lasting protracted refugee situations in the world today. As of mid-2022, the 5.9 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA accounted for almost 21.4 per cent of the world’s total refugee population and around one quarter of protracted refugees in the absence of a just and lasting solution based on international law... more