UNRWA eyes $1.2B budget, launches appeal for funds https://t.co/u2KTGOCYkX
— The Daily Star Lebanon (@DailyStarLeb) January 29, 2019
In a thinly-veiled criticism of the US decision to cut funding to UNRWA, he added:
“The presentation of the Agency’s 2019 priorities and financial requirements comes in the wake of a remarkable global mobilization to overcome an unprecedented shortfall and existential crisis following the decision by the Agency’s largest donor to cut $300 million of its contribution last year.”
At the same time, Krähenbühl paid tribute to all UNRWA donor partners:
“As we faced the most severe financial challenge in our proud history, it was both humbling and inspiring to have witnessed the extent and generosity of the response from host and donor governments, from within the United Nations and NGO partners, from civil society and individuals. I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude for this exemplary commitment and solidarity.”
"We provide food assistance to 1 mln people in #Gaza, which is 1/2 of the Gaza population. In 2000, we were providing food to 80,000 people there. The conflict dynamic & blockade have wiped out whole sectors of the local economy" – @UNRWA launches the 2019 funding appeal. pic.twitter.com/1HAulxdgKu
— UN Geneva (@UNGeneva) January 30, 2019
The General Commissioner explained:
“In 2019, Palestine refugees in the West Bank, as well as in East Jerusalem, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, will continue to face a range of daunting human development and protection challenges.”
He added:
“The effects of violence, incursions, lack of freedom of movement and employment opportunities, as well as increasing levels of food insecurity and psychological trauma are alarming and expanding.”
During the meeting on 2019 UNRWA Emergency Appeal, I stressed the continued support by RI to resolve its financial crisis, not only the government, but also societies, including zakat, boyscouts, universities, students, ulamas, philantrophist, humanitarian aid & celebrities# pic.twitter.com/UsDY1htmbr
— Andy Rachmianto (@AndyRachmianto) January 30, 2019
The Commissioner-General also said:
“UNRWA, for its part, remains fully committed to maintaining its reform-mindedness and financial discipline.”
Explaining where the money will go, he said:
“Some $750 million will be required to continue the Agency’s core services, which encompass education, health, and relief and social services and contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda … Furthermore, $138 million will be required to provide emergency humanitarian aid to the oPt (Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem) and $277 million will be required in support of the Syria Regional Crisis Emergency Appeal (in Syria and for Palestine refugees from Syria in Lebanon and Jordan) … Additional funding is required for priority projects, particularly the need for construction projects resulting from conflict (for example in Nahr Al-Bared in Lebanon, and Gaza), as well as initiatives designed to complete programme reforms or strengthen programme delivery.”
"Alarming and expanding" problems facing millions of Palestine Refugees, fuel $1.2bn appeal from @UNRWA relief agency, plus @UNHumanRights office "deeply concerned" over alleged settler attack in West Bank, which left father-of-4 dead. https://t.co/st2fJYgI0S
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) January 29, 2019
Krähenbühl also addressed a message to Palestine refugees and UNRWA staff:
“During the extreme crisis we faced last year, we promised to show maximum resolve and creativity. We lived up to that commitment and are proud of this.”
(MEMO, PC, Social Media)
