The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has announced that the member countries of the Donors’ Conference for the Support of UNRWA, collectively pledged $812.3m, of which $107.2m was new contributions.
In a press statement following the conclusion of the conference, held on Friday in New York with the participation of the UN Secretary-General, UNRWA confirmed that the international community has confirmed its long-standing commitment to Palestine refugees and to UNRWA through political and financial support.
“While we are grateful for the pledges, they are less than the funds the Agency needs to keep more than 700 schools and 140 UNRWA clinics open from September onwards,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini
“We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners, including the host countries – the largest supporters of refugees – to raise the necessary funds,” he added.
UNRWA announced that the funds pledged on Friday would go to the following UNRWA appeals: Program budget: $53m, Emergency Appeal in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: $32.2m, Emergency Appeal for Syria crisis: US$ 12.9 million, Syria Earthquake Flash Appeal: $2.1m, Projects: $7m.
