NEW YORK – The United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees yesterday announced that it is seeking US$800 million (RM3.3 billion) at a donor conference scheduled for next month in Brussels.
UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini told reporters at the UN headquarters here that the organisation needs “predictability” for its operations.
To fund UNRWA’s “three core activities” – education, health and social services – “we are seeking US$800 million a year”, he told reporters ahead of the gathering, organised by Jordan and Sweden.
“The main objective of the conference is to have a better predictability” and to “promote visibility”, said the Swiss diplomat.
The funding will allow the agency to keep open the 700 or so schools it manages, catering to 550,000 children, as well as health centres and to provide social welfare to Palestinian refugees and their descendants.
In addition to the US$800 million, Lazzarini said there is also a need for funds for the humanitarian aid provided by UNRWA, which varies from one year to the next depending on the crisis, but which the agency estimates will be around US$500,000 next year.
Lazzarini, who took the post in April, said the agency is US$100 million short to see out 2021, and warned that it may have to shut down some activities this and next month.
“Today, we keep struggling, running after cash. I never know as commissioner-general weeks ahead if I will be able to pay the salaries of 28,000 staff.”
UNRWA provides assistance to more than five million Palestinians registered with it in the Palestinian Territories, Jordan and Lebanon. – AFP, October 2, 2021
