UNRWA launches 300 million appeal for Gaza and the West Bank

UNRWA launches 300 million appeal for Gaza and the West Bank
Says three years after the Gaza war humanitarian need “acute and widespread”

Three years after the end of the Gaza war, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, has launched an emergency appeal for Gaza and the West Bank worth just over 300 million US dollars. Speaking at UNRWA HQ in Gaza , Deputy Commissioner General, Margo Ellis, said “the effects of the war still persist today and the humanitarian needs of the women, men and children of Gaza remain widespread and acute”.

Commenting on the continuing Israeli blockade, she told journalists, “despite an easing of access, Gaza remains under a blockade and its population subject to collective punishment, an act illegal under international law”. Meanwhile, UNRWA has continued its reconstruction efforts. Out of a 667 million USD reconstruction plan, UNRWA has been able to complete 22 projects worth some 22.5 million USD and is presently working on implementation of further projects worth some $115 million USD. This is a sizeable amount and reflects good progress made, but dozens more schools and thousands of homes still need to be built. While we welcome the steps made by the Israeli authorities in approving projects, we need to step up the pace of reconstruction. Three years on, UNRWA calls on the international community to work with the relevant parties to ease further the restrictions, give swifter approval for more projects and put an end to the blockade.

Commenting on the recent closing and destruction of the industrial scale Karni Crossing into Gaza by the Israeli authorities, she said this “has made exports at meaningful levels an impossibility. The Kerem Shalom crossing is the only commercial crossing available for traders and humanitarian organisations.” She added that efforts being made by the Israeli authorities to increase the capacity of Kerem Shalom must be appreciated, but “the possibility of returning to pre-blockade trade levels between Gaza, the West Bank and Israel remains low”.

According to UNRWA officials, the continuing blockade and the restrictions on exports have far reaching consequences which increase poverty and aid dependency and the demand for UNRWA’s emergency services.

A quarter of the UNRWA appeal is for the West Bank , where, according to Ellis, “forced displacements, settlement expansion, and settler violence are taking a devastating toll on the communities UNRWA serves. Since the beginning of 2011, nearly 1100 Palestinians, including 618 children, have been displaced due to demolitions in East Jerusalem and Area C. This compares with 606 Palestinians, including 297 children, displaced in 2010. As many of the displaced are refugees, the burden of assisting them falls upon UNRWA’.

The appeal focuses on three strategic priorities – food security, protection and emergency response capability. 80% of the requested funds will be used to promote food security through food assistance, cash assistance and job creation programmes. A sizeable portion of the appeal also aims to protect the rights of refugees and improve their access to basic emergency health, water, sanitation, education, and temporary shelter. The Appeal also seeks to further strengthen the Agency’s emergency response capacity, positioning the Agency to better respond to emergency needs despite the decrease in overall funds sought.

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About the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) provides assistance, protection and advocacy for some 5 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory, pending a solution to their plight.

UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states.

UNRWA provides assistance, protection and advocacy for some 5 million registered Palestine refugees in the Middle East.

The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, relief, camp infrastructure and improvement, community support, microfinance and emergency response, including in times of armed conflict.

Establishment

Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees. The Agency began operations on 1 May 1950.

In the absence of a solution to the Palestine refugee problem, the General Assembly has repeatedly renewed UNRWA’s mandate, most recently extending it until 30 June 2014.

UNRWA services

Since its establishment, the Agency has delivered its services both in times of relative calm in the Middle East, and in times of hostilities.

UNRWA’s work exemplifies an international commitment to the human development of Palestine refugees, helping them:

• acquire knowledge and skills
• lead long and healthy lives
• achieve decent standards of living
• enjoy human rights to the fullest possible extent.

UNRWA is unique in terms of its long-standing commitment to one group of refugees, and its contributions to the welfare and human development of four generations of Palestine refugees. Originally envisaged as a temporary organisation, the Agency has gradually adjusted its programmes to meet the changing needs of the refugees.

Where does UNRWA work?

UNRWA provides education, health, relief and social services to eligible refugees among the 5 million registered Palestine refugees in its five fields of operation:

• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Gaza Strip
• the Syrian Arab Republic
• the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

More than 1.4 million refugees, around one third of the total, live in 58 recognised camps, and UNRWA’s services are located in or near these areas.

Facilities

Unlike other United Nations organisations that work through local authorities or executing agencies, UNRWA provides its services directly to Palestine refugees. It plans and carries out its own activities and projects, and builds and administers facilities such as schools and clinics.

The Agency currently operates or sponsors over 900 installations with nearly 30,000 staff across the five fields. Because UNRWA services such as education and healthcare are the type of services normally provided within the public sector, the Agency cooperates closely with governmental authorities in the area of operations, who also provide some services to Palestine refugees./ More about our programmes/ More about Palestine refugees

More about The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

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> United Nations (UN).

The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 192 countries.

When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:

• to maintain international peace and security;
• to develop friendly relations among nations;
• to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
• and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

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* The above story is adapted from materials provided by United Nations (UN)
** More information at United Nations (UN)