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Ireland announces highest-ever contribution to the Palestinian people through UNRWA

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has announced additional funding of €2m to the UN Rel...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.46 22 Dec 2018


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Ireland announces highest-ever...

Ireland announces highest-ever contribution to the Palestinian people through UNRWA

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.46 22 Dec 2018


Share this article


Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has announced additional funding of €2m to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

This brings Ireland's total funding for the agency this year to €9m.

This is the country's highest-ever contribution, up from €5.5m in 2017.

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Total funding from Ireland to the Palestinian people in 2018 will amount to €15.38m.

This funding addresses humanitarian and development needs, providing emergency assistance to the most vulnerable while also supporting the Palestinian Authority in public service delivery and civil society organisations.

It follows a US decision earlier this year to cease funding to UNRWA.

Mr Coveney says that move has made the agency's situation "even more precarious."

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"Ireland is a longstanding supporter of UNRWA's work in delivering healthcare, education and relief and social services, including humanitarian food assistance, to 5.3 million Palestine refugees.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East region has meant an increased demand for UNRWA's services.

"The US decision earlier this year to cease funding to UNRWA has made the agency's situation even more precarious."

Mr Coveney adds: "At the UN General Assembly in New York in September, I encouraged member states to increase their funding to UNRWA and I said that Ireland hoped to be able to provide US$10m to UNRWA this year. This additional funding makes good on that promise.

"The services that UNRWA provides are necessary, and will remain necessary, until a durable solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict can be negotiated that meets the needs of both parties, ends the occupation that began in 1967 and resolves all final status issues."

Irish support to UNRWA is provided primarily as an annual contribution to UNRWA's Programme Budget - which provides a full range of social services, including health and education services, to Palestinian refugees across its five areas of operation.


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