JERUSALEM, 22 January, 2018 (UNRWA): Today, hundreds of school children in Gaza gathered with the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Mr. Pierre Krähenbühl, to launch the global fundraising campaign #DignityIsPriceless.
The campaign follows the dramatic reduction of funding announced by the United States last week. It aims to raise US$ 500 million (3 milliarder kroner, red.).
“We are launching this campaign because UNRWA stands with you as witnesses to your historic plight,” stated Krähenbühl during a press conference at an UNRWA school in Gaza.
“I wish to confirm to all Palestine refugees that UNRWA schools, proud schools like the one we are standing in, will remain open. Health care, and other services will be provided. It is a huge challenge, but it is absolutely imperative.”
Kan påvirke millioner
This reduction in funding could have a significant impact on the daily lives of millions of vulnerable Palestine refugees across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank including East Jerusalem. At stake is access to basic education for 525,000 boys and girls at over 700 UNRWA schools; emergency food and cash assistance to 1.7 million extremely vulnerable Palestine refugees; access to primary health care for 3 million refugees, including pre-natal care,; dignity and human security for 5.3 million refugees who endured 70 years of injustice and uncertainty.
“Today I wish to tell the world that our education is at risk. We are proud and determined students,” stated 13 year-old Karim, President of UNRWA Student Parliament. “We want the world to support us in becoming global citizens and pursue our dreams and aspirations.”
Eslam, a member of UNRWA Student Parliament, called on students around the world to join the campaign. “We are determined students and I call on students in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin and North America, as well as in the Middle East to echo our appeals for support. Help keep UNRWA schools open!”
The Commissioner-General reassured refugees that UNRWA’s mandate is firmly protected in the UN General Assembly. “It is not for sale and was just extended by 167 countries,” he said.
Krähenbühl urged “all people of good will, all institutions, members of the Palestinian diaspora, private companies, and foundations to join us.”
As Karim placed his savings into a donation box, he appealed to the world to #FundUNRWA. “Every contribution counts so I am making the first step,” he said.
For details on the #DignityIsPriceless campaign, please visit www.unrwa.org/donate.
Stigende behov for hjælp
UNRWA is confronted with an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty.
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions and financial support has been outpaced by the growth in needs.
As a result, the UNRWA Programme Budget, which supports the delivery of core essential services, operates with a large shortfall.
UNRWA encourages all Member States to work collectively to exert all possible efforts to fully fund the Agency’s Programme Budget.
UNRWA emergency programmes and key projects, also operating with large shortfalls, are funded through separate funding portals.
Etableret i 1949
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5 million registered Palestine refugees.
Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection and microfinance.
