Brussels, 01/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU has confirmed and further increased its support and financial assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Štefan Füle signed a joint declaration on EU support to UNRWA for the period 2011-2013 with UNRWA Commissioner General Filippo Grandi in Brussels on 1st September. They also signed two contribution agreements worth a total of €45 million, taking the EU's indicative contribution to UNRWA's general fund to €80 million per year over this period. Of the €45 million, the major part, €40 million, is a further contribution to UNRWA's general fund in addition to the contribution agreement for the same amount signed earlier this year. The remaining amount of €5 million is specifically dedicated to food security and will enable the organisation to provide nutrition for the poorest and most vulnerable refugees.
“UNRWA is a key partner organisation for the European Union in the Middle East. The principal objective of the EU's support to Palestine refugees is to ensure that their essential humanitarian and development needs are met until there is a just, fair and agreed solution to the refugee question. In the meantime it is essential that UNRWA is able to maintain the level of the basic services it provides”, Ashton said.
The point of these joint multiannual statements is precisely to give an indication of the contribution the EU will make to the UNRWA general fund, thus underpinning UNRWA's ability to provide essential core services to Palestine refugees.
Füle pointed out that “the EU understands the major problems UNRWA is facing in obtaining the funds necessary to provide the most basic vital services to the Palestinian refugee population”. He said that the EU had worked hard to increase its contribution this year “in recognition of the excellent work carried out by UNRWA”.
On behalf of Palestine refugees Grandi expressed gratitude to the EU for its renewed multiannual commitment to Palestine refugees and UNRWA and for its contribution this year which is particularly important at a time of significant changes in the region.
The EU and its member states are the biggest donors to UNRWA, having contributed more than €1.2 billion between 2000 and 2010. If humanitarian aid and support from the Instrument for Stability are included, the EU contribution for 2011 now stands at €125 million. (A.N./transl.rt)