Brussels, 04/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 4 June, the EU and UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) signed a joint declaration on EU support for UNRWA for the period 2014-2016, which provides for an EU contribution of €246 million to UNRWA's General Fund for this period. The EU's contribution will enable UNRWA to provide essential education, health, relief and social services to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the Middle East.
“This three-year agreement offers much needed predictability. Allow me to add that this contribution is important because there is an increasing recognition among European audiences that international assistance to Palestine refugees is being accompanied by the promotion of rights, not just to high standards of human development, but also to a just and lasting resolution of their plight”, said UNRWA Commissioner-General, Pierre Krähenbühl. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton recalled that, for over 42 years, the EU has remained committed to supporting UNRWA. “The EU's continuing support to UNRWA is a key element in our strategy to promote stability in the Middle East”, she added.
Between 2007 and 2013, the EU provided more than €958 million for UNRWA. In 2013, 43% of UNRWA's budget came from European member states and institutions. (CG)