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The United States announces an immediate initial contribution of $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in support of its 2008 General Fund Appeal.
January, 2008

The U.S. contribution, announced on January 10, 2008, will support UNRWA’s provision of basic and vocational education, primary health care, and relief and social services to over 4.4 million registered Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In 2008, the U.S. intends to support UNRWA’s General Fund at levels commensurate with the $90.65 million provided in 2007.

Every year UNRWA educates approximately 490,000 children in more than 650 schools, hosts nine million patient visits in 127 health clinics and one hospital, and provides special hardship assistance to 250,000 of the most vulnerable refugees. UNRWA’s tolerance education program promotes human rights, conflict resolution, and tolerance in every UNRWA school. Since the inception of its microfinance program in 1991, UNRWA has awarded 126,000 loans to help Palestinian refugees become self-sufficient and to promote private sector growth.

The United States is UNRWA’s largest bilateral donor. In 2007, the U.S. Government contributed $154.15 million to UNRWA, including $90.65 million for UNRWA’s General Fund and $63.5 million for its emergency appeals for Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza.

“We are grateful to the people and government of the United States for this generous contribution,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General, Karen Koning AbuZayd. “An investment in UNRWA’s General Fund is an investment in the well-being and human development of Palestine refugees. By providing Palestinians with education, health care and enhancing their self sufficiency, UNRWA contributes to the humanitarian space in which peace can take hold.”

During its history, UNRWA has worked with several UN agencies, including UNESCO. In 1951, the two organizations began work together to establish and maintain educational programs for the Palestinian people. UNESCO currently supports the UNRWA with three senior international staff members, including the Director of the Department of Education, and finances four senior local posts.

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