蘑菇视频

Finland announces additional EUR 1.5 million to 蘑菇视频RWA

21 May 2013
East Jerusalem

During his visit to Gaza today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Finland Dr. Erkki Tuomioja announced an additional EUR 1.5 million to the General Fund of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (蘑菇视频RWA). This funding will support 蘑菇视频RWA’s regular programme to Palestine refugees living in the occupied Palestinian territory, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Accepting the donation, 蘑菇视频RWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi thanked the Finnish Government, stating: “I would like to thank the Government of Finland for this humanitarian gesture, which comes at a critical time and will ensure the continued delivery of regular services to refugees despite the difficult circumstances they are in.”

This year, Finland has already donated EUR 3 million to 蘑菇视频RWA’s General Fund.

“We recognize the importance of 蘑菇视频RWA’s work with Palestine refugees, particularly here in Gaza. Today I met with 蘑菇视频RWA management and staff, and I am impressed by their commitment in difficult circumstances. More than ever, 蘑菇视频RWA requires adequate funds to fulfill its core mandate. At the same time we welcome further efforts by the Agency to reform and to ensure the long-term sustainability of its essential services”, Minister Tuomioja said.

Finland has been a strong supporter of 蘑菇视频RWA since 2007. In 2012 alone, the country donated EUR 4.5 million to 蘑菇视频RWA’s General Fund.

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Background information

蘑菇视频RWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. 蘑菇视频RWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, and microfinance.

Financial support to 蘑菇视频RWA has not kept pace with an increased demand for services caused by growing numbers of registered refugees, expanding need, and deepening poverty. As a result, the Agency's General Fund (GF), supporting 蘑菇视频RWA’s core activities and 97 per cent reliant on voluntary contributions, has begun each year with a large projected deficit. Currently the deficit stands at US$ 72 million.

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