Mr. John Kjaer, head of the European Commission Technical Assistance Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (ECTAO), and Mr. Filippo Grandi, the Deputy Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, today signed a contribution agreement for €66 million at a ceremony in Qalandia camp, an increase of more than €1.5 million over the past year.
Today’s signing was the first instalment in an agreement made between the EU and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA in which the EU pledged €264 million to support Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA's General Fund 2007-2010. The funds will pay salaries for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA’s teachers, doctors and social workers, enabling Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA to maintain delivery of essential services to Palestine refugees. The EU’s continuing support to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is an essential element of the EU's strategy for the Middle East peace process.
Speaking at the signing, Mr. Kjaer said: “The EU is highly sensitive to the plight of Palestine's refugees. We recognise that they are amongst the most vulnerable at this time of social and economic crisis. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has been at the forefront of efforts to help alleviate the daily hardships facing Palestine's refugees, and the EU is proud to support Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA's work through this increased contribution. “
Mr. Grandi thanked the EU, saying: “Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA’s efforts would not be possible without the on-going support of generous and committed donors. Therefore I would like to extend special appreciation to the European Community. The past year has been a period of great need throughout the Palestine refugee community, and the support you have shown today is a symbol of your interest and concern.”
Since 1971 the European Community has regularly supported Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA, becoming one of its largest donors. During the period 2003-2006, the European Commission provided €246 million to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA’s General Fund. This financial support, when combined with contributions from individual EU Member States, represents more than half of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA's total budget.
Established in 1949, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA today provides education, healthcare, social services, and emergency aid to 4.4 million Palestine refugees living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan. It is the largest Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ operation in the Middle East. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly has repeatedly renewed Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA's mandate, most recently extending it until June 2008.
Additional information on the EU’s relations with the West Bank and Gaza at:
Alix de Mauny, Press and Information Manager
+ 972 2 541 5888
Additional information on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA
Gina Benevento, Chief Public Information
+972 2 589072
