Finland has pledged to donate $21.8 million as part of a three-year funding agreement with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The multi-annual agreement (MAA), which runs from 2023 to 2026, is a renewal of the existing cooperation between the parties and follows the CMB that ran from 2019 to 2022, which was given an annual €5 million ($5.4 million) us. with the agency’s humanitarian operation.
Paivi Peltokoski, ambassador from Finland’s Representative Office in Ramallah, said: “Finland appreciates UNRWA’s essential work with Palestinian refugees, including providing basic services, for example in education and healthcare.”
“Finland has been a long and stable supporter of UNRWA. More than ever, UNRWA needs adequate funds, political support and sustainability to fulfill its core mandate.”
The donation comes as UNRWA’s media adviser, Adnan Abu Hasna, warned that some donor countries have told UNRWA that they will reduce their contributions to the agency this year, while others will not increase their some grants.
Karim Amer, director of partnerships at UNRWA, said: “On behalf of the agency, I would like to express my gratitude to the government of Finland for its commitment to support UNRWA with unmarked and predictable funding disbursed early this year.”
“This trust is extremely important for the agency and its stability, especially given the difficult financial situation it is in at the moment.”
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to refugees in five areas, including Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza until they are given their right to return to the homes they were forced from. as a result of the creation. of the state of Israel.
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