India provides USD 1 Million to UNRWA for Palestinian Refugees

On 14th October, 2020 the Government of India contributed USD 1 Million (Approximately INR 7.3 Crores) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Near East (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees. It will help in improving the lives of Palestine refugees suffering due to the pandemic. 

The contribution was presented by Representative of India to the State of Palestine, Sunil Kumar to Sami Mshasha, Officer-in-Charge of Department of External Relations and Communication and Director of Communication of UNRWA.

Key Points:

i.The funding will be utilised for Education, Healthcare, Relief and Social Services of the Palestine refugees. 

ii.India has sent medicines and other supplies to Palestinian National Authority for dealing with COVID-19 situation. 

Contributions to UNRWA by India:

i.In May, 2020 India contributed USD 2 Million to UNRWA. The total contribution for this year is $three million so far.

ii.India has increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from USD 1.25 Million in 2016 to USD 5 Million in 2018 and 2019. 

iii.In June, 2020 Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan during the Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA made a commitment to contribute USD 10 Million to UNRWA in the next two years.

India-Palestine Development Partnership:

i.India is funding Eight on-going developmental projects worth USD 59 Million in Palestine.

ii.It includes Building of a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem, Information Technology Park, National Printing Press, Turathi-Women Empowerment Project, Diplomatic Training Institute and Three schools in different governorates of Palestinian Territories.  

United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Near East (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees:

i.It is a United Nations Agency (UN) established by the General Assembly in 1949.

ii.The main function of UNRWA is to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA. 

iii.It provides help for Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. 

iv.It includes education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees. 

Recent Related News:

i.June 24, 2020, During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), India announced a contributing United States (US) $10 million towards UNRWA over the coming two years.

ii.On 19th May 2020 India provided 2 million USD (Rs 15 crore) to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to support the Palestinian refugees.

About United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Near East (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees:
Commissioner-General – Philippe Lazzarini
Headquarters – Amman, Jordan & Gaza City, Palestinian Territory