BEIRUT, Friday, October 2, 2020 (WAFA) – Claudio Cordone, director of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Lebanon, warned yesterday of the worsening situation for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon due to a shortage of funds available for the UNRWA.
"We will witness a disaster on all levels if we do not secure donations; the agency is offering as much services as possible but there are limited financial capabilities," Cordone was quoted as saying by the state-run National News Agency during a visit to Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp.
Palestinian refugees reportedly asked Cordone to secure the necessary tools for online education, including electricity and Internet connection, in addition to increasing financial support to help the refugees amid the dire living condition in Lebanon.
Last year, the UNRWA faced severe financial challenges in 2019 with a deficit of $50 million, which will be added to this year's deficit, despite the increase in support by donor countries in November and December last year.
There are around 450,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon living in 12 overcrowded camps, where the UNRWA is in charge of providing services such as education and healthcare, including paying for COVID-19 testing and treatment.
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