JERUSALEM, November 9, 2017 (WAFA) – The Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon, Matahiro Yamaguchi and the Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon, Claudio Cordone, announced on Thursday the signature of an agreement for a $3 million contribution from the Government of Japan to the UNRWA in Lebanon.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the Palestinian Ambassador in Lebanon, Ashraf Dabbour.

UNRWA said the contribution goes towards the Agency’s humanitarian response to Ein El Hilweh camp following the clashes that took place in August 2017.

The Japanese contribution allows UNRWA to provide emergency assistance including restoring basic infrastructure and rehabilitation of houses most damaged by the clashes.

Cordone thanked Japan for the contribution and said: “The recurrent hardship faced by Palestine refugees in Ein El Hilweh is extreme as many have lost their houses and livelihoods and have to endure displacement and instability. We are thankful for this contribution from the Japanese government, which will be critical in providing the most pressing needs of the displaced refugees.”

The Japanese Ambassador highlighted the importance of the project in helping people who suffered from the recent clashes to resume normal life activities and said: “The Government of Japan is donating $3 million through UNRWA to provide cash assistance and help rehabilitate houses that were damaged by the Ein El Hilweh clashes.” He added: “Japan is strongly committed to support the Palestine Refugees in Lebanon living in difficult circumstances.”

The Palestinian Ambassador in Lebanon, Ashraf Dabbour, expressed his gratitude saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Japan for its constant support to the Palestinian people in the international community and for helping decrease the suffering of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

M.N