JERUSALEM, April 28, 2018 (WAFA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) expressed on Friday its deep recognition and gratitude for the extraordinary contribution of $50 million by Saudi Arabia, and for the similar contribution of $50 million by the United Arab Emirates.
The UNRWA said the two contributions will play a vital role in supporting UNRWA’s core services, notably education to over half a million Palestine refugee children in the Middle East.
The Agency’s Commissioner General Pierre Krähenbühl commended the historic Saudi contribution and stated: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for the strong political and financial support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extended to UNRWA and the 5.4 million Palestine refugees we serve.”
“The announcement made by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdelaziz Al Saud sends a strong message that Palestine refugees and UNRWA’s mandate enjoy Saudi Arabia’s lasting and determined committed support; I am extremely appreciative of this act of generosity and grateful for the trust placed in our Agency,” added the Commissioner-General.
Krähenbühl also commended the UAE contribution, saying: “The UAE is a valued and dynamic partner, standing with UNRWA and for the dignity and rights of Palestine Refugees. I am immensely grateful for this outstanding announcement, which confirms the UAE’s commitment to our mandate and the preservation of hope for Palestine Refugees.” Mr Krähenbühl added: “I would like to take this opportunity to honour the UAE on the occasion of the ‘Year of Zayed’, marking a centenary since the birth of its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
The Agency said Saudi Arabia’s contribution represents a “formidable message of solidarity towards Palestine refugees. It comes in addition to the Kingdom’s long-standing support for UNRWA, in particular through regular and important donations by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).”
It also said the remarkable support by the United Arab Emirates comes as UNRWA faces the most serious financial crisis in its history. “It represents an important step towards preserving UNRWA’s crucial services to 5.4 million Palestine refugees in the Middle East.”
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