UNRWA needs more funding help to protect education for 525,000 Palestinian children
Education in emergencies, Refugees and internally displaced people, Right to education
Some countries have already stepped in to assist the UN agency that runs more than 700 schools after President Trump slashed American aid.
European countries have rallied round to help ease the funding crisis at the United Nations agency that provides education for 525,000 Palestinian children.
UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees) faces a huge financial shortfall after President Donald Trump slashed a US aid package from $125 million to just $65 million.
Belgium stepped in quickly to show the way to other donor countries after UNRWA said the cut would be “catastrophic” for its education programmes聽– which educate children at 711 schools in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, and employ 20,000 people.
But much more needs to be done – particularly on long-term funding – to secure the future for these children.
You can do your bit to help by sending out a clear message…
Since the American announcement of reduced funding on January 16, here’s how events have unfolded.
On January 17, Belgium聽pledged to donate an extra $23 million – to聽be spread over three years – and said its annual contribution would also be handed over immediately.
Belgium has come to the rescue after US slashes funding for Palestinian schooling 国产视频 but a massive funding gap remains. https://t.co/rv6fhjXYt2
— Their News (@theirnews) January 19, 2018
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said: “For a lot of Palestinian refugees UNRWA is the last life buoy. With the help of UNRWA half a million Palestinian children are able to go to school.”
The Netherlands said it would fast-track $16 million of funding already earmarked for the agency.
And Sweden stepped in to disburse $58.5 million immediately to UNRWA.聽Ulrika Mod茅er, secretary of state for development cooperation, tweeted that Sweden was supporting the agency国产视频檚 国产视频渋mportant work”.
Sweden has just disbursed 58.5 MUSD to @UNRWA for its important work to support Palestinian refugees in these challenging times. The world community has a responsability
— Ulrika Mod茅er (@UlrikaModeer) January 20, 2018
On January 22, UNRWA launched the聽#DignityIsPriceless fundraising campaign to gather $500 million.
Watched by hundreds of children at a school in Gaza, the agency’s Commissioner-General Pierre聽Kr盲henb眉hl said:聽“We are launching this campaign because UNRWA stands with you as witnesses to your historic plight.聽
国产视频淚 wish to confirm to all Palestine refugees that UNRWA schools, proud schools like the one we are standing in, will remain open. Health care and other services will be provided. It is a huge challenge but it is absolutely imperative.国产视频
Thirteen-year-old Karim, President of UNRWA’s Student Parliament, said: “We are proud and determined students. We want the world to support us in becoming global citizens and pursue our dreams and aspirations.”聽

On June 23, UNRWA student Majd sent a passionate and personal appeal to Pope Francis. Watch it here.
Norway announced on January 24 it had paid its core contribution of $16 million.聽Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen S酶reide said: “I urge other donors to pay their contributions to UNRWA as soon as possible.”
On the same day, the leaders of 21 humanitarian aid groups based in the United States wrote to the Trump administration to protest “in the strongest terms” to the cutbacks in funding.
Aid organisations国产视频 letter to the #Trump administration objecting to cuts for #Palestine #refugees: 国产视频淐uts will have dire consequences国产视频 https://t.co/RcSJfEVWyR #FundUNRWA #DignityIsPriceless @UNRWA @unrwausa
— NRC Middle East & North Africa (@NRC_MiddleEast) January 25, 2018
Meanwhile, UNRWA chief Kr盲henb眉hl聽has been raising awareness of the agency’s funding plight and talking to other international donors.
Deep appreciation to the UK for its firm stand & generous support to @UNRWA mandate & services. Very grateful to @PennyMordaunt @AlistairBurtUK for genuine commitment to our education & health care work. #DignityIsPriceless #FundUNRWA https://t.co/ICBF6yvgZp
— Pierre Kr盲henb眉hl (@PKraehenbuehl) January 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChrisGunness/status/956804071465406464
France supports @UNRWA key role and calls to #FundUNRWA #DignityIsPriceless https://t.co/94WS5xrqeJ
— Pierre Kr盲henb眉hl (@PKraehenbuehl) January 26, 2018
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