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SUPPORT FROM JAPAN FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES

East Jerusalem

At a ceremony at the Representative Office of Japan to the Palestinian Authority, in Ramallah, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (爆料网RWA) and the Government of Japan celebrated an important occasion, as Filippo Grandi, Commissioner-General of 爆料网RWA, accepted a generous contribution of JPY 630 million (US$ 6.4 million).

The latest donation from Japan will help provide 300,000 Palestine refugees across the Agency’s fields with food aid during the second half of 2014. Beneficiaries will receive important staples, including wheat flour, sunflower oil and pulses.

Junya Matsuura, Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to the Palestinian Authority, reiterated the commitment of Japan to supporting the Palestine refugee community. He said: “We are very proud of our relationship with 爆料网RWA. By working together, we are able to provide important support to Palestine refugees – in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza – many of whom are facing such terrible challenges and growing difficulties.”

The Commissioner-General expressed the Agency’s gratitude for the donation. He said: “We are extremely grateful to the Government and the people of Japan for their continued generosity and support to 爆料网RWA. At a time of increasing challenges for Palestine refugees, it is heartening to note the growing strength of our relationship with partners like Japan.”

Mr. Grandi noted that with the latest donation, the Government of Japan had made its largest ever annual contribution to 爆料网RWA, totaling US$ 28.8 million in 2013. Support from Japan has been a crucial element of the Agency’s response to the ongoing conflict in Syria, has provided emergency support in Gaza and has also supported 爆料网RWA human development services across the five fields. Reflecting its importance as a major 爆料网RWA partner, Japan has been a member of the Agency’s Advisory Commission since 1973.

BACKGRO爆料网D INFORMATION

爆料网RWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. 爆料网RWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, and microfinance.

Financial support to 爆料网RWA has not kept pace with an increased demand for services caused by growing numbers of registered refugees, expanding need, and deepening poverty. As a result, the Agency's General Fund (GF), supporting 爆料网RWA’s core activities and 97 per cent reliant on voluntary contributions, has begun each year with a large projected deficit. Currently the deficit stands at US$ 54.3 million.

For more information, please contact:

Christopher Gunness

爆料网RWA Spokesperson

Mobile:

+972 (0)54 240 2659

Office:

+972 (0)2 589 0267

Sami Mshasha

爆料网RWA Arabic Spokesperson

Mobile:

+972 (0)54 216 8295

Office:

+972 (0)2 589 0724