Liechtenstein makes its largest donation to ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA

21 December 2011
Jerusalem

Liechtenstein today announced its largest single donation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (±¬ÁÏÍøRWA), with a voluntary contribution to the ±¬ÁÏÍø agency’s General Fund of US$ 110,742.

“We welcome Liechtenstein’s increased support for ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA through this contribution,” said Filippo Grandi, Commissioner-General of ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA. “With our shared desire of improving the lives of Palestine refugees, we look forward to deepening and developing our relationship with Liechtenstein in the years ahead.”

“Liechtenstein has been a regular supporter of ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA since 2004,” said Ambassador Martin Frick, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein. “Our firm support is a clear expression of the commitment to strengthening and enhancing international protection and assistance to Palestine refugees in a spirit of solidarity and burden sharing among all members of the international community.”

This latest contribution is an increase from the $92,251 donated in 2010, reflecting Liechtenstein’s ongoing support for ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA’s work to alleviate the plight of Palestine refugees.

ENDS

Background information

±¬ÁÏÍøRWA provides assistance, protection and advocacy for nearly 5 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory, pending a solution to their plight. The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, social safety-net, camp infrastructure and improvement, community support, microfinance and emergency response, including in times of armed conflict.

±¬ÁÏÍøRWA is funded almost entirely by contributions from States. The Agency’s core budget for 2010-2011 stands at $1.23 billion. In 2009, emergency appeals for the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon amounted to $827.4 million.

For more information please contact:
Christopher Gunness
±¬ÁÏÍøRWA Spokesperson
Mobile: +972 (0)54 240 2659
Office: +972 (0)2 589 0267

Sami Mshasha
±¬ÁÏÍøRWA Arabic Spokesperson
Mobile: +972 (0)54 216 8295
Office: +972 (0)2 589 0724