Sweden increases support to Palestine refugees to US 40.6 million

2/23/2016 9:05:52 PM

(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))

EAST JERUSALEM 23rd February 2016 (WAM) -- Sweden has announced an increase in its annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Programme Budget to US$ 40.6 million.

This 15 per cent increase follows the past years growth in Sweden's support for the Agency highlighting its status as a consistent and valued partner in aiding Palestine refugees. In addition Sweden's support to the UNRWA emergency appeal will be announced later on this year.

Reiterating Sweden's commitment to the well-being of Palestine refugees Sweden's Consul General Ann-Sofie Nilsson said: "The decision to increase our core funding to UNRWA shows the great importance that Sweden attaches to the Agency and its work for Palestine refugees." On a visit to the Ama'ri refugee camp in Ramallah on the occasion of the release of the annual contribution Consul-General Ann-Sofie Nilsson met with Palestine refugees in the camp on issues relating to protection and women's empowerment.

One of the largest bilateral humanitarian donors in the world Sweden is a long-standing supporter of UNRWA. Since the Agency's inception Sweden has consistently been among its top donors in terms of funding volume. Between 1993 and 2016 the Swedish contribution to the UNRWA Programme Budget amounted to more than US$ 693 million including the latest contribution of US$ 40.6 million.

In times of financial and political uncertainty for Palestine refugees Sweden's constant support is critical. The Agency's human development work in health education relief and social services for Palestine refugees would not be possible without the support of donors like Sweden. Also a valued member of the UNRWA Advisory Commission advising and assisting the Commissioner-General in carrying out the Agency's mandate Sweden held the commission's rotating chairmanship between July 2014 and 2015.

WAM/AAMIR

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