Government increases assistance for Palestinian Refugees

Government increases assistance for Palestinian Refugees

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., today announced that the Government is to increase funding in support of Palestinian refugees.

The Government will provide €3.8 million in 2007 to the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), with a commitment to the same level of funding in 2008 and 2009 (i.e. a total of Euros 11.4 million over the next three years).  UNRWA is the key provider of services for over 4 million Palestinian refugees in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

Speaking in Bethlehem this morning at the start of a four day visit to the Middle East, Minister Ahern said:

“I have seen for myself today the reality of the bleak humanitarian and economic situation facing the Palestinian people.  It is essential to work for an urgent political solution, but also to do everything possible to alleviate the effects of this humanitarian crisis. Ireland increased its aid to the Palestinian people by 40% last year, to Euro 6.4 million.  Today’s decision will involve a further significant increase in our overall assistance in 2007.

I was deeply impressed by my visit to a girls’ school in Bethlehem, which is run by UNRWA, by my discussions with the pupils and by my meeting with the UNRWA Commissioner General, Karen Koning AbuZayd.  I assured them of them of Ireland's continuing support.”

Minister of State for Irish Aid, Conor Lenihan said:

“The consequences of the conflict in Palestine and the difficulty of humanitarian access in the Territories are shocking.  Humanitarian aid should be available to affected populations at all times.

The Irish Government is committed to addressing the humanitarian situation facing this very vulnerable population. This increase in Irish funding for UNRWA, and our undertaking to maintain this level of funding over the next 3 years, will allow UNRWA a greater predictability and flexibility for improved delivery of basic services such as food, water, education, and social services. This contribution can and will make a real difference to the lives of Palestinian families.”

Minister Ahern is also meeting today in Jerusalem with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Ms. Tzipi Livni, and later with Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, in Ramallah. Tomorrow he travels to Cairo.

Note for Editors:

Ireland has a long term programme of development and humanitarian assistance in Palestine. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is a key humanitarian partner for Irish Aid for the Palestinian people. UNRWA is involved in the delivery of basic and humanitarian services for over 4.3 million registered refugees, including education, health and social services, in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. UNRWA has been particularly active in addressing the basic needs arising from the current humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Ireland is a strong supporter of UNRWA’s work which is a key component of Irish Aid support for Palestine. Today’s funding announcement represents a 25% increase on funding to UNRWA on last year. Ireland's support in development and humanitarian programme in Palestine this year will be in excess of €6.5 million.

ENDS +++

31 January 2007

Press Office