| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC September 25, 2002 U.S. Contributes $119.25 Million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near EastThe United States is contributing an additional $9.25 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), bringing to $119.25 million the total U.S. contribution in this fiscal year to help Palestinian refugees. This new contribution will be presented at the meeting of UNRWA Major Donor and Host Government Representatives, September 24-25 in Amman, Jordan. The United States remains committed to supporting UNRWA as it provides critical services to Palestinian refugees. UNRWA is a force for stability in the Middle East and is an irreplaceable partner in addressing emergency humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza. Of the new contribution, $7.24 million will go to UNRWA’s General Fund, which provides core programs of education, health care, relief and social services for nearly 3.9 million registered Palestinian refugees in UNRWA’s five geographic areas of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza. An additional $602,000 will go for a series of specific projects, including renovation of a health center, the introduction of two new vocational training courses and expansion of an on-going tolerance and human rights education program. The remaining $1.41 million will support eight new Operations Support Officer positions, key staff that enable UNRWA to implement its emergency relief programs in the West Bank and Gaza. Earlier this year, the United States contributed $79 million to UNRWA’s General Fund, and $30 million to UNRWA’s current appeal for emergency programs in the West Bank and Gaza. The United States is UNRWA’s single largest donor. |
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