Today, the Government of the People's Republic of China provided US$ 1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in support of the Agency's education programme in ensuring school-aged Palestine Refugee children receive quality, equitable, and inclusive basic education.
The generous contribution from the Government of China will be used by UNRWA to ensure that about 5,300 students have access to basic education at five UNRWA schools in Gaza. Through the decades, UNRWA has been pioneering education in emergencies, showing flexibility and innovation in the face of conflict, occupation, blockade, displacement, and more recently, a global pandemic. UNRWA education programme has made significant progress in ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, abilities, disabilities, social-economic status, health and psychosocial needs, have an equal opportunity to learn and are supported to reach their full potential.
In referencing their support for UNRWA, His Excellency, Head of Office of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine, Ambassador Zeng Jixin, said, "For over 70 years, UNRWA has played an irreplaceable and vital role in alleviating the humanitarian plight of Palestinian Refugees by providing them with critical relief and protection. China fully recognizes and highly commends the work of UNRWA and has been providing assistance within our capacity to support UNRWA in fulfilling its mandate. This year, China contributed US$ 1 million to UNRWA, which is a concrete measure to implement President Xi Jinping's three-point proposal for the settlement of the Palestinian question. China is ready to work with the international community and make positive contributions to the early achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question and the realization of lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity in the Middle East."
Expressing his appreciation for this vital contribution, Mr. Karim Amer, Director of Partnerships of the Department of External Relations and Communications of UNRWA, said: "The People's Republic of China is a greatly valued partner and growing donor to UNRWA. It is with thanks to the enduring support of donors like the Government of China that UNRWA is able to provide vital services to Palestine Refugees across the Middle East in the face of continuing challenges."
Since making its first contribution to UNRWA in 1964, the People's Republic of China has consistently provided financial and political support to UNRWA. In recognition of this important partnership, UNRWA is keen to further solidify its cooperation with China in providing assistance to millions of Palestine Refugees in the region.
UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.
UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
