The Government of Japan announced a contribution of US$ 10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to support the provision of vital services for Palestine refugees affected by the conflict in Syria. This generous additional contribution from Japan will provide Palestine refugees from Syria health support and emergency cash and food assistance, among other services, through UNRWA’s operations in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

UNRWA Commissioner-General, Pierre Krähenbühl, welcomed this timely support: “We deeply appreciate this generous donation from the Government of Japan during this time of urgent need. The US$ 409 million Syria emergency appeal the Agency launched earlier this year remains largely underfunded. This vital support will enable UNRWA to provide emergency aid to Palestinian refugee families affected by the war in Syria.”

Japan has long been a valued donor to UNRWA. In 2017 alone Japan contributed a total of US$ 43.3 million, including some US$ 23 million to the Agency’s core programmes and services, US$ 8.7 million to support the Agency’s emergency programmes in Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory, and US$ 11.5 million for essential projects.

Japan was among the top 7 donors and, since 1973, has been a member of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, which advises and assists the UNRWA Commissioner-General in carrying out the Agency’s mandate.