India pledges over $1 mn to UN relief for Palestinian refugees

In September, the UNRWA reported a funding gap of $74 mn for providing assistance to Palestinian refugees

India on Wednesday pledged $1.25 million to the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees as it voiced concern over the fragile situation and ongoing conflicts in the middle-east region.

A total of 20 donors announced contributions, or their intention to contribute, to the 2017 budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). India made a confirmed pledge of 1.25 million dollars in annual contribution to the agency.

First Secretary in India's permanent mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said during a meeting of the agency's ad-hoc committee on December 5 that "regrettably" an amicable solution to the Palestinian issue has not been found, because of which the expectations of the refugee population leading a normal life has not been fulfilled yet.

"The current fragile situation and the ongoing conflicts in the middle-east region has compounded the problem of refugees," he said.

Kumar noted that UNRWA, which has provided critical assistance to Palestinian refugees, is facing unprecedented financial and operational challenges. He reiterated India's support for the just cause of Palestine and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

UNRWA has been providing health, education, relief and social services, and emergency humanitarian assistance to some 5.3 million Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation - Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - for 65 years.

In September, the agency had reported a funding gap of $74 million, threatening its ability to maintain vital operations through the end of 2016. After an urgent call to close the gap, UN member states made contributions and the funding gap was narrowed down to $37 million.