India contributes US$ 2 million to UNRWA for the welfare of Palestinian Refugees
India had increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from US $1.25 million in 2016 to US$ 5 million in 2018 and 2019,
By IAR Desk
Ramallah: The Government of India has contributed US$ 2 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in support of the Agency’s core programmes and services, including education, health care, relief and social services. The contribution was presented to UNRWA by Representative of India to State of Palestine H.E. Mr. Sunil Kumar.
Underlining the Government of India’s continued support for UNRWA’s activities in the region, Representative of India H.E. Mr. Sunil Kumar stated: “On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the commendable work and endeavors carried out by UNRWA. We believe that our contribution will support the Agency’s activities in providing the needed assistance to Palestinian refugees, and assist in achieving their full human development potential.”
It is worth noting that India had increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from US $1.25 million in 2016 to US$ 5 million in 2018 and 2019, and pledged another US$ 5 million for 2020. With this year’s contribution to UNRWA, India opens the way to become a member of the Agency’s Advisory Commission.
In 2018 US President Donald Trump had announced American funding for the refugee agency would cease.
The US has long been the largest individual donor to UNRWA, pledging about one third of the agency’s $1.1bn annual budget.
That shortfall is being sought to be plugged by countries like India who have increased their contribution to the agency.
