Japan resumes funding to UNRWA with contribution of US$ 35 million in support of Palestine refugees

18 April 2024

EAST JERUSALEM

The Government of Japan has resumed funding to UNRWA with a contribution of US$ 35 million in support of Palestine Refugees.

Japanese Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine, Yoichi Nakashima, and the Director of Partnerships with the UNRWA Department of External Relations and Communications, Karim Amer, signed the agreement in East Jerusalem last week.

“Recognizing UNRWA’s indispensable role in Gaza, even as it works to enhance governance and manage risks, the Government of Japan decided to resume funding to help UNRWA provide basic services to families in need,” said Ambassador Nakashima.

This critical contribution allows UNRWA to continue providing core services – including healthcare and relief and social services – to millions of Palestine Refugees across its five fields of operation. It also supports the Agency’s Emergency Appeals for Syria, Lebanon and Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territory.

“Of the US$ 35 million, around US$ 10 million will be used for improving sanitary conditions and delivering essential items for women and newborns in the Gaza Strip, with the remainder going to support Palestine Refugees in the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria,” said Amer.

“The reinstatement of Japan’s funding will bring hope and stability to a community in desperate need and continue over 70 years of vital partnership between UNRWA and Japan in support of Palestine Refugees,” he added.

Japan is a dedicated donor to UNRWA, having supported the Agency since 1953.In 2023, it was the sixth largest contributor to the Agency. It is thanks to the enduring support of such donors that UNRWA is able to provide vital services to Palestine Refugees across the Middle East in the face of its continuing financial challenges.