Finland granted 4 million euros of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian Territories

Press release 23/2009
23 January, 2009

By the decision of Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen, Finland has granted a total of 4 million euros to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA. The sum consists of 3.5 million euros granted as general assistance and a donation of 500,000 euros on account of Special Funding Appeal for Gaza.

The humanitarian situation of the civilian population living in the Gaza Strip is extremely difficult. The biggest challenges are associated with securing safe access to food, healthcare services and energy. The extent of material damage requires a massive reconstruction operation. The need for assistance is further intensified by the already weak infrastructure in the area.

The joint appeal of UN aid agencies to cover the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza is currently 530 million dollars. The sum is expected to increase from this by the time of the scheduled publication of a new appeal in Geneva on 2 February. The assessment of the reconstruction needs in the area is also under preparation.

The UNRWA operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It is one of the biggest operative agencies of the UN playing a significant role in the field activities. A majority of the agency staff of 30,000 are refugees themselves and its meaning as a provider of employment among Palestinian refugees is important. As of the beginning of this year, Finland has been a member of UNRWA’s Consultative Committee.

Additional information: Counsellor Timo Karmakallio, Unit for Humanitarian Assistance, tel. +358 40 727 5487