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The UK has agreed an additional donation of 拢3 million ($4.69 million) to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), International Development Minister Desmond Swayne announced today.

This funding is helping UNRWA to bridge its unprecedented $101 million (拢65 million) deficit and open its 685 schools on time. UNRWA provides basic education for half a million Palestinian refugee children in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Desmond Swayne said:

The UK is committed to supporting Palestinian refugees through UNRWA and we see education as a top priority. UNRWA plays a crucial role in an unstable region, delivering basic services and humanitarian assistance. It provides a safe place for children to learn and play, broadens their world view through lessons on human rights and tolerance, and gives them the skills to earn an income.

I am pleased that DFID is supporting this work 鈥� our 拢3 million contribution will ensure Palestinian children can continue to go to school. This is in addition to our existing funding of more than 拢40 million to UNRWA this year.

I welcome the joint effort of donors, including those in the region, to bridge this year鈥檚 shortfall. However, the deficit is a chronic one that cannot be addressed by fundraising alone. UNRWA will need to pursue further cost saving reforms to address its deficit, to focus on providing essential services to Palestinian refugees and to bring down operating costs.

Notes to editors

DFID is the third largest donor to UNRWA鈥檚 General Fund and emergency appeals, providing over 拢43m to UNRWA this financial year. This includes:

• 拢33m for the Agency鈥檚 General Fund, including the additional 拢3m contribution announced today;
• 拢8m for UNRWA鈥檚 regional appeal for Palestinian refugees affected by the Syria crisis;
• 拢2m for jobs creation in Gaza; and
• A technical assistance package of up to 拢500,000.

Last year, following the conflict in Gaza, DFID provided an additional 拢9m for UNRWA to help meet humanitarian needs.