The Norwegian government has increased its contribution to UNRWA, the UN Palestine refugee agency, and called on other countries to follow its example.
‘Norway has decided to increase our contribution to The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by 25 million NOK, to 300 million for this year’, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
‘We are concerned about possible cuts ahead, with serious consequences for the Palestine refugees. We call on others to maintain and increase their funding levels’, said the Foreign Minister.
“Norway an inspiration”
© 2023 UNRWA Photo
Norway is an active and supportive partner of UNRWA. In 2022, UNRWA signed a multi-year agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a total contribution of NOK 1.1 billion (approximately US$ 124.5 million) over a period of four years to support the Agency’s core and humanitarian services. Norway also provided an end of year top-up of NOK 22 million (US$ 2.2 million), which brought their 2022 contribution to the largest ever.
“Norway should serve as an inspiration for other donors,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said during a visit to Norway in January this year.
