UNRWA: Norway “an inspiration to donors”

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, visited Oslo 6 and 27 January. He helt meetings with key Norwegian interlocutors with a view to further deepen the strategic partnership with Norway. He also expressed his appreciation for Norway’s exceptional financial and political support to Palestine refugees.

Lazzarini thanked the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, for setting an excellent example of good donorship. “Norway should serve as an inspiration for other donors. The multi-year agreement signed in 2022 provides increased, predictable and flexible funding allowing the Agency to continue delivering basic services. I look forward to further deepening our strong partnership.”

Norway committed to support UNRWA

Minister Huitfeldt said: “Norway remains strongly committed in our support to UNRWA. UNRWA’s ability to provide services is essential for stability in the Middle East. UNRWA plays a key role to ensure that the rights and essential needs of the Palestine refugees are met. We will continue to support UNRWA in a difficult period for the Agency, and will therefore shortly transfer this year’s contribution to UNRWA. This will secure humanitarian aid, schools and health services for Palestine refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.”

During his visit to Oslo, the Commissioner-General met with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs. Throughout all his discussions, Lazzarini stressed the growing humanitarian needs of Palestine refugees and the existential challenges facing UNRWA, the impact of the war in Ukraine, and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This trip followed the Agency’s presentation of its 2023 annual appeal for funding in Geneva on 24 January. UNRWA appealed for US$ 1.6 billion for its programmes and operations across the region for 2023.

1.1 billion (NOK) contribution 

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.

(Source: UNRWA)