The appeal is part of the UNRWA's overall budget of $1.6 billion for 2022. (Credit: Said Khatib/AFP)
BEIRUT — The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Wednesday launched a special appeal to help Palestinian refugees in Lebanon who are facing increased hardship and vulnerability.
Here’s what we know:
• In a statement, UNRWA announced that the funds donated via this appeal will help Palestinian refugees from Lebanon and Palestinian refugees from Syria in Lebanon who are suffering from significant socio-economic and COVID-19 related hardships.
• According to a study released by the agency, during 2021 living conditions deteriorated further for Palestine refugees living in Lebanon as a result of the country’s now more than 2-year-old economic crisis, which has led to a sharp depreciation of the local currency and massive increases in prices, including for the most basic commodities.
• The Special Appeal 2022, according to UNRWA, asks donors to help needy Palestine refugees with enhanced and consistent monetary assistance for food and other basic necessities, as well as emergency funds for health care, education and camp services, including fuel for water supply and solid waste disposal. In a period of growing abuse and violence in the family and community, the plea also calls for help for the agency's protection activities.
• “While the current crisis affects everyone in Lebanon, Palestine refugees are enduring particular hardship given their already marginalized status in the country,” said Claudio Cordone, director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon. “They are struggling to survive and their needs have increased dramatically, with poverty rates reaching 87 percent among the PRS [Palestine refugees from Syria]. The appeal today outlines the need for an enhanced and sustained program of assistance to ensure a dignified life for all Palestine refugees.”
• The appeal is part of the agency's overall budget of $1.6 billion for 2022, which will allow it to fulfill its duty of providing important services such as education, health and food to millions of Palestine refugees in Gaza; the West Bank, including East Jerusalem; Jordan; Syria; and Lebanon. In 2021, like in previous years, UNRWA had “repeatedly come close to running out of funds,” states a press release issued by the agency to announce the appeal.