Project profile — United Nations Relief and Works Agency - Institutional Support 2018-2019

This grant represents Canada’s long-term institutional support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. UNRWA uses these funds, along with other donors’ funding, to support its mandate. UNRWA’s mandate is to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees in Gaza Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. As the only United Nations Agency mandated to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees, UNRWA delivers basic education, health and social services, and humanitarian assistance to over five million people. Canada’s support to UNRWA contributes to ensuring that the essential needs of Palestinian refugees are met, builds upon Canada’s longstanding commitment to Palestinians, and supports Canada’s commitment to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

The expected outcomes as stated by UNRWA include: (1) refugees' rights under international law are protected and promoted; (2) refugees' health is protected and the disease burden is reduced; (3) school-aged children complete quality, equitable and inclusive basic education; (4) refugee capabilities strengthened for increased livelihood opportunities; and (5) refugees are able to meet their essential human needs of food, shelter and environmental health. The expected ultimate outcome of Global Affairs Canada’s humanitarian assistance is lives saved, suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained for populations experiencing a humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.

Results achieved by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency through the support of the Government of Canada and other international donors in 2018 and 2019 include: (1) more than 8.7 million primary health care consultations provided; (2) education provided to 532,857 children; (3) social safety net assistance provided to 254,927 people; (4) 3,108 shelters rehabilitated or constructed; (5) 12 health centres upgraded or reconstructed; and (6) provided technical and vocational education to more than 7,500 youths.