BASQUE COUNTRY CONTRIBUTES TO UNRWA SYRIA RESPONSE PLAN

Amman, 20 Muharram 1435 H/13 November 2014 M (MINA) – The Agency for Cooperation for Development of the Basque Country has donated EUR 200,000 (US$ 257,000) to the UNRWA Syria Response Plan, contributing to UNRWA food distributions to Palestine refugees left devastated by the conflict in Syria.

This generous funding will benefit approximately 7,700 Palestine refugee families through food parcels that include rice, sugar, lentils, oil, milk powder and other items. UNRWA calculates that the food parcels will cover one third of the caloric needs for each person. United Nations Relief And Works Agency (UNRWA) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

In fleeing their homes, most refugees have also lost their livelihoods. Food and fuel prices have spiked as a consequence of the economic collapse, leaving most of the population subject to food insecurity. The onset of winter and additional costs of heating and shelter places more pressure on already financially stretched families. The Basque contribution is an essential contribution towards the survival of the most vulnerable Palestine refugees.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011, the Palestinian refugee population has been severely affected by the violence. More than half a million Palestine refugees in Syria have been directly affected by the hostilities. Of the 540,000 refugees registered with the Agency in Syria, approximately 270,000 have been internally displaced. (T/P011/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)