Canada Resumes Funding to UNRWA with USD 25 Million Grant

Washington, 17 Safar 1438/17 November 2016 (MINA) – Canada said on Wednesday it would resume providing funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) starting with USD 25 million.

The announcement was made by Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Marie-Claude Bibeau at a news conference and at Canada’s House of Commons, Kuwait news agency KUNA reported.

Some USD 20 million will aim to support education, health and social services for millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as well as urgent humanitarian assistance, she said.

Moreover, the remaining USD 5 million will target UNRWA’s emergency appeal for Palestinian refugees who have been affected by the crisis in Syria and the surrounding region.

“Vulnerable Palestinians deserve all the opportunities they can to contribute positively to their communities and Canada’s funding will help to better the lives of millions of refugees,” said Bibeau.

Canada’s previous government had halted funding to UNRWA in 2010 amid accusations the UN agency had ties to Hamas, which Canada considers a terrorist organization.

Commenting on the pledge, the US State Department said Secretary John Kerry “welcomes the decision.”

“UNRWA plays an essential role in the Middle East, and is an indispensable humanitarian partner in times of conflict, saving the lives of refugees who have often nowhere else to turn,” State Department spokesman John Kirby told a briefing.

Secretary Kerry believes that Canada’s contribution represents a “significant step forward” in global efforts the US has “strongly supported,” which ensure UNRWA’s continued efforts, said the spokesman. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)