Local MP Caroline Dinenage questioned Ministers in Parliament today on the delivery of effective aid to Palestine.
During Questions to the Department for International Development, the Gosport MP asked the DfID Minister “What estimate he has made of the financial situation of the UN Relief and Works Agency in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in 2011-12.”
Minister Alan Duncan stated that just over £30 million was given to UNWRA in 2011, to support its essential aid programmes for Palestinians. He also confirmed that the Department would work with host Governments and donors to set the appropriate budget over the next few years.
Caroline went on to note UNWRA’s critical work in supporting the Palestinian refugees forced out of their homes. She said: “Given that UNWRA is responsible for refugee camps outside the Occupied Territories – can he update the House on what support his department is giving to these camps?”
The Minister confirmed the vital status of UNWRA aid, stating that “conditions in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria and Jordon remain fragile” while noting that DfID support in 2011 provided maternal health care for 236,000 mothers and education for 45,000 children in the camps.
After the Questions, Caroline noted:
“It is vital that every penny we give in international aid is used efficiently to help the most vulnerable. I was pleased to hear that our support for UNWRA will continue, as it is delivering a huge amount of effective support for those in immense need in Palestinian refugee camps.”