The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Maxime Verhagen, announced a contribution of US$500,000 to UNRWA's Lebanon Flash Appeal during a recent visit to the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
Minister Verhagen's visit to Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem was part of a tour of facilities for Palestine refugee children and youth. During the visit, he was briefed on UNRWA's summer educational activities and had the opportunity to converse at length with pupils and teachers. In turn, the Minister showed great interest in the efforts being made to engage Palestinian youth constructively despite the difficult situation currently prevailing in the West Bank and Gaza.
Commenting on the Netherlands' latest contribution, Mr. Verhagen said: "The situation in North Lebanon is of utmost concern to my government, and all efforts must be made to provide assistance to the civilian population affected by this crisis. It is our duty to alleviate the humanitarian suffering. We hope the situation will soon allow them to return safely to Nahr el Bared".
The Netherlands is one of UNRWA's major partners, providing significant contributions to the Agency's General Fund and to specific projects.
UNRWA's flash appeal for Lebanon aims to provide emergency food aid and shelter to the Palestine refugee population forced to flee Nahr el Bared camp and now seeking refuge in Beddawi camp and other areas of North Lebanon. The total amount of the Appeal, done in close cooperation with other UN agencies and partnering NGOs, is US$ 12.7 million.
For information please contact Chris Gunness at: +972-54-562-7825 +972-599-428-034