Canada is committed to providing humanitarian assistance and responding to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. Palestinian refugees endure high levels of poverty, unemployment and food insecurity. By helping to meet their humanitarian needs, Canada also contributes to stability in the region.

“Palestinian refugees face a dire humanitarian situation. Today’s announcement of new and exceptional emergency funding will provide humanitarian assistance to help meet the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza.”

- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

• The UNRWA’s Emergency Appeal for the West Bank and Gaza provides urgent humanitarian assistance, including food and other essential humanitarian assistance.

• Previously announced Canadian funding helps the UNRWA to deliver quality basic education, health and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees, particularly women and children.

• Previously announced Canadian funding also supports the UNRWA’s Syria Regional Crisis Emergency Appeal and helps provide emergency life-saving assistance to more than 480,000 Palestinian refugees in Syria and Lebanon.

• Canada continues to support the UNRWA in improving its ongoing efforts to ensure a culture of neutrality and address alleged neutrality violations.

Associated links

• Canadian international assistance in the West Bank and Gaza
• Canada provides support to Palestinian refugees
• Framework for Cooperation between Global Affairs Canada and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Justine Lesage
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-5977
justine.lesage@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaDev
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada