An additional $56 million is needed for relief and reconstruction of several camps damaged during incursions by the Israeli military earlier this year, the head of the United Nations (UN) agency assisting Palestinian refugees said today at UN Headquarters in New York.
Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Peter Hansen, told a press conference that the funds sought were over and above the $117 million needed for emergency operations in 2002.
According to the Commissioner-General, the $55.7 million that UNRWA is asking for is intended to cover relief and reconstruction needs at Balata, Jenin, Douha, Aida and other camps, which need extensive rehabilitation.
The funds will go towards eight main areas, including shelter repair and reconstruction; relief and social assistance to counter growing poverty; education for children unable to reach their schools and meeting the demand for extra medical services and trauma counselling. The money will also be used to repair the damaged roads, water supplies and other infrastructure; procure additional emergency food aid; employment programs for the poorest families; and additional logistical costs arising from the incursions and the impact of closures and curfews. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
