Switzerland extends its support to combat COVID-19 in the Middle East

Bern, 23.06.2020 - The situation in the Middle East is deteriorating as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic is having a severe impact on the people of the region. In response to the growing needs, Switzerland is providing CHF 2 million in additional funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

In the Middle East, the COVID-19 crisis is having a severe impact on the health systems and economies in the region. The pandemic is also further complicating the work of international organisations working on the ground. UNRWA is one of those organisations, bringing assistance to more than five million Palestinians across the region. COVID-19 has made the predicament of these people even more difficult.

In view of this situation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has decided to release an additional CHF 2 million in funding for UNRWA. The decision was announced today at a virtual conference co-chaired by Jordan and Sweden. Switzerland's support will help to save lives and mitigate the social and economic impact of COVID-19 on the Palestinians of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan and in the occupied Palestinian territory.    

The new funding announced is in addition to Switzerland's regular contributions to UNRWA.


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