U.S. Secretary of State today announced a new contribution of USD 8.4 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for its programmes assisting refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The funds will help UNRWA respond to the critical needs of refugees affected or displaced by the Syrian conflict. This donation brings the total United States contribution to UNRWA's Syria Response to USD 32.4 million, making the United States the largest bilateral contributor to UNRWA's appeal for the Syria crisis. Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne C. Richard noted, "The violence in Syria has impacted Palestinians and Syrians alike. The United States remains committed to working through UNRWA to help Palestinian refugees get the shelter, food and medicine they need." The Commissioner-General, Filippo Grandi, said this contribution comes at a critical time and will have a direct impact on some of the most disadvantaged victims of the conflict in Syria. UNRWA is providing food, cash, emergency housing grants, education, health and relief and social services to some 420,000 Palestinian refugees in Syria, and to approximately 45,000 who have fled to Lebanon and Jordan. In 2012, the United States was the largest donor to UNRWA, contributing over USD 233 million to the Agency. The total pledged amount against the 2013 Response Plan now stands at USD 58.93 million, equivalent to 64.6% of the total budget of USD 91.24 million.
