UK Says Support to UNRWA, Palestinian Refugees to Continue

The UK will “continue to support” Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the region through UNRWA and partners, Britain's ambassador to Lebanon said on Monday.

Ambassador Chris Rampling was addressing his guests at the Palestinian networking reception he hosted at Dar el Nimer Cultural Center, in the presence of Palestinian Ambassador Ashraf Dabbour. Representatives of Lebanese and Palestinian NGOs, academics and researchers, international donors including from the diplomatic corps were also present.

The event was an opportunity to “reiterate the UK’s continued support to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the region, highlighting the work the Embassy is doing with local and international partners, the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, UNRWA, and many other Palestinians, Lebanese and international donors supporting Palestinian refugees here,” the British embassy said in a statement.

Addressing the guests, Ambassador Rampling said: “Our support to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is made a reality through the commitment of many of you in this room today, through your NGOs, local organizations, and international partners. As well as, of course, the significant sums funded through the UK’s Department for International Development that are spent in Lebanon by UNRWA.”

He added: “I am proud both that the UK is a long term supporter of UNRWA and that we stepped up our support last year: providing $84 million in funding.”

“Our Embassy is proud to work with young Palestinians in Lebanon, supporting marginalized youth gain access to increased economic opportunities, and develop solutions to governance, service delivery, improving security for all, and helping the most vulnerable including people with disabilities,” Rampling said.

Guests also enjoyed the photography and paintings’ exhibition prepared by Palestinian youth.