UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to the population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

Funded by

UNRWA Syria Appeal The conflict in Syria intensified in 2016, leading to heightened humanitarian and protection needs among an increasingly vulnerable population. Affected communities continue to suffer serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law as a result of indiscriminate and widespread attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Increasing numbers of people have been forced to flee to other locations inside Syria, neighbouring countries or further afield.

Six years into the war, efforts to deliver life-saving assistance and essential services to Palestine refugees in Syria continued amidst an increasingly insecure operational environment. UNRWA in Syria provides vital humanitarian support and health and education services to 450,000 Palestine refugees. Over 95 per cent of the Palestine refugees in Syria are wholly reliant on UNRWA humanitarian aid.

Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs - The Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs is in charge of all of the Government of Flanders’ international relations. It coordinates Flanders’ international and European activities and therefore takes the lead in Flanders’ relations with foreign governments, the European Union and international organizations. In doing so, the Department helps to build an open, dynamic and solidary Flanders, which dedicates itself to a democratic, safe and prospering global society. In doing so, the Department helps to build an open, dynamic and solidary Flanders, which dedicates itself to a democratic, safe and prospering global society.

Kingdom of Belgium - Relations between UNRWA and the Kingdom of Belgium date back to 1953. Through the years, in line with its main objective for humanitarian assistance as well as development cooperation – the realization of sustainable human development to reduce poverty and inequality – Belgium has been a staunch supporter of UNRWA. In a region of prolonged conflicts and serious humanitarian challenges, Education in Emergencies is a key priority for Belgium and also forms an integral part of UNRWA emergency-relief efforts. Since 2010, Belgium has supported the Agency with over EUR 70 million. This includes annual contributions to the Agency’s Programme Budget as well as support to specific projects, such as Education in Emergencies, and other UNRWA emergency operations in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territory.

European Union EU and UNRWA: Together for Palestine Refugees - Since 1971, the European Union and UNRWA have maintained a strategic partnership governed by the shared objective to support the human development, humanitarian and protection needs of Palestine refugees and promote stability in the Middle East. Today, the European Union is the largest multilateral provider of international assistance to Palestine refugees. This reliable and predictable support from the European Union enables UNRWA to provide core services to more than 5 million Palestine refugees in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, including quality education for roughly half a million children and primary health care for more than 3.5 million patients. Collectively, the EU and its Member States are also among the largest contributors to the Agency’s humanitarian emergency appeals and projects in response to various crises and specific needs across the region. The partnership between the European Union and UNRWA has allowed millions of Palestine refugees to be better educated, live healthier lives, access employment opportunities and improve their living conditions, thus contributing to the development of the entire region.

Flemish Commission for UNESCO - The Flemish Commission for UNESCO was founded by the Flemish government on 14 February 2003. Flanders therefore has its own body that can advise the Flemish government about UNESCO’s fields of expertise and promote collaboration between Flanders and UNESCO.

UK Aid - UK Aid leads the United Kingdom’s work to end extreme poverty. Based in London, UK aid works directly in 28 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East in areas including education, health, economic growth, the environment and water. The United Kingdom is the third largest donor to UNRWA. In 2016, UK aid has provided GBP 33 million to the Agency’s Programme Budget, and GBP 21 million to the Syria Regional Crisis Emergency Appeal.

UNICEF - The UNICEF No Lost Generation initiative is an ambitious commitment to support children and youth affected by the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Launched in 2013, it’s a concerted effort by humanitarians, donors, governments, civil society and others to secure the safety and futures of a whole generation of children and young people whose education and development hang in the balance following five years of war and violence. The aim is to strengthen investment in their resilience, capacities and potential. It is based on the understanding that investing in children and youth is the best investment in the future – for the region and beyond.

Education Partners

British Council - The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.

We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body.

Qatar Foundation International - Qatar Foundation International, LLC (QFI) is a not-for-profit organization, U.S.-based member of Qatar Foundation and is focused on grant-giving and programmatic activities that promote education as a force that facilitates collaboration across geographical, social and cultural boundaries.

Skype in the classroom - Teachers everywhere are using Skype to help their students meet new people, discover new cultures and connect to classes from around the world, all without leaving the classroom. Skype in the classroom is a free global community that invites teachers to collaborate on classroom projects where they might use Skype, and share skills and inspiration.

UNESCO Belgium The Associated Schools Project Network - The UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network is the largest network of schools in the world. Since 1953 it has connected schools across the world around a common goal: to build peace in the minds of children and teenagers.More than 10,000 schools in no less than 180 countries work together on quality education for better international cooperation and to strengthen tolerance and solidarity. The ASP network is led internationally from Paris.The ASPnet coordination group supports the Flemish network of associated schools for the Flemish Commission for UNESCO. Flanders has thirteen schools within the network.