The funding serves several Swiss priorities, the government said in a statementExternal link: as well as a sign of commitment to “human development, humanitarian action and regional stability”, it also allows the country to “continue to exert a positive influence on UNRWA’s policy and working methods”.
Despite previously voicing concerns about the role of UNRWA in the Middle East (see below), the government said on Friday that the agency plays “a key role as a stabilising factor in the region”. The situation for Palestinian refugees, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, has been exacerbated by conflicts over the past decade, the government said.
It highlighted the 710 UNRWA-run schools in the region, serving some 540,000 children – this creates opportunities and helps to “reduce the risk of radicalisation”.
UNRWA also runs 143 primary healthcare centres in the region, providing 3.1 million Palestinian refugees with access to high-quality health services each year, the government wrote.
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It helps to be Swiss, says new boss of Palestinian refugee agency
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We talk to Philippe Lazzarini, new Swiss boss of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, about coronavirus and his plans to restore trust.
UNRWA has been hit by various funding and credibility crises over the past years, which reached a highpoint in November 2020, when the body was on the verge of financial collapse and unable to pay salaries.
Current boss of the agency Philippe Lazzarini, who is also Swiss, said last year that UNRWA had overcome its crises and that he had held promising talks with Cassis regarding shared priorities.
At the end of November 2022, however, during a funding appeal, Lazzarini said that the global economic crisis had again pushed the agency into a “danger zone” that could result in it no longer being able to fulfil its mandate.
Gotthard traffic queue hits 20km during holiday weekend
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The traffic jam at the Gotthard north portal reached a length of 20 kilometres on the motorway between canton Nidwalden and canton Uri.
Swiss Interior Minister visits Cannes Film Festival
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Swiss Interior Minister left the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday after three days of intensive dialogue, meetings and film screenings.
Swiss theatre director breaks with tradition at Vienna’s Rathausplatz
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With the proclamation of the "Free Republic of Vienna", the start of the festival on Friday evening was unusually political.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
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Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
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On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
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Former UNRWA boss hopeful for formal UN exoneration
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Pierre Krähenbühl, ex-head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, talks about why he soon expects closure on the 2019 misconduct scandal.
UNRWA boss warns of financial crisis impacting services
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The financial crisis at the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) could force it to halt certain services, Philippe Lazzarini has warned.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.