Contribution to UNRWA 2026


UNRWA contributes to stability in the Middle East.  It provides access to basic services (health, education), relief and social protection, as well as humanitarian assistance for 5.9 million Palestine refugees in the region. Switzerland’s contribution for 2026 is earmarked for the organisation’s programmes in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.  

Pays/région Thème Période Budget
Jordanie
Liban
Syrie
Education
Santé
Aide d'urgence et protection
Enseignement primaire
Système de santé primaire
Assistance matérielle
01.01.2026 - 31.12.2026
CHF  10’000’000
Domaine de compétences UNRWA was established in 1949 with a temporary mandate by UN General Assembly to respond to the needs of Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), until a durable and just solution is found to their plight. 
Priorités stratégiques de la Suisse et de l'organisation et leur cohérence UNRWA is a priority multilateral organisation according to the Strategy on International Cooperation 2025-2028 (IC Strategy).  
Résultats de l'engagement déployé à ce jour par l'organisation

Programme Budget 2025 in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria 

• More than 3.6 Mio patient visits to UNRWA clinics. The  health  reform  and  increased use of e-health potential has improved quality of care, efficiency and cost effectiveness. 

• Over 193,000 students attended more than 320 schools. The education reform  has improved learning and drop-out rates. 

• 605’000 refugees receiving emergency food and cash assistance. 

• 276’000 refugees were supported by a social safety net (food and cash/e-vouchers).  

• Protection assistance was extended across all fields of UNRWA operation with  a notable emphasis on advocacy and the mainstreaming of protection standards within service delivery. 

• Management reforms were implemented to further increase transparency and  accountability, notably strengthening of the Division of Internal Oversight Services. 

Implementation of Colonna recommendations 

• 29 out of 50 recommendations implemented by December 2025, which shows that UNRWA has taken concrete steps to strengthen its neutrality. 

• The AdCom Working Group on Neutrality and Integrity was established and is operational. 

Résultats de l'engagement déployé à ce jour par la Suisse

• Switzerland actively participated in the two meetings of the AdCom Working Group on Neutrality and Integrity and monitored closely the implementation  progress of the Colonna recommendations with a focus on the institutionalisation and sustainability of the recommendations after their completion. 

• Switzerland’s flexible financial support contributed to the on-going implementation of  the Colonna recommendations. 

Effets directs de l'engagement actuel de l'organisation

• Palestine refugees are protected through the realization of their rights under  international law, lead healthy lives, complete inclusive and equitable quality basic education. (Objective 1, 2, 3 Strategic Plan) 

• Palestine refugees – particularly youth, women, the poor and other vulnerable  groups – have improved livelihood opportunities. (Objective 4 Strategic Plan) 

• UNRWA’s mandate is implemented effectively and responsibly. (Objective 7 Strategic Plan) 

• The implementation of the Colonna  recommendations further improves the agency’s neutrality. 

Effets directs de l'engagement actuel de la Suisse • Switzerland ensures continued dialogue and monitoring of the implementation of the 50 Colonna recommendations.   
Direction/office fédéral responsable DDC
Partenaire de projet Partenaire contractuel
Organisme des Nations Unies (ONU)
  • Office de secours et de travaux des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés de Palestine dans le Proche-Orient


Budget Phase en cours Budget de la Suisse CHF    10’000’000 Budget suisse déjà attribué CHF    10’000’000 Projet total depuis la première phase Budget de la Suisse CHF   416’691’141 Budget y compris partenaires de projet CHF   436’776’000
Donateur d'ordre

12th donor overall in 2025 

Donateurs

30 Members and 4 Observers of the Advisory Commission, incl host countries. The top five donors in 2025 were EU, Germany, UK, Spain and Norway. 

Coordination avec autres projets et acteurs

Switzerland seeks coordination with other donors to UNRWA, e.g. in the AdCom Working Group on Neutrality and Integrity. As an active member of  the AdCom  and SubCom, Switzerland exerts influence, in particular on the implementation of the recommendations of the Colonna report. 

Phases du projet Phase 50 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2026   (Phase en cours) Phase 49 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2025   (Completed) Phase 48 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2024   (Completed) Phase 46 01.01.2017 - 31.12.2020   (Completed) Phase 45 01.01.2016 - 31.01.2017   (Completed) Phase 44 01.01.2014 - 31.12.2015   (Completed)