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, until a durable and just solution is found to their plight.

UNRWA is a priority multilateral organization according to the Strategy on International Cooperation 20212024 (IC Strategy) as well as in the MENA-Strategy 2021-2024. Its mandate is in line with objectives A, C and D of the IC Strategy as well as the priority areas of the Cooperation Programme for the Near East 2021-2024.

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

-    Palestine refugees have increased livelihood opportunities. (Objective 4 Strategic Plan);

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

-    Switzerland engages with UNRWA to strengthen its quality of services, through integrated Protection across its programming as well as delivering innovative and cutting edge vocational training for better job opportunities for Palestine youth;

-    Switzerland continues to engage with UNRWA to ensure management reforms (i.e. improved oversight and accountability and recruitment processes, internal communication for improved transparency) remain prioritised and well implemented.

Results from previous phases:  

-    Medical services provided to 3.1 Mio refugees per year. The health reform and increased use of e-health potential has improved quality of care, efficiency and cost effectiveness;

-    540,000 students attended 710 schools. The education reform has improved learning and drop-out rates;

-    390’000 refugees were supported by a social safety net (food and cash/e vouchers). Emergency assistance has reached 1.3 million conflictaffected refugees;

-    Protection assistance 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 increase transparency and accountability, notably the creation of an Ombudsman function and strengthening of the Division of Internal Oversight Services;

-    Switzerland identified and supported key management initiatives, such as strengthening of internal oversight, setting up of the Ombudsman function and enhanced transparency of procurement processes;

-    Switzerland’s financial (complemented by support through human resources) contributed to enabling internal reforms in programmes (for example strengthening of the Protection division) and supporting catalytic initiatives in Vocational Training.