This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/13/uk-un-palestinian-refugees-icai-dfid

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Aid watchdog urges 'profound changes' to UK support for Palestinian refugees Aid watchdog urges 'profound changes' to UK support for Palestinian refugees
(5 days later)
The effectiveness of British support for UN efforts to help Palestinian refugees could be at risk unless "profound changes" are made, according to a new report from the UK aid watchdog (pdf) that warns of the extreme demands placed on service delivery by rising refugee numbers and the Syria crisis.The effectiveness of British support for UN efforts to help Palestinian refugees could be at risk unless "profound changes" are made, according to a new report from the UK aid watchdog (pdf) that warns of the extreme demands placed on service delivery by rising refugee numbers and the Syria crisis.
The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (cai) said on Friday that support from the Department for International Development (DfID) through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) delivers a good standard of basic public services, particularly in health and education, but warned of a "widening gap" between demand and supply.The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (cai) said on Friday that support from the Department for International Development (DfID) through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) delivers a good standard of basic public services, particularly in health and education, but warned of a "widening gap" between demand and supply.
The commission gave the programme an overall green-amber rating, meaning it performs relatively well in terms of effectiveness and value for money. However, this rating is "at risk of falling to a far lower level", said Icai.The commission gave the programme an overall green-amber rating, meaning it performs relatively well in terms of effectiveness and value for money. However, this rating is "at risk of falling to a far lower level", said Icai.
In Gaza, the commission found that 1,800 UNRWA students are taught in shipping containers because there are no buildings available. Approximately 85% of schools in Gaza operate on a double-shift system whereby children attend classes at different times to address overcrowding. About 80,000 students are affected.In Gaza, the commission found that 1,800 UNRWA students are taught in shipping containers because there are no buildings available. Approximately 85% of schools in Gaza operate on a double-shift system whereby children attend classes at different times to address overcrowding. About 80,000 students are affected.
Inflation is eroding the value of UNRWA support for poor families, as the quarterly cash assistance rate has remained at $10 a person since 1978.Inflation is eroding the value of UNRWA support for poor families, as the quarterly cash assistance rate has remained at $10 a person since 1978.
Gaza has the seventh fastest-growing population in the world – this year's growth rate is 3.44% – and the crisis in Syria is placing further demands on the UNRWA, particularly with the influx of Palestinian refugees into Lebanon, said the report.Gaza has the seventh fastest-growing population in the world – this year's growth rate is 3.44% – and the crisis in Syria is placing further demands on the UNRWA, particularly with the influx of Palestinian refugees into Lebanon, said the report.
The commission warns that, because there is no comprehensive mechanism for the interests of refugees to be represented within the UNRWA, a "widespread perception of disempowerment" has been created together with an environment "conducive to misunderstanding, mistrust and miscommunication".The commission warns that, because there is no comprehensive mechanism for the interests of refugees to be represented within the UNRWA, a "widespread perception of disempowerment" has been created together with an environment "conducive to misunderstanding, mistrust and miscommunication".
The only way refugees can effectively exercise influence is by blocking change through unions or other groups, says the commission, while the UNRWA performs a "quasi-state function", providing public services to Palestinian refugees.The only way refugees can effectively exercise influence is by blocking change through unions or other groups, says the commission, while the UNRWA performs a "quasi-state function", providing public services to Palestinian refugees.
Forecasts suggest the UNRWA will run out of money in October, says the report, warning that the agency "is rapidly heading towards a fiscal crisis".Forecasts suggest the UNRWA will run out of money in October, says the report, warning that the agency "is rapidly heading towards a fiscal crisis".
Unlike other UN agencies, the UNRWA is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions, which makes the amount and timing of payments unpredictable. Very few donors – DfID is an exception – provide dependable, multi-year commitments, it says.Unlike other UN agencies, the UNRWA is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions, which makes the amount and timing of payments unpredictable. Very few donors – DfID is an exception – provide dependable, multi-year commitments, it says.
DfID should play a leading role in helping the UNRWA address these challenges, argued the commission.DfID should play a leading role in helping the UNRWA address these challenges, argued the commission.
"It is clear that the support provided by DfID to UNRWA has helped to deliver vital services to these vulnerable populations over many years. It is now important that DfID uses its influence to sustain this help at a key time for the region," said Icai commissioner Mark Foster."It is clear that the support provided by DfID to UNRWA has helped to deliver vital services to these vulnerable populations over many years. It is now important that DfID uses its influence to sustain this help at a key time for the region," said Icai commissioner Mark Foster.
The UK's international development minister, Alan Duncan, said: "The Icai report gives UNWRA very high marks, and so it should. DfID is a crucial supporter of UNWRA and works very well with them. They have been helping Palestinian refugees for over 60 years, and events in Syria are making their task more difficult as each day goes by. The report is absolutely right in saying that we need to keep trying to improve standards in health and education, address their continuing plight and help them to move out of poverty.The UK's international development minister, Alan Duncan, said: "The Icai report gives UNWRA very high marks, and so it should. DfID is a crucial supporter of UNWRA and works very well with them. They have been helping Palestinian refugees for over 60 years, and events in Syria are making their task more difficult as each day goes by. The report is absolutely right in saying that we need to keep trying to improve standards in health and education, address their continuing plight and help them to move out of poverty.
"Ultimately, however, what Palestinian refugees really need is a long term solution that will enable them to get on with their lives, and this will only come through political progress. Crucially, when ICAI says that UNWRA's effectiveness might fall, this is almost entirely because they face a shortfall in funding. We would urge all donors to help make good the financing gap.""Ultimately, however, what Palestinian refugees really need is a long term solution that will enable them to get on with their lives, and this will only come through political progress. Crucially, when ICAI says that UNWRA's effectiveness might fall, this is almost entirely because they face a shortfall in funding. We would urge all donors to help make good the financing gap."
The UNRWA is unusual among UN agencies: established in 1949 as a temporary body, its mandate has been extended every three years for the past six decades. In the meantime, the number of refugees continues to grow. The UNRWA now provides support to 5 million refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. DfID is the UNRWA's fourth-largest donor; it contributed £173m between 2008 and 2012.The UNRWA is unusual among UN agencies: established in 1949 as a temporary body, its mandate has been extended every three years for the past six decades. In the meantime, the number of refugees continues to grow. The UNRWA now provides support to 5 million refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. DfID is the UNRWA's fourth-largest donor; it contributed £173m between 2008 and 2012.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.