Palestinian refugees in Syria_Media release 25 May 2013
Foreign Minister Bob Carr today announced $4.6 million to help Palestinian refugees, including those affected by the conflict in Syria.
Senator Carr announced Australian support during a meeting with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency's Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi in Lebanon today (overnight May 24-25 AEST).
"Australia recognises UNRWA's extraordinary efforts in delivering vital health and relief services to tens of thousands of Palestinian refugee families in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan," Senator Carr said.
"Australians are gravely concerned about the ongoing conflict in Syria, now the largest humanitarian crisis in the world."
An estimated 235,000 Palestinian refugees have been displaced within Syria, with 53,000 seeking refuge in Lebanon and an additional 6,000 sheltering in Jordan.
Australia will provide $2 million to support the health needs of Palestinian refugees from Syria who have been displaced and are now sheltering in Lebanon.
The remaining $2.6 million will support education, health and relief services for Palestinians across the region and is in addition to Australia's five-year, $90 million partnership with UNRWA.