NNA - The Ambassador of Norway, Martin Yttervik, visited Dbayeh Camp today accompanied by the Chief Area Officer, Nuha Hammoud and Manal Kortam, program manager at the Embassy. This visit comes as part of Norway's efforts and commitment to support UNRWA in securing the basic needs of Palestine Refugees and help the stabilization efforts in the host countries hosting them.

 During the visit, the ambassador received a briefing on the situation of Palestine Refugees and UNRWA's work and activities in Lebanon. He toured the camp of Dbayeh and the UNRWA Health Centre, where he saw firsthand the health services offered to Palestine refugees.

The Ambassador also visited the 'Little Sisters of Nazareth' who have been operating basic health services and offering assistance to refugees in the camp for decades. He met with Father Fadi Akiki, the head of Mar Yousef monastery adjacent to the camp. Ambassador Yttervik then engaged with local community representatives in the camp and discussed with them their living conditions and concerns, particularly those related to the impact of the ongoing Lebanese socio-economic crisis and UNRWA's funding freeze.

 Mr. Yttervic said: "Norway continues its funding to UNRWA, it is more important than ever. While Norway shares the concern over the very serious allegations against some UNRWA staff, we must distinguish between what individuals may have done and what UNRWA stands for. Norway urges other donors to reflect on the wider consequences of cutting funding to UNRWA in this time of extreme humanitarian distress. We should not collectively punish millions of people."

 Norway is a major donor to UNRWA. While some countries have paused their aid to the Agency, Norway continues its funding for the life-saving and essential services provided by UNRWA to Palestine refugees. Norway announced on 7 February a new contribution of NOK 275 million (US$ 26 million) that will go towards UNRWA's efforts to provide assistance to Palestine Refugees in Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

 The Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon, Dorothee Klaus thanked the ambassador of Norway for the visit to Dbayeh and for Norway's decision to continue funding the Agency and its humanitarian assistance. "UNRWA not only provides humanitarian aid to Palestine Refugees but also contributes to stability in the region with its comprehensive and consistent services to most vulnerable populations including inside refugee camps where there is no other service provider available." she said.
 

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