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UNRWA chief sheds light on plight of Palestinian refugees in Syria

UN Relief and Works Agency Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl
UN Relief and Works Agency Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl
KUWAIT, March 30 (KUNA) -- UN Relief and Works Agency Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl called for utilising Kuwait III as a podium for discussions on refugees in the region as a whole, like Palestinians, not only Syrians.
Speaking to KUNA and KTV prior to arriving in Kuwait ahead of a third round of aid-pledging talks for Syrians displaced internally and in neighbouring countries, he expressed gratitude for His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's commitment to the matter.
Kuwait is a strong advocate and donor for the agency tasked with the affairs of Palestinian refugees in the region, he said, those in Syria in particular.
Amid his role he will be shedding light on the "tragic situation" of around 570,000 Palestinian refugees rendered displaced who were already being hosted by refugee camps within Syria.
UNRWA is currently providing urgent food and financial assistance to around 480,000 Palestinian refugees.
On the agency's role amid the current circumstances and challenges, he said these are focused on reaching those in need.
For instance, he mentioned his visit to Al-Yarmouk refugee camp for Palestinians in Damascus where he witnessed the tragic situation of refugees there as they try to stay alive.
Anther of UNRWA's difficulties is funding, as the body was only able to fulfill 53 percent of the needs of the refugees in 2014 after receiving only 24 percent of its requirements. (end) kt.sd