Palestinian Refugees and UNRWA. Briefing Paper by Oxfam GB

Oxfam GB has been working with Palestinian refugees for fifty years, supporting initiatives in
health, education and livelihoods. It currently supports projects which involve refugees in
Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories, in the fields of vocational training, early childhood
development, and gender.

Within the framework of its programme and advocacy interests in the Middle East, Oxfam GB
is increasingly concerned with the deteriorating position of Palestinian refugees. The shortfall
in UNRWA’s General Fund budget in recent years, coupled with the depletion of its reserves, is
already putting a huge strain on the social service infrastructure. Furthermore, there are
growing indications of an actual decline in the health and education status of refugees.