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UNRWA is relief and human development agency of UN which supports more than 5 million registered Palestinian refugees, and their descendants.
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It is only UN agency dedicated to helping refugees from specific region or conflict and is separate from UNHCR.
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Establishment: It was established December 1949 following 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV).
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Mandate:
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UNRWA has contributed to the welfare and human development of four generations of Palestine refugees , who had fled or were expelled from their homes during 1948 Palestine war as well during and following 1967 Six Day war.
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Originally, it was intended to provide jobs on public works projects and direct relief, but now it provides services like education, health care, and social services to population it supports.
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It also allows refugee status to be inherited by descendants.
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Region of operation:
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It provides aid in five areas of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem; and aid for Palestinian refugees outside these five areas is provided by UNHCR.
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It serves about 5.3 million refugees scattered around Middle East.
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Funding:
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It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states.
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It also receives some funding from regular budget of UN, which is used mostly for international staffing costs.
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Why in news? India has raised its annual contributions from $1.25 million per year to $5 million for the next three years
