In support of continued efforts to improve the lives of women and children with disabilities in the occupied West Bank, Spain has contributed nearly €1 million to support UNRWA’s protection, rehabilitation and healthcare services, reported the UN Refugee Agency for Palestine refugees.

This funding will expand access to essential services, reaching women and children with disabilities living in areas affected by violence, displacement and movement restrictions; it will reinforce community-based protection systems, and support vulnerable individuals.

With Spain’s support, UNRWA said it will deliver tailored assistance to enable them to access timely and appropriate protection support, including cash assistance, essential medical and rehabilitation services and assistive devices.

“During the current crisis in the occupied West Bank, women and children with disabilities face increasingly restricted access to health and rehabilitation services, placing them at higher risk, including of gender-based violence,” said Roland Friedrich, UNRWA’s Director of UNRWA Affairs in the occupied West Bank.

“Spain’s generous contribution will allow UNRWA to reach the individuals most at risk with specialised services, helping women and children access care in dignity when they need it most”, he added.

Spain’s Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy reiterated Spain’s committment ‘’to supporting women and children with disabilities through concrete assistance that improves access to protection, rehabilitation and essential services.”

“This contribution reflects our continued partnership with UNRWA and commitment to supporting Palestine Refugee women and children with disabilities”, he added.

Spain has been a longstanding partner of UNRWA in serving Palestine Refugees. Spain’s support is crucial to help vulnerable populations continue to access life-saving protection services, essential rehabilitation, and inclusive community-based assistance during a period of significant humanitarian need across the occupied West Bank.

This week Sarah Hendriks, UN women director of the policy, programme and intergovernmental support division, described  the plight of women and girls in the Gaza Strip as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, urging the international community to match their resilience with urgent support.