U.S. Sends $310 Million to U.N. Refugee Agency

U.S. Sends $310 Million to U.N. Refugee Agency in 2003

Annual total includes $13 million contribution September 30

The United States will contribute another $13 million to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), pushing its total donation for 2003 over $310 million. The State Department announced the latest donation September 30.

The money will be used for assistance to and protection of refugees in Iraq and Chad and for other worldwide activities of the UNHCR, an agency that works to improve the lives of more than 20 million refugees worldwide.

The following is the text of the State Department announcement:

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
September 30, 2003

Media Note

U.S. Contributes $13 million to UN High Commissioner for Refugees

The United States is pleased to announce an additional contribution of $13 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This final contribution in fiscal year 2003 brings the United States' contribution to the organization to over $310 million.

Of this $13 million, $10 million will support the refugee agency's assistance and protection activities for Iraqi refugees and others in need of protection in Iraq. The remainder of the funding will respond to the urgent requirements of some 65,000 new Sudanese refugees in Chad, support the development of UNHCR's new registration system, and support activities on behalf of refugee women and refugee children in UNHCR operations worldwide, including primary education assistance in Azerbaijan.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provides protection and assistance and seeks durable solutions for over 20 million refugees and other persons of concern. The United States is a strong supporter of the agency and is its largest donor.

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