Winter appeal

Oxford Ramallah Friendship Association is launching an urgent special winter appeal to support families in Am’ari refugee camp under conditions of Covid.  We are working with the Women’s Centre, a key democratic and non-aligned institution in Am’ari camp.   We have worked with the centre since 2005.  
Refugees are living between the pandemic and the occupation.  We have news from the Women’s Centre that there are cases of Covid in the camp, and it is difficult to self- isolate due to overcrowded homes with several generations living together.  The economic effects of Covid have added to the already extremely high levels of unemployment.  According to the UNRWA website, “Residents in Am’ari report that unemployment in the camp is rising.  This rate has increased substantially in recent years, in part due to the decrease in Israeli work permits.”  

Now Covid 19 has further exacerbated this situation.  Many workers were daily paid and there simply is little work.  The pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on this disadvantaged community and there are many young children in the camp living with inadequate resources.  

There is a lack of emergency funding to support this community and the need for humanitarian aid has increased.   Winter is approaching and conditions are tough.   Please help us by contributing to our appeal for the items below.  

Money raised will be used by the Women’s Centre to buy and distribute the following much-needed items: 

1.     Warm winter clothes for children and women2.     Heaters for families for the winter3.     Winter blankets4.     An outing for the women to improve their mental health and leave the overcrowded circumstances of the camp

Quick Facts quoted from UNRWA website 28.10.20

·       An estimated 6,100 refugees live in the camp.·       One UNRWA health centre provides primary health services ·       The growing population remains a challenge for service provision.