UNDP - Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People

Poverty Reduction

As we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, millions of people across Asia and the Pacific are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after being hit by a relentless barrage of tropical storms, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Sadly many people died in these disasters.More

Statement by Helen Clark, Administrator of UNDP On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Whether as a result of insufficient income, or lack of access to essential services, increasing numbers of Palestinians are living below the poverty line of less than US$2 a day. With current figures standing at approximately 70% of the population, continues to work to alleviate this alarming trend.

UNDP/PAPP's assistance to the Palestinian people in all the sectors is aimed at contributing to the reduction of poverty. UNDP/PAPP has worked extensively to alleviate poverty in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) through innovative solutions that ensure enhanced access to productive assets and economic opportunities and mainstreaming poverty related issues.

UNDP/PAPP's Response
In 2010, UNDP/PAPP supported several bold initiatives in the field of economic development and poverty reduction. Under the rubric of MDG achievement, UNDP/PAPP prioritizes assistance to the most vulnerable communities and families in the occupied Palestinian territory. UNDP’s work on the strategies and policies for poverty reduction is anchored in three basic principles – the multidimensionality of poverty, the centrality of gender equality and the critical importance of an integrated approach. Poor people should not only benefit equitably from economic growth, they should have the opportunity to actively contribute to its generation.

Ultimately, and as stated in our Mid-Term Strategic Framework, UNDP/PAPP’s poverty reduction strategy promotes sustainable livelihoods, economic recovery, and self-reliance. Consequently, our efforts mainly serve the following four areas: i) promotion of private sector productivity, employment schemes, and micro-entrepreneurship, ii) social safety nets for the most vulnerable families, iii) integrated agricultural management, and iv) basic infrastructure for improved service delivery. We are also contributing to poverty monitoring and collection of basic data through poverty scorecards. In doing so, UNDP works concretely with both communities and other non-State Actors such as the private sector and NGOs as well as different key line-Ministries.

Deprived Families Economic Empowerment Programme (US$34 million): This poverty reduction programme is expected to help 12,000 families in the oPt through access to promotional social safety net activities’ packages and financial services. In addition, the programme will enhance the capacity and effectiveness of a number of microfinance institutions throughout the West Bank and Gaza to provide credit facilities for small scale entrepreneurs.

Employment Generation Programme (EGP): Through this programme, over €71 million have been allocated by the German Government, through its development bank, KfW, for the implementation of 456 small-scale infrastructure projects in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Projects include construction of roads, water networks, stadiums, community service building, woman and youth centers, clinics, etc. In addition, over 700,000 short-term workdays have been generated as well as numerous permanent job opportunities.