The Middle East conflict has been the focus of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, since the organisation was founded in 1949. UNRWA provides basic services to Palestinians in the areas of education, health and social welfare. The aid organisation also supports programmes focussed on microfinance, welfare and social facilities as well as emergency aid programmes in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Criticism of UNRWA, internal problems, the consequences of the pandemic and the commitment of donor countries in other crisis regions of the world have worsened the organisation's funding situation in recent years. With its contribution, Liechtenstein is helping to ensure the continued existence of the UN relief organisation and its humanitarian work in the Palestinian territories.