UNDP - Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People

Poverty Reduction

This year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty comes at a particularly challenging time for the world’s poor. While we are yet to see the full impact of the global financial crisis on developing countries, it’s clear that together with high and volatile food and fuel prices, current global economic conditions threaten the gains that have been made to reduce poverty and advance development for large numbers of people. More

Statement by Kemal Dervis, Administrator of UNDP On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty- 17 October 2008

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 2008, 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 territories. 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.