Austrian Development Cooperation
Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) supports countries in Africa, Asia and Central America as well as in South Eastern and Eastern Europe in their sustainable social, economic and democratic development. The Foreign Ministry (FMEIA) plans ADC strategies and programmes. The Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of ADC, implements these together with public institutions, non-governmental organisations and enterprises.other public actors >>Palestinian Territories
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The basic concern of Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) in the Palestinian Territories is to advance the Middle East peace process. As part of the international community, Austria subscribes to the goal of a two-state solution. In line with the Road Map and the EU Action Strategy, ADC supports the Palestinian Authority (PA) in building efficient, democratically elected and controlled institutions for a future cohesive, sovereign, democratic state.
Developing personnel capacity
ADC largely works in the Palestinian Territories with the Palestinian Authority (PA), international organisations and Palestinian non-governmental organisations. Above all, it promotes projects in health care and water supply, which are particularly important for the Palestinian population as well as emergency aid and refugee care. Special attention is paid to strengthening institutions while developing personnel capacity in the occupied territories.
Humanitarian situation
The humanitarian conditions in the occupied territories are harsh. According to the United Nations Country Team, the civilian population lacks security. Acts of violence are on the increase. As a result of the take-over of the Hamas in June 2007, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip deteriorated drastically with Israel imposing tight restrictions on border crossings and curbing imports of food, medicine and fuel. Austrian Development Cooperation promotes humanitarian programmes to meet the basic needs of the population, paying special consideration to families and youth.
An example of Austrian engagement
When for lack of funds the Palestinian Ministry of Education had to cancel all summer camps for children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, non-governmental organisations organised holiday camps for them. After an urgent appeal by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Austrian Development Cooperation contributed about EUR 1 million to an extensive summer programme in 2008. This financed holiday care for 240,000 pupils and provided young people with income and work experience.