Secretary-General Calls for Support for United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency at Pledging Conference
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed a ministerial meeting in New York today, emphasizing the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He highlighted the agency’s essential services, which have supported generations of Palestinian refugees through education, healthcare, and emergency assistance. Guterres warned that UNRWA is currently facing unprecedented challenges, including budget shortfalls and increasing violence against its staff, particularly in Gaza. He urged member states to provide immediate political and financial support to ensure the agency can continue its vital work.
UNRWA’s Essential Services
UNRWA has been a lifeline for Palestinian refugees, providing crucial services that include education and healthcare. Before October 2023, the agency educated half a million children across the region. Currently, it offers emergency food and cash assistance to 2.6 million people, while its clinics manage over 10.5 million visits annually. Guterres noted that UNRWA’s impact extends beyond humanitarian aid; it plays a significant role in promoting stability in a region marked by conflict. The agency supports the Palestinian Authority’s governance in the West Bank and contributes to efforts for peace in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Its operations align with the New York Declaration endorsed by the General Assembly, underscoring its importance in the broader context of regional stability.
Challenges Facing UNRWA
Despite its vital contributions, UNRWA is currently under severe strain. Guterres reported that staff members have been killed, and agency facilities have been destroyed in Gaza. The organization is grappling with budget shortfalls and a barrage of misinformation that threatens its operations. Earlier this year, a strategic assessment revealed three critical conclusions: UNRWA’s contributions to development and peace are invaluable, the current operational constraints are unsustainable, and immediate action from member states is necessary. The Secretary-General emphasized that the conditions under which UNRWA operates are deteriorating daily, making it imperative for the international community to respond.
Call for Support
Guterres made a passionate appeal for solidarity and support for UNRWA. He urged member states to provide political backing and to counter the misinformation that jeopardizes the agency’s work. Additionally, he stressed the need for urgent, full, and predictable funding to enable UNRWA to fulfill its mandate. The agency was initially intended as a temporary humanitarian solution until a political resolution could be achieved. However, with the current realities on the ground being more challenging than ever, Guterres reiterated that UNRWA remains essential for steering towards a peaceful outcome while avoiding further deterioration of the situation.
Tribute to UNRWA Staff
In his remarks, Guterres paid tribute to the UNRWA staff in Gaza, expressing deep admiration for their resilience and dedication amid unimaginable hardships. He noted that over 370 staff members have lost their lives, enduring personal tragedies as they continue to serve their communities. Despite the relentless challenges, these individuals demonstrate remarkable courage and compassion, often working without basic necessities. Guterres emphasized that their heroism should not be forgotten and called on the international community to provide the necessary support to help build peace and stability for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region.
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