Host nations for Palestinian refugees have sounded the alarm over the future of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), issuing a strong rejection of any attempts to diminish its services or undermine its role.
UNRWA funding crisis
During a coordination meeting held in Amman, Jordan, participants emphasized the severe humanitarian and social repercussions that would affect refugees across UNRWA's areas of operation should its services be curtailed. The meeting was organized by the Jordanian Department of Palestinian Affairs and brought together representatives from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, the Arab League, and the Commissioner-General of UNRWA.
The Jordanian delegation, led by Director-General Rafik Khurfan, highlighted that the meeting was convened following a recommendation from the 69th conference of supervisors on Palestinian affairs in Arab host countries, held in Cairo in 2003. That conference stressed the importance of ongoing coordination among host nations.
Khurfan explained that the current gathering aims to coordinate Arab stances and develop shared visions on issues on the UNRWA advisory commission's agenda, chief among them the agency's unprecedented financial crisis and its impact on refugee services and programs.
Attendees unanimously stressed the critical need to mobilize both political and financial support for UNRWA to ensure the continuity of its vital services in education, health, relief, and social welfare. They firmly rejected any reduction in services, citing the grave humanitarian and social consequences.
Furthermore, the participants underscored the necessity of renewing UNRWA's mandate by the UN General Assembly without modification or reduction. This, they stated, affirms the international community's commitment to the Palestinian refugee cause and their right of return, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.
The participating nations asserted that UNRWA remains an international testament to the Palestinian refugee issue until a just and comprehensive solution is achieved, aligned with international law. The meeting took place just before the UNRWA advisory commission's session, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Amman.
Related topics: UNRWA, Palestinian refugees, funding crisis, host nations, Middle East, humanitarian aid
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