UN Chief Voices Deep Concern over Alarming Financial Situation of Palestine Refugee Agency

UN Chief Voices Deep Concern over Alarming Financial Situation of Palestine Refugee Agency

UNRWA is a UN agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.7 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA. (File photo)

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has sounded alarm bells over the funding deficit which the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been struggling with.

In a message commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, UN Secretary-General voiced concerns over the financial situation facing UNRWA, which provides direct and often life-saving assistance to millions of Palestine refugees.

“I appeal to all Member States to urgently contribute to enable UNRWA to meet the critical humanitarian and development needs of Palestine refugees during the pandemic,” urged Guterres.

In the message, Guterres also said: “Let us together resolve to renew our commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, dignity, justice and security.”

UNRWA is experiencing a critical funding shortfall threatening the sustainbality of its vital services across its five fields of operations.

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.7 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA across its five fields of operation. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

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