Palestinians receive their monthly food aid from a UN distribution centre in the Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, last year. (photo credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
Last week, the majority of member states of the United Nations voted to extend the mandate for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) until 30 June 2026.
Established in 1949 to provide essential services to Palestine refugees, UNRWA is the only UN agency that is a direct service provider including running a full fledge school and primary health systems.
“For more than 70 years, the international community has stood together to support UNRWA because of the critical work we do to protect vulnerable lives and our contribution to regional stability. Once again, member states have reaffirmed our irreplaceable role as Palestine refugees face unprecedented hardships and challenges,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.
“Member states need to translate their political support into resources to allow the Agency to fulfil its mandate. Supporting UNRWA is a vote of confidence in the future of millions of refugees who deserve to live a life of dignity in peace”, he added.
Despite consistent, broad-based global support for its lifesaving mission across decades, the Agency is confronting a severe funding deficit.
Next month, UNRWA will launch the Agency’s annual financial appeal. Commissioner-General Lazzarini has warned in recent weeks that without renewed efforts to close the funding gap, UNRWA may not have sufficient funds to fulfill its mandate.