The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) participated in the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Manama, Bahrain.

The delegation, headed by Senior Manager for Outreach Europe Marc Lassouaoui, called on parliamentarians from countries around the globe to support Palestine refugees in the face of multiple crises in the Middle East.

The 146th Assembly of the IPU gathered 137 member Parliaments and a number of associate members and observers globally. The Assembly provided a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views about key issues in the global agenda and build bridges at parliamentary level.

During his address to the IPU General Assembly, Lassouaoui said: “UNRWA’s financial crisis puts at serious risks the Agency’s essential services, including education, primary health care and social services for one of the most vulnerable refugee communities in the world.”

The General Debate focused on the overall theme of ‘Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance.’

UNRWA highlighted the important role of its human rights, conflict resolution, and tolerance programme in the education of more than half a million Palestine refugee girls and boys in the Middle East.

UNRWA said the programme empowers students to enjoy and exercise their rights, uphold human rights values, and contribute positively to their society and the global community.