The United Nations Fourth Committee has acclaimed Member States who have increased efforts to boost funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and help it maintain its vital services for Palestine refugees.

Iraqi national Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, Chair of the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), said UNRWA has been mandated by the UN General Assembly to help out more than 5.4 million Palestine refugees scattered across several countries.

In statements posted on the UN’s official website, Aluloom was quoted as stating that the refugee agency embarked on exceptional internal efforts to manage costs in the face of an extraordinary financial crisis over the past couple of years.

The Iraqi envoy showed his appreciation to the broad range of Member States that have stepped up their contributions to preserve UNRWA’s vital services.

However, he warned that the financial situation is still precarious, saying that the Agency continues to provide core services and humanitarian and development programs amid the conflict in Syria, repeated surges in violence and the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip.