UN General Assembly Extends UNRWA Mandate, Commissioner Highlights Funding

UNRWA service at the Palestinian refugee shelter. (Twitter/@UNRWA)

The Commissioner General of the United Nations Agency for Assistance and Work (UNRWA) highlighted the importance of funding, as the United Nations extended the agency's mandate.

The Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution on aid for Palestinian refugees and an update to UNRWA mandates with 149 countries voting in favor, 10 countries rejecting, and 13 countries abstaining.

Among countries that refuse are the United States, Israel, Hungary, and Argentina. Meanwhile, between abstain countries are Germany, Italy and Latvia.

In that resolution, the General Assembly expressed regret over the continued inability to repatriate refugees to their homes or compensate them, recording their situation is still very concerning, quoted from WAFA November 20.

The General Assembly stressed the importance of providing assistance to meet the basic needs of their health, education, and livelihoods.

The resolution also reaffirmed the importance of UNRWA operations and called for its work to continue without a hitch until a fair solution to the Palestinian refugee problem was achieved. The agency's mandate was updated until June 30, 2029.

Prior to the vote, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the importance of renewing the agency's mandate to protect and assist Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution is reached.

Speaking at a meeting of the UNRWA Advisory Committee in Amman, Jordan, Lazzarini stressed that adequate funding for the agency's public services is essential to protecting the rights, lives and future of millions of refugees.

Lazzarini also expressed hope that the 2803 UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza which was recently passed would contribute to lasting peace and respect for human rights.

He noted the situation in Gaza was still unstable after two years of persistent Israeli bombings, repeated evacuations, and a strong blockade.

The Commissioner General also denied UNRWA's claim to have stopped its operations in Gaza, stating: "This is far from true. The agency continues to operate and remains the largest provider of public health and education services."

Lazzarini also discussed the West Bank, noting that more than 32,000 people had forcibly fled from northern refugee camps due to the Israeli military action marking the largest Palestinian refugee camps since 1967.

He warned that colonial violence had reached an unprecedented level, recording more than 500 incidents in October alone.

Lazzarini also highlighted the vital services UNRWA provides to Palestinian refugees outside the occupied territories, including in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, as well as emphasizing the need for ongoing international support to maintain these operations.