Safadi calls for continued international support for UNRWA

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday urged the international community to maintain necessary financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

In his opening statement to the Advisory Commission Meeting, which featured the attendance of its 29 members and four observers, Safadi emphasised the centrality of the agency's role in providing essential services for Palestinian refugees, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

UNRWA is indispensable, as the agency must continue to provide vital services to refugees in accordance with the UN mandate, Safadi said.

He also emphasised the necessity to translate the political support for the agency into sustainable financial support that could bridge the agency's budget deficit and help it continue to serve Palestinian refugees. 

Supporting UNRWA promotes refugees’ right to decent standards of living and enhances security and stability, he noted. 

The General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, last week, voted in favour of the renewal of the agency’s mandate.

Safadi urged the international community to diversify funding sources and called on donors to make multiyear commitments.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Safadi met with UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini to discuss the challenges facing the agency.

Safadi stressed the need for continuing UNRWA operations until the issue Palestinian refugees is resolved in accordance with the relevant international references and resolutions, including Resolution 194, to ensure the right to return and compensation, and in accordance with the two-state solution, the sole way to a fair and comprehensive peace.

Lazzarini expressed appreciation for Jordan’s efforts to mobilise global support for UNRWA and make efforts to ensure the agency receives adequate funding.

The Advisory Commission Meeting is held twice per year to discuss issues of importance to UNRWA and provide advice and assistance to the Commissioner General of UNRWA.