The International Commission (Hashd) Issues a Research Paper Titled “The Financial Crisis of the UNRWA Challenges and Risks”
Date: December 19, 2024
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The International Commission (Hashd) Issues a Research Paper Titled “The Financial Crisis of the UNRWA: Challenges and Risks”
The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (Hashd) has issued a new research paper titled “The Financial Crisis of the UNRWA: Challenges and Risks”, authored by Dr. Salah Abdel Ati, Chairperson of the International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (Hashd). The paper focuses on the financial crisis threatening the continuity of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which significantly impacts the services provided to Palestinian refugees.
Key Points in the Paper:
- The Establishment of the UNRWA: The UNRWA was founded in 1949 to provide relief, education, and healthcare to Palestinian refugees across five regions (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip). Since its establishment, the agency has provided vital services to approximately 5.7 million Palestinian refugees.
- The Funding Crisis and the Reduction of Services: The UNRWA faces a financial shortfall of $200 million in 2023, leading to the reduction of essential services, including:
- Fewer schools, impacting 500,000 Palestinian students.
- Reduced healthcare services, affecting around 1.5 million Palestinian refugees in the camps.
- The Funding Crisis of the Agency: The UNRWA faces significant financial challenges due to the reduction of financial support from some donor countries, such as the United States. This puts the continuity of the agency in providing its essential services to Palestinian refugees at risk.
Proposed Solutions:
The paper offers solutions to overcome this crisis, including:
- Increasing financial support from traditional donor countries.
- Diversifying funding sources through international partnerships with other institutions.
Conclusion:
The International Commission (Hashd) urges the international community to provide urgent financial support to the UNRWA to ensure the continued provision of essential services to Palestinian refugees in various regions.
