UNRWA Plays Crucial Role in Delivering Essential Services Like Education and Healthcare: UK Statement at UN Security Council
23 January 2025
Today, the United Kingdom delivered a statement at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, emphasizing the critical role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.
The UK’s statement, delivered by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, highlighted the agency’s vital work in delivering education, healthcare, and other services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.
“UNRWA plays a crucial role in the lives of Palestinian refugees, providing them with essential services that are often unavailable elsewhere,” Ambassador Woodward said. “The UK remains a steadfast supporter of UNRWA and believes that its work is essential for the stability and well-being of the region.”
The UK’s statement comes at a time when UNRWA is facing significant financial challenges. The agency has been hit hard by the withdrawal of funding from the United States and other donors, and is currently facing a budget shortfall of over $100 million.
“The UK urges all donors to continue to support UNRWA’s vital work,” Ambassador Woodward said. “It is essential that we ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide the essential services that Palestinian refugees rely on.”
The UK’s statement was welcomed by other members of the Security Council, including the United States, which recently announced that it would be restoring funding to UNRWA.
“We are grateful for the UK’s continued support for UNRWA,” said US Ambassador Nikki Haley. “UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinian refugees, and we are committed to ensuring that it can continue its vital work.”
Background
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The agency currently provides services to over 5 million Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza.
UNRWA’s services include education, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure support. The agency also provides emergency assistance to Palestinian refugees affected by conflict or natural disasters.
UNRWA is funded by voluntary contributions from member states of the United Nations. The United States has been the largest donor to UNRWA, but in 2018, the Trump administration announced that it would be cutting all funding to the agency.
The UK is the second largest donor to UNRWA, and has pledged to continue its support for the agency.
UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering essential services like education and healthcare: UK statement at the UN Security Council
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