Pakistan Enhances UNRWA Contribution Amid Funding Crisis
Pakistan has pledged to increase its financial contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) this year, responding to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's appeal to cover a $100 million funding gap. Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the announcement at an UNRWA Pledging Conference, emphasizing that the agency's mandate must be preserved, strengthened, and adequately resourced.
Israeli Legislation Condemned as Illegal
Ambassador Jadoon described Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA as illegal and demanded its rescission. He condemned raids and seizures of UNRWA premises and rejected any measures designed to erode the agency's mandate or operational integrity. UNRWA provides aid, schooling, healthcare, social services, and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
UNRWA Nearing Breaking Point
Secretary-General Guterres warned that UNRWA is approaching a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures, with a liquidity crisis jeopardizing its ability to meet its mandate, renewed by the General Assembly six months ago with overwhelming support. He noted that the agency has implemented reforms and updated its policy on outside and political activities following revelations of staff ties to Hamas. Guterres called UNRWA a stabilizing force in an age of instability and rejected efforts to undermine the agency through disinformation, smear campaigns, legislative actions, and operational restrictions.
Funding Shortfall and Staff Casualties
Ambassador Jadoon highlighted UNRWA's severe financial crisis, with an estimated budget shortfall of approximately $220 million threatening essential services. He stressed that predictable, sustainable, and increased funding is an obligation. The envoy also demanded accountability for 392 UNRWA personnel killed since the conflict began, noting that 390 staff had been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Pakistan's Call for Two-State Solution
Ambassador Jadoon asserted that UNRWA cannot be decoupled from the core final-status issue of Palestine refugees. He stated, "The answer is not to dismantle the Agency, but to end the Israeli occupation, enable refugee return in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and realize the two-State solution on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of an independent, sovereign Palestine." Pakistan will positively enhance its contribution and urges all member states to match or surpass their existing commitments.
