UNRWA

UNRWA Fields of Operations Map 2017

Total number of Palestinian refugees as defined by UNRWA (1950 - 2008)

2022 UNRWA funding

Secretary Blinken Meets With UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini - 53308739161

Suspended funding

ISM Photos - UNWRA building shelled by Israeli army

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a United Nations agency established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 1949, and began operations on May 1, 1950. Its mandate is to provide assistance and protection for some 5.7 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. UNRWA is unique in terms of its long-standing commitment to one group of refugees and is designed to support Palestinian refugees until a durable and just solution is found to their plight.

History

UNRWA was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli Conflict, which led to the first wave of Palestinian displacement. Originally intended to provide temporary relief, the agency has become a nearly permanent fixture due to the ongoing nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Over the decades, UNRWA's mandate has been repeatedly renewed, with its operations adapting to the changing needs of Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, social services, and emergency relief.

Mandate and Operations

UNRWA's mandate, as defined by the UN General Assembly, includes the provision of education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance to Palestinian refugees. The agency operates one of the largest school systems in the Middle East, with hundreds of schools and vocational training centres. It also runs hospitals and primary health care centres. In times of armed conflict, UNRWA provides emergency relief, including shelter, medical care, and food aid.

Funding

UNRWA's operations are funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The United States and the European Union have historically been among its largest donors. However, funding challenges have been a recurrent issue, with the agency frequently facing significant budget shortfalls that impact its ability to deliver services.

Controversies and Challenges

UNRWA has faced criticism and controversy, including allegations of perpetuating the refugee status of Palestinians, mismanagement, and bias against Israel. Critics argue that UNRWA's existence hinders the integration of Palestinian refugees into their host countries or the finding of a permanent solution to their status. The agency has also been accused of allowing the misuse of its facilities by militant groups. UNRWA has consistently denied these allegations, emphasizing its neutrality and its role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.

Future Prospects

The future of UNRWA is uncertain, with debates surrounding its funding, mandate, and the need for a political solution to the Palestinian refugee issue. While some argue for the integration of UNRWA's services into the governments of host countries or a global refugee agency like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), others maintain that UNRWA should continue until a fair and lasting solution for the Palestinian refugees is achieved.