welcomes the independent review report of UNRWA
The State of Palestine appreciates the work done by Ms. Catherine Colonna for issuing the “Independent review of mechanisms and procedures to ensure adherence by UNRWA to the humanitarian principle of neutrality”, as requested by the UN Secretary-General, and the detailed assessment by the Swedish-based Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, the Norwegian Chr Michelsen Institute, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
As affirmed by the report, UNRWA is indispensable and its role remains vital and irreplaceable in providing assistance to millions of Palestine refugees in all the fields of operation indicated in its mandate. Moreover, its rules and procedures are indeed exemplary and set a high standard for UN agencies and other humanitarian agencies. Recommendations to enhance UNRWA’s already high standards of impartiality, humanity and neutrality are important.
The State of Palestine will cooperate with the Secretary-General and the UNRWA Commissioner-General to ensure that UNRWA mandate is implemented most effectively in accordance with the relevant General Assembly resolutions, including resolutions 194 (III), 302 (IV) and all other resolutions concerning its operations in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, to provide the necessary assistance, protection and emergency relief to the Palestine refugees, particularly in this time of grave crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The report is a testament to the commitment to the UN and the international community to preserve UNRWA’s mandate and ensure it continuity until the rights of Palestine refugees are realized and a just political solution is found, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.
The State of Palestine is grateful for the donor community and calls on States who cut funding to urgently reconsider their decisions and engage with UNRWA to ensure the necessary support and ensure its sustainability and efficacy, enabling it to play its critical role to care for the refugees and for regional stability.