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EU Statement – UN General Assembly: UNRWA Pledging Conference

02.06.2023
New York
Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in New York

2 June 2023, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Commission delivered by H.E. Ambassador Olof Skoog, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the Ad Hoc Committee of the  General Assembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA

President, Secretary-General and Commissioner General,

 

  1. The European Union’s appreciation for the invaluable role that UNRWA plays in delivering essential, quality services to almost 6 million Palestine refugees remains unabated.  The Agency’s critical role in preserving regional stability is vital and in the interest of us all. 

 

  1. The EU is also appreciative of those host countries whose contribution to the well-being, protection and human development of Palestine refugees is incalculable.

 

  1. The EU is concerned by UNRWA’s financial situation and how it is currently jeopardising the Agency’s capacity to play a fundamental role in mitigating the impacts on Palestine refugees caused by a number of factors, such as high energy and food prices exacerbated by Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine; the ongoing war in Syria; the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, the aftermath of violence in and around Gaza, as well as the impact of the fiscal crisis in Palestine.

 

  1. We are also concerned by the negative impact the protracted strikes in the West Bank have on the education of children, the delivery of health and protection services.  

 

  1. The EU, together with EU Member States, remains UNRWA’s top donor, providing €400m annually, which amounts to almost 40 % of UNRWA’s annual budget.

 

  1. Overall, between 2022 and 2024 the EU’s support to UNRWA will amount to minimum €261 million – our most recent disbursement in February this year, was €82 million in support of the Agency’s delivery of core services.

 

  1. While we will keep our contribution stable, it can no longer be ignored that resources are unable to keep up with increasing needs.  We will continue to actively engage in the search for long-term solutions, including a sustainable financing model, concrete reforms, and synergies within the UN world and other partners, while ensuring that any alternatives are sustainable and that services are properly delivered to Palestine refugees, in full respect of the neutrality principle.

 

  1. It is crucial to preserve access to basic services for Palestine refugees in the different countries where refugees are living. This is particularly urgent when they do not have access to local services.

 

  1. As the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Agency approaches we must collectively find common means to address the Agency's financial situation. Traditional donors cannot fill the gap alone. Others need to step up. This is of critical importance for Palestine refugees but also for the stability of the region. Only collective long-term efforts can help resolve UNRWA’s structural financial crisis.

 

  1. For our part, the EU will continue to remain a reliable political and financial supporter, both of UNRWA and of Palestine refugees, until a just, fair and realistic solution to the plight of Palestine refugees is finally reached.

 

Thank you.