Geneva, 27 June 2024 (TDI): During the 56th session of the Human Rights Council on 25th June 2024, Qatar pledged support for UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The Permanent Representative of Qatar delivered the statement to the UN Office in Geneva, Dr. Hind Al Muftah.
The State of Qatar denounced the latest attacks and politicization intended to weaken UNRWA. Additionally, it applauded the agency’s steadfast achievements over the previous 75 years.
During the session, Dr. Muftah brought attention to the grave circumstances in Gaza. She highlighted the acts of the Israeli occupation force that have resulted in more than 120,000 deaths and two million displaced individuals.
Furthermore, she stated that the occupation forces have specifically targeted infrastructure, humanitarian workers, and civilians, including UNRWA employees and schools.
Necessity for International Action
Qatar stressed the necessity for ongoing assistance to preserve regional stability and praised the Independent Review Group’s conclusions. These findings support UNRWA’s activities in Gaza.
Moreover, Dr. Muftah urged all nations and sponsors to restart their assistance and financial assistance for the UN agency. She stated that it was important to create a system where continuous support, such as direct funding from the UN, could be ensured for Palestinian refugees.
“State of Qatar has stressed the importance of establishing a mechanism to ensure sufficient and continuous support, such as direct funding of UNRWA from the United Nations budget so as to enable UNRWA to carry out its noble humanitarian mission in providing assistance and protection to roughly 6 million Palestinian refugees.”
Sabotaging UNRWA Operations
Widespread outrage followed the Israeli arson attack on the agency headquarters in Jerusalem on May 9. The UNRWA for Palestinian refugees was under relentless attack for weeks before Israel set it on fire.
Also Read: Israeli Arson attack on UNRWA elicits widespread condemnation
Philippe Lazzarini, the chairman of the organization, called for a halt to these attacks and requested perpetrators be held accountable.
“UN staff, premises and operations should be protected at all times in line with international law.”
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