Jordan’s UN representative calls for sustained international support to UNRWA

AMMAN — Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mahmoud Hammoud, reaffirmed on Friday Jordan’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), stressing the kingdom’s commitment to continue its efforts to provide both political and financial support to the Agency.

Addressing the New York-held pledging conference, Hammoud highlighted UNRWA’s neutrality and professionalism against unfounded allegations, and called for increased financial contributions to ensure the agency’s sustainability.

Jordan recently hosted the emergency international conference on the urgent humanitarian response for Gaza, which was held at the Dead Sea in partnership with Egypt and the United Nations and attended by representatives from 75 countries, calling for sustainable and long-term funding to enable UNRWA to fulfil its responsibilities in Gaza and other areas of operation, he noted.

Hammoud also referred to ongoing efforts with Sweden, UNRWA and a coalition of supportive nations to organise a high-level ministerial of the General Assembly in September to secure essential support for the agency.

Jordan, together with Slovenia, Kuwait and other UN Member States, launched a joint commitment document for UNRWA, which has been endorsed by more than 118 countries, he added, noting that the document underscores the need to rally political support for the agency, uphold its mandate and strengthen its capacities.

Hammoud underlined UNRWA’s irreplaceable role as a humanitarian agency, stressing that its functions cannot be taken over by any other organisation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

UNRWA’s responsibilities extend beyond the distribution of humanitarian aid to include the provision of healthcare, education and other basic services, he said.

Stressing the need of international support for UNRWA’s budget, he noted that such support is crucial for the future of millions of Palestinians, notably their right of return and compensation as part of a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, based on a two-state solution, in accordance with international resolutions.