Mobilising global support necessary to ensure sustainable UNRWA funding — Safadi

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday received a phone call from UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini, which falls within continuous coordination to discuss means of addressing the challenges facing the agency. 

Jordan is continuing to work and coordinate with international partners to mobilise support for UNRWA, Safadi said. 

He also welcomed the UN General Assembly’s decision, made last December, to extend the agency’s mandate, stressing the centrality of its role in providing vital services to 5.7 million Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operation, in accordance with its UN mandate, as well as emphasised the UNRWA’s efforts towards enhancing regional security and stability, the Jordan New Agency, Petra, reported. 

Safadi also stressed the need for continuing UNRWA operations until the issue of Palestinian refugees is resolved in line with the relevant international references and resolutions, including Resolution 194, and in accordance with the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

Safadi stressed the need to diversify funding sources for the agency and ensure financing sustainability to follow the principle of burden sharing, and called on donors to offer multi-year commitments. 

Lazzarini expressed appreciation for Jordan’s efforts to mobilise global support for UNRWA, according to Petra.