Statement by Ms. Feda Abdelhady-Nasser, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, before the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (4th Committee),
Agenda Item 51: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), 6 November 2013:
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Mr. Chair,
On behalf of the delegation of the State of Palestine, I wish to reaffirm our appreciation to you and your country, El Salvador, on chairing this important Committee, and our confidence in your ability and that of the esteemed Bureau Members from the countries of Lesotho, Cyprus, Italy and Slovakia – to successfully steer the Committee’s work this session.
Mr. Chair,
I thank the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Mr. Filippo Grandi, for presenting UNRWA’s annual report and briefing the Committee on the challenges faced by the Agency in the past year and the ongoing plight of the Palestine refugees.
I reaffirm the gratitude of the Palestinian people and the Government of the State of Palestine to UNRWA for all efforts upholding its humanitarian mission in service of the Palestine refugees, despite a most difficult operational environment and severe funding shortfalls that are undermining the Agency’s work. We renew our deep appreciation to Commissioner-General Grandi, Deputy Commissioner-General Margot Ellis, the Directors of Field Operations and the Agency’s entire staff, international and local, for their dedication to providing education, health care, relief, protection and emergency assistance to the Palestine refugees. We also recognize the courage of the Agency’s staff, who often serve in conditions endangering their safety and yet remain the only UN staff in the area not entitled to hazard pay, an issue which must be rectified.
Today, we also reaffirm our deep gratitude for the international community’s abiding, principled political, financial and moral support for the Palestine refugees. We recognize the unquantifiable contribution of the Host Countries of Lebanon, Jordan and Syria in support of UNRWA and the Palestine refugees. We also recognize the donor community’s longstanding, voluntary generosity, including the major donors and new donors, in support of UNRWA’s mission, allowing it to provide assistance to the Palestine refugees for over six decades.
This international commitment remains absolutely vital, pending realization of a just solution based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, including General Assembly resolution 194 (III) (11 December 1948), which affirms, inter alia, the right of the Palestine refugees to return to their homes to live in peace with their neighbors and to just compensation.
Mr. Chair,
The Palestine refugees now number more than 5 million people – constituting the largest, most protracted refugee problem in the world – and they remain at the core of the historical search for a comprehensive solution to the question of Palestine and for an end to this prolonged, tragic conflict. Millions of our refugees continue to live in the camps established for their refuge over sixty years ago, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where they are also enduring the oppression of Israel’s military occupation, and it is UNRWA’s presence and assistance that has helped them to subsist and preserve as they await a just solution to their plight.
Since it began operations in May 1950, UNRWA has embodied the international responsibility to act collectively, in accordance with international law and principles of justice, to alleviate this human tragedy and contribute to its ultimate just solution. The General Assembly’s establishment of UNRWA as a subsidiary body, by its resolution 302 (IV), in the aftermath of Al-Nakba of 1948, was a testament to the severity of the crisis by which the majority of Palestinians were forcibly expelled or fled in fear from their homeland, dispossessed of their homes, properties and heritage, scattered in the region, and denied their rights until this day, as Israel has deliberately prevented their return in its aim to artificially, forcibly ensure a demographic majority.
We must thus reaffirm the following rights, which abide regardless of the passage of time:
- The right of the Palestine refugees to return and to just compensation for their losses and suffering, based on resolution 194 (III) and in accordance with international law and the principles of justice and equity.
- The right of the Palestinians displaced in the June 1967 hostilities to return to their homes and lands in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and implementation of the mechanism agreed to more than 20 years ago by the parties.
We regret that, despite the resumption of negotiations and the agreement that the problem of the Palestine refugees is one of the final status issues to be resolved by the parties, Israel continues with its inflammatory rhetoric rejecting the rights of the refugees, further undermining the spirit and good faith required for the negotiations and their prospects to result in a peace settlement, based on the relevant UN resolutions, Madrid principles, Arab Peace Initiative and Quartet Roadmap. We reaffirm that, for the Palestinian leadership, a just solution for the Palestine refugees remains of highest priority and a central element for a comprehensive solution to the conflict, underscoring the regional dimension of the issue and its bearing on a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict as a whole.
Mr. Chair,
This massive violation of the innate rights of the Palestine refugees has left them dispossessed and acutely vulnerable to the crises and conflicts that have wracked the region over the decades, inflicting vast suffering and hardship. Testimony as to the striking impact in this regard is apparent in the context of the 2008-2009 and 2012 Israeli military aggressions against the Gaza Strip; the 2007 destruction of the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp in Lebanon; and the traumatic impact of the conflict in Syria on the Palestine refugee community, to name only a few of the more recent examples. As noted in the Commisioner-General’s report, all “fields of UNRWA operations are now tangibly affected by armed conflict or humanitarian situations, a predicament that UNRWA has not faced in decades”, seriously affecting refugee lives and the Agency’s capacity to meet their needs.
Reflecting further on the report, I wish to refer to some of the most critical, worrying developments, some more recent, others impacting the refugees and the Agency’s work for years.
In Occupied Palestine, refugee communities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip continue to suffer from the impact of illegal Israeli policies and measures. Israel’s forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, including hundreds of Bedouin families who are refugees, demolitions of homes and properties, construction of settlements and the wall and severe restrictions on movement of persons and goods continue to grave affect the living conditions and rights of the Palestine refugees. The Agency’s ability to efficiently deliver services also continues to be impaired due to persistent access problems, particularly in areas trapped between the wall and the Green Line, and continuing harassment of and attacks on Agency personnel. The illegal Israeli blockade against the Gaza Strip also continues to negatively impact Palestine refugees, who comprise over two-thirds of the population there and who suffer from high levels of unemployment – a shocking 57% among youth, poverty and food insecurity (60% of the refugees). As noted by the Commissioner-General, such “restrictions continue to impinge on every aspect of Palestinian society and condemn Palestinians… to lives of insecurity, poverty and dependence on international aid”.
We regret that financial deficits forced the Agency to reduce assistance to 21,000 vulnerable refugee families in Gaza in the midst of the prevailing humanitarian crisis. Moreover, the refugees in Gaza continue to endure lingering socio-economic and psycho-social hardships resulting from the Israeli military aggressions of 2008-2009 and November 2012, which caused widespread civilian casualties and destruction, including damage to 77 UNRWA installations. Reconstruction in Gaza also continues to be impeded by the blockade, despite some measures taken regarding entry of construction materials, and this is affecting the living conditions of refugee families in need of shelter repair, as well as delaying the repair of dilapidated infrastructure in the camps, affecting the provision of water, sanitation, electricity and other services. Israeli restrictions also continue to impact the Agency’s provision of education and healthcare, as its facilities in Gaza are inadequate to meet demands, and continue to inflict undue financial costs on UNRWA, which is forced to pay exorbitant fees for storage and supply transport, in contravention of the Charter, the Convention on UN Privileges and Immunities, the 1967 Agreement between the Agency and Israel, and relevant resolutions. We call for an end to all of these illegal Israeli policies and for respect by Israel, the occupying Power, for of all legal obligations, including under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and a cessation of its obstruction of UNRWA’s humanitarian work.
Mr. Chair,
As reported, during the past year, the tragic conflict in Syria impacted nearly the entire Palestine refugee community there. Once again, our refugees have been forced to flee, mostly to Lebanon and Jordan and to other neighboring countries, enduring loss of life and injury, destruction of their shelters, further displacement, and loss of livelihoods. The crisis has also affected the Agency’s operations, with the Agency sustaining extensive losses, including damage to facilities, and compelling a greater focus on increasing needs for emergency humanitarian assistance, including shelter, medical care, food, and protection. We stress the need to maintain the neutrality of the camps and protect all civilians. We recognize UNRWA’s extraordinary efforts, along with other UN agencies and humanitarian organizations working in Syria, with the cooperation of the Host Country, to aid the refugees. We also recognize the countries in the region providing safe haven to our refugees in this time of crisis, recognizing the widespread instability caused by this situation, and appeal for open borders and non-discrimination.
As for the situation of Palestine refugees in Lebanon, we regret that 87% of refugee families from the Nahr el-Bared camp remain displaced and that the camp’s reconstruction continues to be hampered by funding difficulties. While we commend the Agency’s efforts to rebuild the camp and aid displaced families, we continue appeal for further donor support for this crucial project. Moreover, we recognize that the consequences of the Syrian conflict are further burdening the Palestine refugee camps in Lebanon, exacerbating the endemic poverty and persistent overcrowding plaguing them. We urge UNRWA to continue efforts to ameliorate living conditions and infrastructure in the camps, stressing that such improvements do not prejudge a just solution pursuant to relevant UN resolutions, but are essential for easing hardships and ensuring dignity. We also reiterate our hope for implementation of the legislation to facilitate access by Palestine refugees to the labor market, welcoming all efforts in this regard and reaffirming the Palestinian leadership’s continued cooperation with the Lebanese Government, to ensure security and calm in the camps.
Despite the fragility of the recent period, the situation of the Palestine refugees in Jordan, the host country to the largest Palestine refugee population, remained relatively stable. UNRWA services, particularly education and family healthcare, remain essential for the refugees, particularly in light of prevailing economic difficulties. We recognize Jordan’s close cooperation with UNRWA in the implementation of its mandate and urge its continued support of the Agency and of the Palestine refugees, especially in this period of crisis and heightened vulnerability.
Mr. Chair,
It is difficult to imagine the ability of the Palestine refugees to cope and persevere without UNRWA, in the past or at present. UNRWA makes a real difference in the lives of the refugees, particularly the children it educates, the youth to whom it gives opportunity and hope, the abject poor families whose subsistence it ensures, the most vulnerable who it protects, and those in dire need of emergency support during times of upheaval. Through its programs, UNRWA has helped promote the well-being and human development of the Palestine refugees, enabling them to gain knowledge and skills, access necessary healthcare, and enjoy other basic human rights, to the extent possible under the circumstances of their exile and Israel’s military occupation, and has helped the refugees to stave off despair and maintain hope for a just solution, even after the passage of decades. Also, as attested to by the international community and developments of the past year, the Agency constitutes a stabilizing factor in the region.
The report rightly reflected this, stating: “Amidst the spreading instability we see in the Middle East, the certainty of support to UNRWA from the international community remains a pillar of hope for the refugees, who continue to rely on the Agency for basic services and humanitarian assistance essential to their well-being. This support is no less important to the hosts and to all members of the international community who count on the benefits it brings to a troubled region”.
For this crucial role, Commissioner-General Grandi, the Agency’s staff, the United Nations and all who support UNRWA should be proud and should be commended. The Agency should be fully supported, politically and financially, and recognized for the indispensable role it plays, and the renewal of its mandate this year by the Assembly is imperative. We reiterate our appeal to the international community to strengthen support to UNRWA to allow it to continue providing assistance to the refugees commensurate with their needs.
We reaffirm our gratitude to the donor community for the generous support, including those playing a special role as members and observers of the Advisory Commission, among them of course the Host Countries, and as members of the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA. We reaffirm deep appreciation to the major donors and welcome contributions of new donors, including friendly Governments, the private sector, foundations and individuals, and we welcome the further support of our Arab brethren.
In this regard, we welcome the Special Meeting of UNRWA Supporters, held on 26 September 2013, and call for serious follow-up efforts. We hope the Agency receives the necessary funding to help overcome its financial crisis, which is undermining its programs, forcing reductions in services, and causing serious concerns among the refugees, a sobering fact reflected in the report. We hope that forthcoming contributions will help fund the core budget to cover staff costs for the dedicated teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers and other personnel and fund emergency appeals for desperately-needed aid, particularly in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine.
Mr. Chair,
On a lighter note, we warmly welcome UNRWA’s appointment of Mohammed Assaf – a Palestine refugee from Gaza who was the winner of the 2013 Arab Idol singing competition – as its first Regional Youth Ambassador, and we look forward to welcoming him at UN Headquarters on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This appointment sends a hopeful message to our refugee children and youth about the opportunities available to them in life despite their difficult circumstances. We perceive this appointment as a positive initiative, in line with many such initiatives for our young refugees, including, for example, the UNRWA/EU “Fun Days” summer programs, the “Schools of Excellence” initiative, camp programs for children with disabilities, “Future Scientist” fairs, human rights education program in Gaza, UNRWA/EU youth film competition, and the “Engaging Youth” initiative. We urge donors to support these invaluable programs, which have long-lasting positive effects on the children and youth who benefit from them.
In closing, Mr. Chair, we reiterate our appeal to the international community to live up to its responsibilities and obligations in accordance with the Charter, international law and all relevant UN resolutions, including resolution 194 (III), in support of the peaceful aspirations of the Palestinian people to realize their inalienable rights, including to self-determination and the independence of their State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the 1967 borders, and a just solution for the Palestine refugees, both of which are central for bringing an end to this tragedy and injustice and for achieving comprehensive peace and stability in the region.
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