United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

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Context

• India announced that it has provided US $ 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East or the UNRWA for the welfare of Palestinian refugees.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East or the UNRWA

About

• The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a specialized agency established by the United Nations General Assembly to address the needs of Palestinian refugees in the Middle East.
• UNRWA was created on December 8, 1949, with the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV), following the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1948, known as the Nakba (catastrophe), which resulted in the displacement of a significant number of Palestinian refugees.

Mandate:

• UNRWA was established with a specific mandate to provide humanitarian assistance, relief, and works programs for Palestinian refugees who were displaced as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.
• The mandate was later extended to cover those who became refugees during the 1967 Six-Day War.

Geographical Focus:

• UNRWA operates in five areas: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Its services cover education, health care, social services, and emergency relief.

Services Provided:

• Education: UNRWA operates schools for Palestinian refugee children, providing basic and secondary education. The agency has been a significant contributor to the education of Palestinian youth for decades.
• Health Care: UNRWA provides health services, including clinics and medical facilities, to Palestinian refugees. These services encompass preventive, curative, and maternal health care.
• Social Services: UNRWA offers various social services, including relief and social services for vulnerable populations, vocational training, and support for individuals with special needs.
• Emergency Relief: UNRWA is involved in emergency response efforts, particularly during times of conflict or crisis. This includes providing shelter, food, and medical aid to those affected.
• Financial Support:
• UNRWA is funded primarily through voluntary contributions from member states and other donors. Its financial stability has been a recurring concern, and the agency periodically faces funding shortfalls that impact its ability to deliver essential services.

Challenges and Controversies:

• UNRWA has faced various challenges and controversies over the years.
• These include criticism regarding the agency's role in perpetuating the refugee issue, concerns about political neutrality, and accusations of mismanagement.
• The agency has also been affected by the broader political dynamics in the region.

UNRWA Reform Efforts:

• The agency has undergone several reform efforts to address operational challenges and enhance efficiency.
• Reform discussions have included examining the funding model, improving transparency, and strengthening partnerships with other entities.

Political Context:

• UNRWA operates in a complex political context, and its activities are influenced by the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• The agency's role has been a subject of international discussions related to the peace process in the Middle East.

Ongoing Relevance:

• UNRWA continues to be a critical actor in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, particularly in education and healthcare. Its work remains integral to the well-being of millions of refugees in the region.

PRACTICE QUESTION Question: Which of the following United Nations agencies was established to provide humanitarian assistance, education, and healthcare services to Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict and the 1967 Six-Day War? a) UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) b) UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) c) UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) d) UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) Answer: d) UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East)