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UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency)

29th January, 2024

UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency)

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Context

  • Israel called for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) to be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development.

UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency)

Establishment:

  • Founded in 1949 by the UN to aid Palestinian refugees displaced after the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.

Mandate:

  • Provide essential services (education, healthcare, social services) until a lasting solution is achieved.

Scope:

  • Operates in West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Services:

  • Offers education, healthcare, relief, social services, and emergency aid to Palestinian refugees.

Education:

  • Manages schools for Palestinian refugee children, employing a significant number of teachers and staff.

Healthcare:

  • Operates health clinics, providing primary healthcare and responding to emergencies.

Funding:

  • Relies on voluntary contributions from the international community.

Challenges:

  • Faces financial constraints, political complexities, and security concerns in the regions it operates.

Distinct Role:

  • Different from UNHCR, UNRWA specifically focuses on Palestinian refugees.

Relevance:

  • Remains crucial amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, addressing the ongoing needs of Palestinian refugees.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA):

1.UNRWA primarily focuses on assisting Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1967 Six-Day War.

2.The agency's mandate extends beyond the provision of essential services, encompassing broader initiatives such as infrastructure development and economic empowerment.

3.UNRWA operates exclusively in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Which of the statements above are incorrect?

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1 and 3

D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

Explanation:

  • UNRWA primarily focuses on assisting Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1967 Six-Day War.
    • Incorrect.
    • UNRWA's mandate primarily covers Palestinian refugees displaced after the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, not just those from the 1967 Six-Day War. The agency has a broader historical scope.
  • The agency's mandate extends beyond the provision of essential services, encompassing broader initiatives such as infrastructure development and economic empowerment.
    • Incorrect.
    • UNRWA's mandate primarily revolves around providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinian refugees. While it plays a crucial role, its focus is not on broader initiatives like infrastructure development or economic empowerment.
  • UNRWA operates exclusively in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
    • Incorrect.
    • UNRWA operates in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is not exclusive to the West Bank and Gaza Strip; it addresses the needs of Palestinian refugees across multiple regions.

Overall, None of the statements are correct. Hence, the correct answer is D) All of the above