Publication date: 2024/12/23 (Last updated: 2024/12/23 18:10)
Gaza – Together – Talib, Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Director of Refugee Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Abu Khouri The Government of Sweden reconsiders its decision to defund UNRWA, supports UNRWA politically and financially, and supports the European Movement and its leadership in upholding the mandate given by UN Resolution no. Regain power. Until the rights of Palestinian refugees are fulfilled and a just solution is found, in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions, in particular resolution 194 and the right of refugees to return to the homeland from which they were evacuated in 1948, as provided in article 302. Masu.
In a meeting today, Tuesday, with Swedish Consul General Julius Lilström at the Refugee Ministry headquarters in the city of Ramallah, Mr. Abu Houri said that since Sweden was appointed as a member of the Advisory Council in 2005, Sweden has: Confirmed. UNRWA and its support, including leading the European campaign to mobilize financial support for UNRWA and sponsoring several international conferences and conferences with the Kingdom of Jordan since 2017 to mobilize political and financial support. continues to be our ally and strategic partner. For UNRWA. He described her decision as shocking.
Dr. Abu Khouri spoke with the Swedish Consul General about UNRWA’s financial crisis and the challenges facing its work, as well as UNRWA’s funding for UNRWA’s mission and the services it provides to refugees in its five areas of work. We discussed the impact of the government’s decision to suspend.
the doctor warned. Mr. Abhouri said the decision to suspend Sweden’s funding, estimated at $41 million by 2025, has a serious and direct impact on UNRWA’s program activities and its ability to pay the salaries of an estimated number of staff. He said it would be. Given the unique challenges UNRWA faces in its fiscal budget, continued US funding cuts estimated at $365 million and increased refugee needs are heading for the most dangerous trend in 2025. plus debt and funds transferred from the 2024 budget to the 2025 budget.
He said Sweden’s justification for suspending funding and taking a different route to funding other international organizations, in particular the World Food Organization, was based on the justification of Israel, the occupying power, of UNRWA. He explained that the activities would be banned and aid would be provided directly to the United Nations. The fact that Palestinians do not belong to the right situation through UNRWA is confirmed by the reality on the ground of humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, but this is also true for all international organizations working in the humanitarian field in the Gaza Strip. It’s contrary. The Gaza Strip is a target of Israeli targeting and interdiction, as confirmed in the joint statement. Representing to 17 international organizations working in the humanitarian field, including the World Food Organization, that the services provided by UNRWA cannot be performed by all 17 organizations combined;
The doctor refused. Mr. Abuhouri called for the transfer of UNRWA’s powers to an alternative international organization, thereby undermining the status of UNRWA and its mandate given to it by resolution 302, and, in accordance with resolution 194, to remain inactive until a political solution to the refugee problem is found. He emphasized that he would continue.
He added: “UNRWA’s presence and continued operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, are an element of stability in the region and the lifeblood of the Palestinian people. ”, he added. Refugees rely primarily on its services and food and cash assistance.
Consul General of Sweden Julius Lilström expressed understanding of the concerns of the Palestinian side, underlined his country’s commitment to support the Palestinian issue and strive to find a fair and comprehensive solution, and said that Sweden He suggested that he intends to research. We will seek to submit recommendations to governments in line with international obligations and humanity.
The parties agreed to continue dialogue and coordination in this regard to strengthen cooperation and ensure continued international support for UNRWA in playing its important role.
