Pakistan’s Deep Concerns over the Suspension of Funding for the United Nations Relief
Irfan Ali
Pakistan’s Deep Concerns over the
Suspension of Funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Pakistan expresses its deep concerns
over the decision by some countries to suspend the funding for the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
(UNRWA).
The timing of this suspension is
deeply troubling as it takes place amidst the ongoing war, displacement, and
suffering of the people of Gaza who depend on critical aid from UNRWA for their
daily survival.
As the primary humanitarian agency in
Gaza, UNRWA serves as a lifeline for over two million people, providing shelter
and delivering vital food and primary healthcare services, even amidst the most
intense hostilities. The decision to suspend funding in response to allegations
against a small group of staff is unjustifiable.
We agree with the UN
Secretary-General that UNRWA’s current funding would not be sufficient to meet
all the requirements to support the Palestinian people over the next month. It
is, therefore, imperative to prioritize the continuity of UNRWA’s operations to
sustain the survival of the people of Gaza.
Pakistan urges all countries that
have suspended their funding for UNRWA to reconsider their decision in order to
avoid suspension of the Agency’s humanitarian work. The lives of the people in
Gaza hang in the balance and depend on this crucial support
