The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philip Lazzarini, warned of the risks of UNRWA’s imploding.
“This will have a serious impact on people we serve, especially on the half a million children who go to our schools, the only UN agency that runs a fully fledged school system,” Lazzarini said in press statements ahead of the UNRWA Pledging Conference.
“UNRWA is like a ship that has started to sink due to a deepening funding crisis. We are reaching a tipping point,” he added.
Earlier Thursday, the United States announced a contribution of US$ 153.7 million to the UNRWA in support of humanitarian assistance, human development, and the protection of Palestinian refugees.
“We are very grateful for the United States’ long-standing financial and political support and partnership,” said Lazzarini.
“This contribution will help us keep over 700 schools and 140 health centers open over the next few months.”
This week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes joined UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini for a virtual signing ceremony of their Framework for Cooperation for 2023-2024.
