EU Presidency Statement - United Nations: 60th Anniversary of UNRWA

Mr. Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests:

Today we commemorate six decades of UNRWA's existence. Through sixty years of service UNRWA has contributed enormously in improving the living conditions and human dignity of millions of Palestine refugees and their communities. These achievements represent a unique success story.

UNRWA was created as a temporary UN body, given the task of serving Palestine refugees until such time that their situation was justly resolved. Six decades on, UNRWA's very existence is a reminder that the question of Palestine refugees remains unsolved. Until a solution is reached, UNRWA's mandate will continue to be renewed.

At the outset, let me express the European Union's appreciation to the Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese authorities that have consistently provided aid and assistance to Palestine refugees. I would also like to commend the valuable and highly appreciated work of the Commissioner General, Ms. Karen AbuZayd and all UNRWA staff who courageously assume their responsibilities, often in difficult circumstances and sometimes with the risk of their lives.

Mr. Chairperson,

The EU and its member states is UNRWA's largest donor. Our longstanding political and economical support for UNRWA is in line with the European Union's humanitarian engagement around the world. Respect for international law including international humanitarian law and human rights law has guided the European Union's policy, not only with respect to the conflict between Israel and its neighbours, but also EU's support to UNRWA. The EU stresses the need for positive developments on the ground, leading without delay to a fair, stable and equitable solution to the question of Palestine refugees within the framework of a comprehensive and final permanent status agreement, based on the principles on land for peace and a two state solution.

Mr. Chairperson,

Today we have an opportunity to reflect over the Agency's history. Over the decades, UNRWA has faced many challenges. Nevertheless, since its operations began 60 years ago, UNRWA has served as a stabilizing factor in the region, playing a critical role as the first responder, a stable service provider and a source of protection to the refugee community.

UNRWA's contribution to the human capital of the region is beyond doubt. In education, UNRWA's record is impressive, bringing education to half a million children in the Middle East. The proportion of female pupils has doubled since the 1950s. In the field of health, UNRWA has achieved a near one hundred per cent vaccination record. UNRWA runs a health care program that in 2008 alone provided 9.9 million medical consultations.

Mr. Chairperson,

Despite the many challenges, UNRWA continues its tireless work to serve the Palestine refuges. In 2008-2009, the Agency experienced yet another year of tremendous challenges. The humanitarian needs of the Palestine refugees, particularly in Gaza, continue to be of great concern. The problem of limited access severely constrains UNRWA's ability to fulfil its mandate and to help the refugees. The European Union therefore calls for the immediate and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza. Reconstruction and economic recovery has to be allowed and the current humanitarian crisis must be solved.

Mr. Chairperson,

The financial situation of UNRWA demands increased international attention. The core budget is chronically underfunded. So are the emergency appeals. To that can now be added both increased food prices and negative exchange rate effects, resulting in reduced contributions in dollar terms.

In 2008, the contribution from the European Member States and from the European Commission amounted to more than 60% of UNRWA's regular budget. In addition to this the European Union makes large contributions to UNRWA's special programmes and emergency appeals.

While the Palestine refugees recall their long joint journey with UNRWA, they stand against the measures that the Agency is forced to adopt as a result of financial deficits. Reducing educational expenses would deprive thousands of children of an education. Likewise, reducing health services would deprive the Palestinians of proper health services.

It is therefore our shared responsibility to support UNWRA, both politically and financially. The fact that 90% of resources are provided by 15 countries only, is not sustainable. The European Union strongly urges new donors to commit financially to the work of UNRWA, and present donors to increase their contributions. A broadened donor base will guarantee a stable organization that can meet the needs of the Palestine refugees and contribute to the stability in the region until the final settlement has been reached.

In order to meet these challenges, and to become an even more effective organization, UNRWA is in the middle of a comprehensive and impressive reform process. According to progress reports, this work has been successful so far. The European Union strongly supports UNRWA in this endeavour. We encourage the Agency to work in close cooperation with the rest of the UN family in its reform efforts.

The ongoing reforms reflect a serious effort to revitalize the Agency and its effectiveness, while maintaining the confidence of donors and refugees alike.

Mr. Chairperson,

The mere existence of UNRWA carries the message to the Palestine refugees that the world has not forgotten them. UNRWA's sixtieth anniversary is a reminder that a comprehensive settlement of the Middle East conflict is sixty years overdue. The peace process must therefore be renewed. We hope that this process will result in a fair solution to the Palestinian refugees issue. Peace and stability should be achieved within the context of the two-state solution.

Pending a comprehensive settlement, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to keep its humanitarian and economic assistance to the Palestinian people at a substantive level. A strong and financially stable UNRWA is in the interest of everyone who believes in human development and peace.

Thank you all!

| Arriba |

• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations 4th Committee: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (2/11/2009)
• EU calls for continued and increased support for UNRWA  (25/9/2009)
• UNRWA Chief AbuZayd visits EU Parliament, "periods of hope have been dashed." (11/9/2009)
• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations Security Council: Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (27/7/2009)
• Occupied Palestinian Territory and Syria: European Commission allocates €6 million for drought victims (16/6/2009)
• EU Commission to co-sponsor Palestinian Donors Conference and announce €436 million to Palestinians for 2009 (27/2/2009)
• Gaza: Statement by European Commissioner Michel on temporary suspension of movements of UNRWA staff throughout the Gaza Strip (9/1/2009)