Agencia de ONU para refugiados de Palestina está al borde del colapso

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is facing a severe financial crisis due to calls from Israel to abolish it and the sudden freezing of funding by donor countries. In a letter to the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that the agency's ability to fulfill its mandate is now seriously threatened.

UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance and support to Palestinian refugees following the displacement caused by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The agency currently operates in five refugee camps in the Middle East, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social protection to over 5 million Palestinians.

However, in recent years, Israel has called for the abolition of UNRWA, arguing that it perpetuates the refugee problem by providing aid to families who are not eligible for citizenship in Israel. This has led to a decrease in funding from donor countries, as many have expressed support for Israel's position.

In addition to the financial crisis, UNRWA is also facing challenges related to its mandate. The agency's mandate is to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees until they are able to return to their homes or resettle in a third country. However, with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, many refugees are unable to return home or find permanent settlements elsewhere.

As a result, UNRWA has been forced to adapt its programs and services to meet the changing needs of Palestinian refugees. This includes expanding its focus on education and healthcare, as well as providing support for economic development and job creation. Despite these efforts, however, the agency continues to face significant challenges in fulfilling its mandate.

Overall, the situation at UNRWA is complex and multifaceted, with financial, political, and operational challenges that must be addressed in order to ensure the agency's continued effectiveness and sustainability.