AMMAN – On Monday, the UN in Jordan warned of serious
consequences for Palestinian refugees in Jordan if immediate funding is not
restored to UNRWA.
اضافة اعلان
16 donor countries have suspended funding following Israeli allegations against
UNRWA staff in Gaza, Al-Mamlaka TV reported.
The Director of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan,
Olaf Baker, expressed deep concern
among Palestinian refugees in Jordan regarding the suspension of UNRWA funding.
If the current situation persists without change, there is uncertainty about
our ability to continue providing all services beyond the end of February.
“UNRWA relies entirely on donor contributions to ensure the continuity of its
services, as mandated for Palestinian refugees. The funding shortfall would
have extremely serious consequences for the
Palestinian refugees we serve.
Therefore, we urge our donors to reconsider their decisions and resume their
support for UNRWA, which is now more crucial than ever,” emphasized Baker.
UNRWA’s annual budget for comprehensive operations in Jordan is approximately
$145 million, employing around 7,000 staff members.
These harsh measures could endanger the operation of 161 schools serving over
107,000 students, 25 health centers providing more than 1.6 million medical
consultations annually, and providing cash assistance to 59,000 of the most
vulnerable individuals, as well as 20,000 Palestinian refugees who fled Syria.
Additionally, UNRWA is responsible for waste management in 10 official camps,
where more than 400,000 people reside.
Furthermore, UN Secretary-General
António Guterres stepped in earlier this
month to urge donor governments to reconsider their decisions and “at least
ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.”
“When the future of UNRWA is at stake, the lives and hopes of millions of
Palestinian refugees are also on the line. Investing in UNRWA means investing in
regional stability. It means investing in the economic and social well-being of
Palestinian refugees and advancing sustainable development goals. It means
supporting steadfast host countries like Jordan to alleviate the pressures
associated with hosting millions of refugees. And it means respecting the
international community’s commitment to Palestinian refugees and their rights
until a fair and lasting political solution is reached,” the UN wrote in a
statement.
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