UNRWA is facing its “darkest hour” and requires support by Member States, Lazzarini says

New York, SANA- Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has called on member states of the United Nations General Assembly to act in defense of Palestinian refugees and the agency, which is facing its “darkest hour.”

“UNRWA is the mechanism through which this Assembly has tasked the United Nations to assist Palestine Refugees…. Unique among UN agencies, UNRWA is mandated to directly provide public-like services, including education for more than half a million children, primary healthcare and social support,” Lazzarini said in a statement Wednesday.

He called on the Member States to act to prevent the implementation of the legislation against UNRWA, which includes preventing the agency’s activities in the Palestinian territories.

Lazzarini noted that changes to the agency’s mandate are within the jurisdiction of the General Assembly. He also called for continuing to provide the necessary support to the agency to enable it to continue performing its role.

Ruaa al-Jazaeri