Summary: 2 November 2009, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Mr. Per Örnéus, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden, at the Fourth Committee General debate on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), United Nations
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the EFTA country Iceland, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, align themselves with this statement.
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.
The European Union would 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. Let me also express the European Union's appreciation to the Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese authorities that have consistently provided aid and assistance to Palestine refugees.
Mr. Chairman,
The EU and its member states are UNRWA's largest donor. 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.
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. Chairman,
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. Chairman,
Despite 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 European Union condemned the shelling of UNRWA infrastructure in Gaza in the beginning of this year. The EU deeply deplores the loss of life during the Gaza conflict, particularly the civilian casualties. 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. Chairman,
The financial situation of UNRWA has for many years been serious and has now come to a critical stage that demands increased international attention. The core budget is chronically underfunded. So are the emergency appeals. To that can now be added the global financial crisis and negative exchange rates resulting in reduced contributions in dollar terms. If additional funding is not forthcoming, this will have far reaching consequences for UNRWA's operations. 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 ongoing reforms reflect a serious effort to revitalize the Agency and its effectiveness, while maintaining the confidence of donors and refugees alike. 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.
Mr. Chairman,
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, Mr. President!
* Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
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