ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed deep concerns over the decision by some countries to suspend the funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), a foreign ministry statement said on Monday.
The statement said the timing of the suspension is deeply troubling as it takes place amidst the ongoing war suffering and displacement of the people of Gaza who depend on critical assistance from UNRWA for their survival.
It noted that UNRWA, as the primary humanitarian agency in Gaza, serves as a lifeline for over two million people, providing shelter and delivering vital food and primary healthcare services, even amidst the most intense hostilities. “The decision to suspend funding in response to allegations against a small group of staff is unjustifiable,” said the statement.
🔊: PR NO. 3️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣
Pakistan’s Deep Concerns over the Suspension of Funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
🔗⬇️https://t.co/tOpqZs0ztq pic.twitter.com/hXyNkLFgmn
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 29, 2024
It said that it was agreed with the UN Secretary-General that UNRWA’s current funding would not be sufficient to meet all the needs of Palestinian people over the next month. It is, therefore, imperative to prioritize the continuity of UNRWA’s operations to sustain the survival of the population of Gaza.
The statement said that Pakistan urges all nations that have suspended their funding for UNRWA to reconsider their decision to avoid suspension of the Agency’s humanitarian work. It said the lives of the people in Gaza depend on this crucial support.
