In News:Partisan organisations such as United Nations Relief and Works Agency are an obstacle to peace
1.’United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been criticised for perpetuating the Palestinian refugee crisis and collaborating with terrorist organisations’. Evaluate the role of UNRWA in addressing the humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees. How has its operational effectiveness been impacted by recent allegations and funding suspensions?
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has faced allegations of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee crisis and collaborating with terrorist organisations, particularly following claims that some staff were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
UNRWA’s Role:
UNRWA was established to provide
● Provides essential services like education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees.
● Offers protection to refugees, especially during conflicts.
● Contributes to stability in the region by providing basic needs.
As the primary humanitarian agency in Gaza, UNRWA plays a crucial role in supporting over 2 million people who rely on its services for survival. It operates shelters for approximately 1 million individuals and provides food and primary healthcare, especially during periods of heightened conflict.
Impact of allegations and funding suspensions:
In the light of allegations against some staff members related to the October 7 attacks by Hamas, nine countries have temporarily suspended their funding, jeopardising UNRWA’s ability to deliver critical services.
● The funding cuts directly affect vulnerable groups within the refugee population, particularly older adults and those with chronic health conditions who depend on UNRWA for medical care and social support. The suspension of services exacerbates food insecurity and health crises among these populations.
● Allegations of mismanagement and financial irregularities have damaged UNRWA’s reputation and undermined its credibility.
● The politicisation of aid: Critics assert that funding decisions affect UNRWA’s operations often reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics rather than humanitarian needs.
While UNRWA has taken steps to address these concerns by terminating contracts with accused employees and initiating independent investigations, humanitarian organisations advocate for reassessing funding decisions to ensure continued support for UNRWA amid ongoing conflict and instability.
UNRWA’s ability to provide essential services is vital for millions of refugees facing dire circumstances, underscoring the need for sustained international support.
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Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/partisan-organisations-such-as-united-nations-relief-and-works-agency-are-an-obstacle-to-peace-9645097/