Israel’s Ban on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

Source: This post on Israel’s Ban on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has been created based on the article “UNRWA: What is the UN agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has banned?” published in Indian Express on 30th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Israel’s parliament passed two Bills, effectively banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Additionally, the agency is now classified as a “terrorist organization” under Israeli law, and Israel has cut all formal ties.

About United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

1. Establishment: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was founded in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

2. Mandate: It was established with a mandate to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees.

3. Its mandate, renewed periodically by the United Nations General Assembly, extends to millions of registered Palestine refugees, primarily in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

4. Funding: It is primarily funded by voluntary donations from countries like the United States, Germany, and the European Union, with limited UN support for administrative expenses.

4. Key Services and Operations

i) Education: UNRWA operates hundreds of schools, offering free primary and preparatory education to Palestinian children. These schools are notable for focusing on equality and inclusivity and frequently rank among the highest for academic performance in the Middle East.

ii) Healthcare: UNRWA provides primary healthcare services to refugees through a network of health centers, offering medical treatment, maternal and child health programs, and disease prevention initiatives. The agency also promotes mental health and psychosocial support to address the trauma associated with conflict.

iii) Social Services and Relief: The organization provides targeted support to the most vulnerable groups, such as food aid, financial assistance, and livelihood programs. This assistance has become particularly crucial as refugees face poverty, high unemployment rates, and limited access to resources.

iv) Emergency Relief and Infrastructure: During times of crisis, such as armed conflicts or natural disasters, UNRWA mobilizes resources to offer emergency food, shelter, and health services. The agency also works on rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure, including housing, roads, and sanitation facilities in refugee camps.

5. Current Reach: It supports approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, many of whom are descendants of the original displaced population.

UPSC Syllabus: International organisation