Palestinian Refugee Host Nations Formally Reject Any Reductions to UNRWA Mandate and Services

Host nations for Palestinian refugees have issued a unified declaration firmly rejecting any attempts to downscale services or undermine the operational role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Meeting in the Jordanian capital, regional delegates warned of severe social and humanitarian consequences if the agency's operational integrity is compromised.

The coordination meeting was organized by Jordan’s Department of Palestinian Affairs and led by its Director-General, Rafiq Kharfan. High-level representatives from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and the Arab League joined the session, alongside the UNRWA Commissioner-General.

The assembly directly follows recommendations established during the 69th session of the Conference of Supervisors of Palestinian Affairs in Host Arab States, which emphasizes deep political synchronization to navigate challenges impacting displaced populations.

Confronting an Unprecedented Financial Crisis

The primary objective of the Amman summit was to consolidate Arab diplomatic positions ahead of the upcoming UNRWA Advisory Commission meeting. Delegates focused heavily on formulating a shared strategic vision to address an unprecedented financial deficit that severely threatens the agency's baseline public infrastructure.

Participants underscored the urgent need to mobilize global political and financial backing to sustain UNRWA's core operations. These programs provide vital lifelines across regional networks, specifically within the sectors of primary education, healthcare delivery, direct emergency relief, and essential social services.

The delegation collectively warned that any reduction in aid delivery would create immediate, dangerous destabilization across refugee camps and vulnerable local communities.

Safeguarding the International Mandate and the Right of Return

The host countries strongly advocated for the unconditional renewal of UNRWA’s mandate by the United Nations General Assembly. They specified that the mandate must be extended without structural amendments, modifications, or geographic downsizing.

According to the joint statement, maintaining UNRWA’s scope serves as an irreplaceable affirmation of the international community's legal and moral obligation toward the plight of Palestinian refugees. Delegates reiterated that this commitment remains linked to their right of return, as enshrined under international law and foundational global frameworks, most notably UN Resolution 194.

The participating nations concluded by affirming that UNRWA serves as a critical, living international witness to the unresolved refugee crisis. They emphasized that the agency's institutional presence must be preserved until a just, lasting, and comprehensive political settlement is achieved in strict alignment with international legitimacy.