UNRWA Marks Anniversary of Its Founding Amid Continued Challenges

Today marks the anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

Founded on December 8, 1949, UNRWA was created in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict to address the needs of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homes.

Over the decades, UNRWA has become a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The agency provides critical services, including education, healthcare, social assistance, and emergency relief, while also advocating for the rights and dignity of refugees.

Speaking on this occasion, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the enduring importance of the agency’s mission. “UNRWA remains a beacon of hope for Palestinian refugees, many of whom continue to face profound hardship and uncertainty,” he said. “Our work is more vital than ever as we confront chronic funding shortfalls, protracted crises, and emerging global challenges.”

Despite its crucial role, UNRWA faces persistent financial difficulties, often operating on the brink of insolvency. This year, the agency launched urgent appeals to address funding gaps that threaten its ability to deliver essential services to vulnerable communities.

Palestinian refugee communities, civil society organizations, and international supporters have used the anniversary to call for sustained commitment to UNRWA’s mandate.

Many emphasized the need for long-term solutions to the plight of Palestinian refugees, including the realization of their right to return as enshrined in international resolutions.

In a statement, a group of refugee representatives expressed gratitude for UNRWA’s efforts while urging the international community to do more. “UNRWA has stood by us for 75 years, but the international community must address the root causes of our displacement and ensure justice and peace for Palestine refugees,” the statement read.

As UNRWA commemorates this milestone, it continues to navigate a complex political and humanitarian landscape. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the agency’s enduring commitment to supporting Palestinian refugees, even in the face of immense challenges.