UNRWA USA Statement on the Independent Review of UNRWA
April 25, 2024 – UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) welcomes the independent review of UNRWA led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. This review evaluated the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees’ neutrality procedures and mechanisms, confirming that “UNRWA has established a significant number of mechanisms and procedures to ensure compliance with the Humanitarian Principles with emphasis on the principle of neutrality and that it possesses a more developed approach to neutrality than other similar UN or NGO entities.” (page 4).
Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA, comments: "We are truly grateful to fortify UNRWA, an indispensable lifeline of hope and survival for Palestine refugees, with a total of $15 million from the American people this month. This substantial funding surge is a testament to the steadfast support of our vast community of individual donors here in the United States."
Despite having ‘UNRWA’ in its name, UNRWA USA is an independent American 501c3 nonprofit, separate from both the UN agency and not part of the US government. While UNRWA primarily relies on voluntary contributions from UN member states including the United States, our government’s funding remains paused. Yet, as highlighted in our last statement, many other countries including the European Union (EU), Canada, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, France, and Japan have resumed their contributions. UNRWA USA’s financial support comes solely from individual and institutional donors. We urge US taxpayers to advocate for the refunding of UNRWA by contacting Congress using this link: unrwausa.org/contact-congress.
Laila Mokhiber, UNRWA USA Director of Communications, emphasizes: “Underfunding UNRWA could have deadly consequences for millions of Palestinians. This unfolding catastrophe will haunt humanity for generations. The world must act now with increased aid and an immediate, lasting ceasefire in Gaza.”
The Agency’s undeniable role as a lifeline for Palestine refugees across its five fields of operation has become even more critical amidst the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has been marked by mass displacement of over 1.7 million people, widespread famine, and the tragic killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians. While UNRWA USA eagerly hopes for the United States to resume its vital support for UNRWA, it urgently calls upon more Americans to help make up that shortfall by making tax-deductible contributions through UNRWA USA.
UNRWA's preliminary response to the Colonna report outlines its full commitment to implementing the recommendations provided. See the full report and UNRWA’s statement here.
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UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides support for humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees. UNRWA USA lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for resources essential to every human being, for the promise of a better life. US taxpayers are eligible for tax deductions for donations made to UNRWA USA.