Wahyu Dwi Anggoro
IDXChannel - Indonesia has pledged its commitment to continue supporting the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The new pledge of support to UNWRA is in the form of an increased regular voluntary contribution and a grant of USD2 million. This support is to help fulfil the needs in the UNRWA Flash Appeal April-December 2024.
"In addition, Indonesia also expressed its commitment to seek innovative funding for UNRWA, including the involvement of the Indonesian people through exploring partnerships with zakat management institutions," the Indonesian Foreign Ministry in a media release on Sunday (14/7/2024).
This was expressed by Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Ambassador Arrmanatha Nasir at the UNRWA Pledging Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York on Friday (12/7/2024).
The conference was organised to solicit additional financial contributions to support UNRWA's role in carrying out its mandate, providing services and protection, to Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA Commissioner General (CG), Philippe Lazzarini, in his briefing explained the operational challenges facing UNRWA and requested political support for UNRWA's continued work.
A total of 62 countries delivered national statements at the meeting. The main points raised by various countries at the meeting included recognition and support for UNRWA's role in handling Palestinian refugees and security in the region, calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and de-escalation of the conflict so that it does not spread to other areas, and pressure for Israel to provide access to UNRWA in all areas of Gaza.
UNRWA is a UN agency that plays an important role in providing humanitarian assistance to almost 6 million Palestinian refugees in 5 areas, namely Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. (WHY)
