UNRWA, an acronym for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, is an international humanitarian agency established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1949. It was specifically created to provide assistance and support to Palestinian refugees and their descendants who were displaced during and as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.
The primary objective of UNRWA is to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian refugees and improve their living conditions. It operates in five fields of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), and the Gaza Strip. The agency offers various essential services in these areas, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services.
With a mandate that has been renewed repeatedly over the years, UNRWA seeks to provide education for Palestinian refugee children up to secondary level, ensuring a continuation of their education despite the challenging circumstances. It also operates clinics and provides essential healthcare services, aiming to meet the basic health needs of the refugee population.
Additionally, UNRWA plays a role in distributing emergency aid and providing social services to the most vulnerable and marginalized refugees, to support them in becoming self-reliant and achieving a better quality of life.
UNRWA's work is supported by voluntary contributions from the international community, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The agency remains crucial in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and plight of Palestinian refugees, providing essential assistance and support to millions of individuals in need.
