Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joined over a hundred civil society and faith based organizations in a letter to President Biden in support of restoration of United States funding of the United Nations Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Read the letter as a PDF.
September 23, 2024
Dear Mr. President:
We, the undersigned 104 civil society organizations, write to respectfully request your administration's support for the restoration of United States funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) consistent with the recently introduced H.R. 9469: "UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024".
UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, as recently evidenced in the UN response plan to address the outbreak of polio. As U.S. Ambassador Wood rightly stated before the UN Security Council, "other United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations have reiterated they are not equipped to replace UNRWA, as UNRWA performs essential government-like functions their organizations do not have the capacity or structure to deliver."
Following UNRWA's and the UN's swift and decisive response to the concerns raised by the Administration when it paused funding in January, we believe it is now time for the Administration to actively reengage with Congress with the goal of resuming US funding for UNRWA.
Fifteen other governments joined the United States in pausing funding to UNRWA; however, after having performed their own due diligence and rigorous oversight, all 15 have since resumed support to the Agency - leaving the United States the only holdout. In fact, several donor nations have even increased their contributions. While this is welcome news, it does not make up for the funding lost from UNRWA's largest contributor - the United States. With the situation nearing its one-year mark, the needs are even greater as the risk of famine and disease mount. UNRWA's role in responding to the acute humanitarian crisis is paramount to prevent widespread famine and disease outbreak.
Securing an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of all remaining hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access are only a starting point for a long and difficult rebuilding process. Safeguarding the role of UNRWA, particularly as a provider of primary healthcare and education, is critical for the future of Gaza. Strong congressional support for H.R. 9469 will reflect the growing support of the American people for immediate and effective responses to the unimaginable humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.
We appreciate your consideration of our request and hope we can continue to rely on your support for the humanitarian needs and human rights of displaced Palestinians.
Click here to see the full list of signatories.
Photo from press conference courtesy of Hamid Bendaas of the Institute for Middle East Understanding.