Gaza [Palestine]: Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), expressed disappointment over Sweden’s announcement to cease funding the agency by 2025.
In a press statement, Lazzarini called the decision ill-timed, especially given its announcement just one day after the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution supporting UNRWA.
“This is a sad day for Palestinian refugees and the multilateral system that Sweden has been a leader in,” he said.
Impact on Palestinian Refugees
Sweden has been a long-standing partner to UNRWA, providing both financial and political support for decades. Lazzarini warned that ending this funding would undermine years of investment in human development, particularly affecting education for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children.
“This decision will deprive hundreds of thousands of girls and boys in the region of their right to education,” he noted.
The move is expected to further exacerbate the hardships faced by Gaza’s residents, who have endured prolonged suffering over the past 14 months.
Call for Reconsideration
Lazzarini expressed hope that Sweden would reconsider its decision, emphasizing the importance of continued solidarity and investment in political solutions and human development for Palestinian refugees.
“We hope the Swedish government will continue its long-standing commitment to Palestinian refugees through support for UNRWA,” he added.
The cessation of funding could significantly impact UNRWA’s operations, highlighting the need for alternative support from the international community to sustain essential services for Palestinian refugees.