Statement by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi on behalf of the PLO Executive Committee in response to the US ending funding to UNRWA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2018
Statement by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi on behalf of the PLO Executive Committee in response to the US ending funding to UNRWA:
“Such a decision is inhumane and reckless”
"The US administration’s decision to terminate all funding to UNRWA is a cruel and irresponsible move targeting the most
vulnerable segment of Palestinian society.
The Palestinian refugees are already the victims who have lost their homes, livelihoods and security as a result of the
creation of the state of Israel, and once again, they are being victimized by the US administration in support of
Israel’s decades-long military occupation and impunity.
UNRWA has provided the 5.3 million Palestinian refugees residing in fifty-eight refugee camps in Occupied Palestine,
Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria with a sense of hope and security through its vital services, support and opportunities for
work, growth and development. It also provides protection for the Palestinian refugees to ensure that their 'rights
under international law are protected and promoted.’
The real outcome of the US administration’s latest unilateral and reckless policy is the destabilization of the entire
region and the creation of unimaginable suffering and hardship for the Palestinian refugees.
With such a decision, the US is doing Israel’s bidding and destroying the very foundations of peace and stability by
taking all permanent status issues ‘off the table,” including the right of return for refugees and occupied Jerusalem.
Until the plight of the Palestinian refugees is resolved in accordance with international law and relevant UN
resolutions, including the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 (III), we call on all members of the
international community to shoulder their responsibilities towards Palestinian refugees and provide the necessary
support and financial assistance UNRWA needs to fulfill its mandate."