429th Committee meeting: Discussion of recent activities, Chile becomes observer

On 24 June, the UN Palestinian Rights Committee held its 429th Meeting to discuss its recent and upcoming activities, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and approved Chile’s request for observer status. The Committee approved Chile’s request to change its status from member to observer, while expressing appreciation for Chile’s continued engagement and support for the Committee’s work.

Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, emphasized the need to keep the question of Palestine at the center of the international agenda. He called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, scaled humanitarian assistance, an end to forced displacement, Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction, and a renewed political path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood. He also underscored concerns about Israeli settlement expansion, settler violence, annexation efforts, and the E1 plan, while reaffirming the importance of the two-state solution, the New York Declaration, and broader international recognition of the State of Palestine. The Committee also approved Chile’s request to change its status from member to observer, with appreciation expressed for Chile’s continued engagement.

Michael Conteh of UNRWA (Director of the Representative Office of UNRWA in New York) briefed the Committee on the agency’s severe operational and financial challenges, including a projected $100 million cash-flow deficit for 2026 despite continued demand for services. He noted that UNRWA remains a major provider of health care, sanitation, water distribution, education, emergency learning, and psychosocial support in Gaza, while also responding to displacement and refugee needs in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Delegations including Cuba, Liberia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Venezuela, and Namibia reaffirmed support for Palestinian rights, UNRWA’s mandate, humanitarian access, international law, and a just two-state solution. The meeting concluded with the Chair reiterating the Committee’s continued support for UNRWA and its mandate.

• Agenda