Palestinian Authority & UNRWA sign note on Agency’s privileges, immunities and responsibilities – UNRWA press release

Palestinian Authority and UNRWA sign note on UNRWA privileges, immunities and responsibilities

16 August 2011
Ramallah

UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi and the Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs Reyad Al-Malki signed an explanatory note dealing with the issues related to the key privileges and immunities of UNRWA, and related responsibilities and standard operating procedures of UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority.

The signing was in the presence of the director of UNRWA operations in the West Bank, Felipe Sanchez, head of the High Palestinian Judiciary Council, Fareed al-Jalad, and the attorney-general, Ahmad Al-Mughni.

Mr Al-Malki said: “I am grateful to the UNRWA Commissioner-General for his willingness and readiness to carry out this explanatory note that will deal with many issues related to the privileges and immunities of UNRWA staff members.

“I am glad to sign this agreement as it will support UNRWA’s work and our work in the PA, as well as it will work on clarifying the relationship and work between UNRWA and the PA.”

Mr Grandi said: “Thank you to the PA and to all who prepared this document. This is a reaffirmation of the 1996 agreement with the PA about UNRWA’s privileges and immunities as a UN agency and also an engagement to respect the limits of these immunities. There is a procedure to clarify any issues that might occur during the year. I am very keen to continue carrying out the Agency’s important work for Palestine refugees with the generous support and cooperation of the PA.”