Statement of Mr. Philippe Lazzarini,
The Commissioner-General
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
“Peace Day Effort: An Effort for Middle East Peace”
New York, 18 September 2023
Your Highness,
Excellencies,
I want to start by commending this initiative and hope that it will lead to peace and stability.
I see at least three key opportunities today:
First, an opportunity for a genuine reflection on what an Israeli-Palestinian peace would mean for relations in the Middle East and beyond.
Second, an opportunity to see wins for the Palestinians, the Israelis and the region through a peace agreement.
And third, an opportunity to find a just solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees living within the oPt and in the region.
A sustainable peace can emerge if it is based on relevant UN resolutions and builds upon the untapped potential of the Arab Peace Initiative.
A sustainable peace is also one that addresses the plight of Palestine Refugees as enshrined in international and UN resolutions.
A wide view of the high-level ministerial event convened by Jordan and Sweden in support of Palestine Refugees and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
From left to right at dais are: Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Secretary-General António Guterres; Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden; and Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UN Photo/Manuel Elías
For nearly 75 years, UNRWA has run schools and health centers and has offered social protection to the most vulnerable.
It has responded to numerous urgent humanitarian crises with food, cash assistance and shelter rehabilitation.
However, today, the Agency’s existential financial crisis threatens to reverse years of investment in human rights and regional human security.
Together, we must move from a discussion about UNRWA’s finances to a more political discussion on its role and future.
UNRWA is soon turning 75.
We must achieve a sustainable solution for Palestine refugees, to avoid having to mark a 100th commemoration and to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East
This is the only way we can have a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous Middle East for all.
Thank you.
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Assistance, Funding needs, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Humanitarian relief, Internally displaced persons, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 18/09/2023
URL source: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/statement-mr-philippe-lazzarini-%E2%80%9Cpeace-day-effort-An%20Effort%20for%20Middle%20East%20Peace