The Presence of UNRWA in Palestine: Explained
In Palestine, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a significant role in providing aid and support to millions of registered refugees. Established in 1949 in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the UNRWA initially offered direct humanitarian assistance and job opportunities to both Palestinian and Jewish refugees. Over time, the responsibility for Jewish refugees was taken over by the Israeli government, leaving the UNRWA to focus solely on Palestinian refugees.
Today, the UNRWA continues to assist over 5 million registered refugees across 59 refugee palestine/” title=”Planning a week’s trip to Palestine”>camps in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. These camps, once comprised of tents, have evolved into densely populated areas with various buildings. The agency employs around 30,000 local Palestinians, making it a significant source of employment within the Palestinian community.
Visiting the Fawwar Refugee Camp near Hebron, volunteers from the Palestinian Center observed the UNRWA’s efforts in providing essential services such as health clinics and schools for residents. Despite an annual budget exceeding US$1 billion, residents express concerns about overcrowded classrooms and limited supplies in the clinics, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by refugees in accessing quality services.
Critics argue that the UNRWA’s continuous provision of aid has inadvertently fostered a culture of dependency among Palestinian refugees, rather than empowering them to establish their own institutions. Additionally, the lack of progress in securing the ‘right of return’ for Palestinian refugees to their original homes in Israel has led to their prolonged displacement and confinement to refugee camps in neighboring countries.
While the UNRWA remains a crucial source of aid and support for Palestinians in refugee camps, there are ongoing debates about the long-term impact of its assistance on the community’s self-reliance and independence. As volunteers and students engage with the UNRWA in various capacities across the West Bank, the agency’s presence continues to be a significant aspect of Palestinian society, providing essential aid and employment opportunities to those in need.