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The Government of Malaysia Launched a National Fundraising Campaign to Support Palestine Refugees

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On 8 September, the Government of Malaysia launched a national fundraising campaign to support Palestine refugees through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The campaign aims to mobilize resources for UNRWA at a time when the Agency faces an unprecedented financial crisis after the United States, a leading supporter of the Agency announced its decision to no longer fund the Agency.

Speaking at the campaign launch event, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Wan Azizah said: “The recent funding cuts to UNRWA undermine the education, healthcare and other life-saving services to vulnerable Palestine refugees," and called on all Malaysians "to join this effort. No matter how small, your contribution can make a big difference to people who have nothing." She added that her government is determined to do all it can to ensure that Palestine refugees receive the support and solidarity they deserve.

Hundreds of Malaysian public and private sector leaders attended the campaign launch event in Kuala Lumpur. Many have expressed their solidarity with Palestine refugees, and have vowed to contribute to the national campaign, which will continue for a period of a month.

“The campaign in Malaysia culminates months of bilateral discussions between the Government of Malaysia and UNRWA,” said Abdirahman Aynte, the Chair of the Dignity is Priceless campaign . “The result is a robust public fundraising campaign with the aim to raise much-needed funds for the Agency and raise awareness about the plight of Palestine refugees in that part of the world.”

In addition to the campaign, Malaysia has been a consistent supporter of UNRWA for decades, both in financial and political terms. Deputy PM Dr. Wan Azizah said her country will continue to use its political influence to ensure that UNRWA receives the support it deserves, including at the UN General Assembly.

The two sides highlighted that the partnership is inherently strategic. They have committed to exploring more means of financial support for UNRWA.

Background Information

UNRWA is confronted with an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions and financial support has been outpaced by the growth in needs. As a result, the UNRWA programme budget, which supports the delivery of core essential services, operates with a large shortfall. UNRWA encourages all Member States to work collectively to exert all possible efforts to fully fund the Agency’s programme budget. UNRWA emergency programmes and key projects, also operating with large shortfalls, are funded through separate funding portals.

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.4 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA across its five fields of operation. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection and microfinance.