UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA's mandate encompasses Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the Nakba, the 1948 Palestine War, and subsequent conflicts, as well as their descendants, including legally adopted children. As of 2019, more than 5.6 million Palestinians are registered with UNRWA as refugees.
Some of the key events about UNRWA
- 1950Established emergency relief and works programs for Palestinian refugees
- 1950Failed to adequately address the long-term needs of Palestinian refugees, focusing primarily on short-term relief
- 1960Launched vocational training centers to provide skills and employment opportunities
- 1967Provided emergency assistance to Palestinians displaced by the Six-Day War
- 1967Struggled to cope with the influx of new refugees following the Six-Day War, straining resources and infrastructure
- 1975Implemented a comprehensive primary healthcare program in refugee camps
- 1982Expanded educational services to include secondary schooling for refugee children
- 1982Faced criticism for its handling of refugee camps during the Lebanon War, including inadequate protection measures
- 1991Offered emergency aid during the Gulf War to affected Palestinian refugees
- 1997Accused of mismanagement and corruption in its operations, leading to internal investigations
- 2000Initiated a microfinance program to support small businesses in refugee communities
- 2002Facilities in the West Bank were damaged during the Second Intifada, disrupting services to refugees
- 2005Provided crucial humanitarian assistance following Israel's disengagement from Gaza
- 2006Criticized for slow response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israeli military operations
- 2009Faced funding shortfalls that threatened to close schools and health clinics in refugee camps
- 2010Implemented an e-health system to improve medical services in refugee camps
- 2014Offered shelter and emergency supplies to Palestinians during the Gaza conflict
- 2014UNRWA facilities in Gaza were used to store Hamas weapons during the Gaza War, compromising neutrality
- 2018Lost significant funding from its largest donor, the United States, creating a major financial crisis
- 2021Accused of using educational materials that promoted antisemitism and violence in its schools
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.
UNRWA Latest news
Popular
Recent charity scandals make donors think twice before giving money
Public voices strong views on UK defense cuts and farming crisis
Cold snap creates new headache for electric car owners - heating drains battery fast
Telegraph's ownership puzzle: Middle East deal creates year-long media mystery
