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STATEMENT (4C) : FOURTH COMMITTEE GENERAL DEBATE ON ITEM 49 – UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST
STATEMENT BY
MS. HANA NORDIN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE FOURTH COMMITTEE GENERAL DEBATE ON
ITEM 49 – UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR
PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST
79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
14 NOVEMBER 2024, NEW YORK
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Madam Chair,
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East or UNRWA. Malaysia values the important role played by the Agency. The unwavering commitment and exceptional work carried out by UNRWA has provided vital assistance and protection to nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Madam Chair,
2. Year after year, this Committee is presented with the grim conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Still, it has not prepared us for the scale of death, destruction and suffering as highlighted in the latest report of the UNRWA Commissioner-General, contained in document A/79/13. In 2023, even prior to 7 October, UNRWA was already struggling to cope with increasing challenges. Violence in the West Bank was already the highest on record. The rate of poverty was rising in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and also for Palestinian refugees in Jordan. There was also a clear downward momentum for finding a political horizon for the Palestinians.
3. Since the 7th of October 2023, UNRWA had to immediately shift its focus to mount emergency operations in Gaza, turning many of its premises into shelters. UNRWA became the lifeline for the civilian population in Gaza, the backbone for humanitarian actions and other essential services.
4. Sadly, UNRWA has not been spared from being viciously targeted by Israel. In Gaza, at least 243 UNRWA personnel have been killed while many others have been detained and reportedly, tortured. More than two-thirds of UNRWA premises have been damaged or destroyed. In occupied East Jerusalem, UNRWA headquarters was set on fire and there have been attempts to evict UNRWA from their premises, for Israel to build settlements. Such actions are in clear contravention of international law, including international humanitarian law.
5. And now, UNRWA has been dealt with the biggest blow ever. The Israeli Knesset on 28 October 2024 adopted legislations to ban UNRWA from continuing its essential work, as mandated by UN General Assembly, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
6. Malaysia condemns this atrocious move, which is a blatant assault against a United Nations Agency. It is a serious affront not only to the United Nations, but also to the entire international community. It is a direct challenge to the rules-based order that we, the international community have built, cherished and upheld.
7. The so-called legislations clearly seek to legalise what is a blatantly illegal and deliberate action to dismantle UNRWA. It is part of Israel’s long-standing strategy to repudiate the refugee status of Palestinians and undermine their right to return, which is enshrined in the UN General Assembly Resolution 194.
Madam Chair,
8. UNRWA is unique in that it is the primary agency for human development for the Palestinian refugees and mandated to provide essential public-like services. These services include education for more than half a million children, primary healthcare and social support.
9. Malaysia remains steadfast in its support for UNRWA. We join the call for accountability for the attacks on all UN personnel, premises and operations through an independent international investigation.
10. We refer to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, of 19 July 2024, which unambiguously ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands as illegal. As such, Israel has no sovereign rights to pass legislations, which would ban UNRWA’s operations in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. Instead, as the occupying power, Israel is duty bound to deliver its obligations in accordance with international law. This must include its responsibilities towards UNRWA and other UN and humanitarian agencies, as stipulated in relevant international agreements and UN resolutions.
Madam Chair,
11. Malaysia is equally concerned with UNRWA’s financial standing. Malaysia hopes that all countries would be able to assist UNRWA, to enable it to carry out its important mandate. Malaysia intends to continue to be a firm supporter and regular contributor to the Palestinian cause within its means and financial ability. Over the years, Malaysia has consistently rendered assistance and contributions to the Government and the people of Palestine, both financially and in kind, including through UNRWA. In addition to our earlier pledged long-term contribution of USD 1 million for 5 years between 2021-2025, we have further contributed approximately USD 5.2 million to the Agency since the start of the current war in October 2023.
Madam Chair,
12. It is regrettable that the 75th anniversary of the inception of UNRWA is taking place in what the Commissioner-General has described as, quote, “the darkest hour of the Agency”, unquote. Until a just political solution to the Palestinian question is achieved and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination is realised, we, the international community, continue to hold the collective responsibility to support UNRWA and its mandate. This means both, politically and financially. The injustices being inflicted on the Palestinians have been going on for far too long. The latest attack on UNRWA, if left unchecked, will further entrench those injustices and complicate efforts to achieve a political horizon. It is thus, extremely crucial that UNRWA is defended and supported. UNRWA is essential and irreplaceable. UNRWA’s continued operation is vital in efforts to achieve a just and sustainable political solution to the Palestinian question.
I thank you.