STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE / CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES AD INTERIM

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANNOUNCING VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA)

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia thanks Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini for his comprehensive update and commends his strong leadership of UNRWA.

 

2.         Malaysia recognises the indispensable role of UNRWA in supporting Palestinians. More so, in the current situation of humanitarian catastrophe. UNRWA is a life line for the Palestinians and a symbol of hope for many dependent on it. Hence, we must strive to ensure no disruptions to UNRWA’s work.

 

3.         Malaysia welcomes the resumption of contributions by almost all donors to UNRWA. We commend those who have stepped up to sustain UNRWA’s lifesaving role. You have demonstrated that Palestinian lives matter. But more needs to be done to ensure that UNRWA can continue with its mandate to aid Palestinians who are suffering.

 

4.         To demonstrate our unwavering support to UNRWA, Malaysia is pleased to announce an additional contribution of USD1 million. This will bring our total contribution to the Agency to USD5.2 million since November last year. We have also committed to an annual contribution to UNRWA of USD200,000 from 2021 to 2025.

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

5.         In addition to contributions to UNRWA, Malaysia will continue to channel humanitarian assistance to Palestine by other means. Through the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP), Malaysia has contributed to various humanitarian initiatives, including medical aid, food assistance, improved sanitation and water hygiene management, clean water supply, and upgrading medical facilities for the Palestinians.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

6.         Malaysia has been unequivocal in its support towards the establishment of a sovereign state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital.  UNRWA must not be allowed to fall victim to narrow political interests, for the consequences of the Agency’s demise are unimaginable.

 

I thank you.