STATEMENT : AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANNOUNCING VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEE

STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL, CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES A.I.

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. President,

Malaysia thanks the Secretary-General and the UNRWA Commissioner-General ad interim for their briefings.

2. What we have heard is deeply alarming. The briefings paint a stark picture of an agency under unprecedented strain, facing relentless political, financial and operational pressures. At a time when the needs of Palestinian refugees have reached catastrophic levels, the Agency itself is on the brink of being incapacitated.

3. Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering support for UNRWA, whose mandate remains indispensable in providing assistance, protection and hope to millions of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA continues to serve as a lifeline for the Palestinian people, and its work must therefore be protected, sustained and allowed to continue without obstruction.

4. Malaysia expresses its condolences for the loss of more than 390 UNRWA staff members killed in Gaza since October 2023.

5. Malaysia recalls the ICJ Advisory Opinion of October 2025, which affirmed, that restrictions on humanitarian assistance, including through UNRWA, are inconsistent with Israel’s obligations as the Occupying Power under international law. Israel must comply fully with its international obligations, including by respecting the inviolability of UNRWA premises.

6. In this context, Malaysia strongly condemns Israel's continued violations, including incursions into and the demolition of UNRWA premises in East Jerusalem. We reiterate our call for accountability for Israel’s atrocities against the Palestinian people and its persistent breaches of international law.

Mr. President,

7. Malaysia has been a regular contributor to UNRWA and contributed over USD 6 million to support predictable and sustainable funding for the Agency since November 2023.

8. Consistent with this longstanding commitment, Malaysia is pleased to announce a new pledge of USD 1 million to UNRWA, to be disbursed over five years from 2026 to 2030, at USD 200,000 per year. This contribution is a reflection of Malaysia’s principled and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Mr. President,

9. UNRWA’s mandate must not be undermined. It must be defended. The Agency’s continued operation is essential to upholding the dignity, protection and rights of the Palestinian refugees.

I thank you.