the Government of Malaysia launched a national fundraising campaign to support Palestine refugees

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

Established in 1949, UNRWA was mandated by the UN General Assembly to provide basic assistance to Palestine refugees until a just and lasting solution is found to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Currently, there are 5.4 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA. They are scattered in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

UNRWA provides direct services to Palestine refugees. Currently, there 526’000 girls and boys attend UNRWA’s 711 schools in the Middle East. More than nine million patient visits had been recorded at UNRWA’s 150 clinics last year. Moreover, nearly two million extremely vulnerable refugees receive emergency food and cash assistance. Through its 30,000 staff the Agency delivers its services directly. Over 95% of them are Palestine refugees. UNRWA’s services are lauded by many independent actors including the World Bank, which called it “a gift to humanity.”

___________________________