UNRWA Pledging Conference
UNGA Ad Hoc Committee for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Statement by H.E. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN
2 June 2023, New York
Excellencies, Colleagues,
At the outset, I would like to reiterate Estonia’s appreciation for the indispensable role that UNRWA plays in delivering essential core services to almost 6 million Palestinian refugees in the Gaza strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Its important impact and stabilizing role in the region is undisputed and it is a lifeline for millions.
UNRWA provides hope at a time when Palestine refugees struggle through the worst socio-economic conditions in years due to multiple overlapping crises. The humanitarian needs in the region have also been compounded by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, especially considering the region’s reliance on agricultural products from Ukraine.
We believe it is crucial to continue humanitarian support to the people in need. Estonia has been a long-standing core contributor to UNRWA. We have also provided support through bilateral initiatives, including to support UNRWA in its work for the digitalization of education to give the students in UNRWA schools the best chances to excel.
We remain concerned about UNRWA’s financial situation and through our support aim to contribute to a more predictable and sustained funding of the Agency. As we reaffirm our support to UNRWA, we encourage further internal reforms to ensure efficient and quality services. We underline the importance of a broad and diverse donor base.
Estonia has supported UNRWA´s activities in 2023 with 80 000 EUR. Now I have the honour to announce an unearmarked contribution of 80 000 EUR from the Government of Estonia for the UNRWA programmes in the year 2024.
Thank you.