Delegation Statement and Announcement of a US Contribution

Acting Commissioner General Abu Zayd and distinguished colleagues:

Today, we choose to be optimistic on the prospects for a brighter future for Palestinian refugees. But we realize that hope is not a plan, that progress can only be made with a deep appreciation for humanitarian impact, that a premium must be placed on the exchange of detailed information between governments, authorities, and mandated international organizations on issues that impact the refugees, and that the tremendous needs of over four million refugees keep growing.

Today, let us recognize the positive political and security events that have taken place throughout the region and will continue to take place in the near future.

Let us recognize that renewed focus by governments like ours and others here, and institutions like the Quartet and the World Bank, and leadership from the likes of Mr. Wolfensohn can make a positive difference in the lives of refugees.

Today, let us resolve to urge our governments to ensure that in the most senior of diplomatic circles and discussions, UNRWA’s mandate as the key provider of health, education, housing, special hardship assistance, and major emergency support to over four million Palestinian refugees is reinforced. Emphasizing the importance of humanitarian assistance for Palestinian refugees in the mainstream political processes can have a positive impact on long standing problems like access, investment needs, and funding levels.

Today in Amman, we take the opportunity to express tremendous appreciation to the countries in the region that have generously hosted Palestinian refugees for decades.

Let us commit that in our understandable current focus on Gaza we not lose sight of the significant needs of refugees in the other parts of the region.

We commend the leadership that has been shown by Karen Abu Zayd and her senior team under the most challenging of circumstances. What we have seen in the last several months has been a significant investment in openness and inclusion of different ideas - both within UNRWA and with its stakeholders. My government urges you to please continue down that path.

We commend the effort to upgrade your core management systems - an always-underappreciated yet critical activity that only happens with sustained effort by a number of committed staff.

We strongly encourage your attempts to quickly harmonize the somewhat divergent resource management strategies in the Emergency Appeal, your regular budget, and the Medium Term Plan.

We need to quickly bring to closure efforts that have been discussed to improve stakeholder relations. There is a direct correlation between good governance, donor confidence, and funding levels.

Let us recognize the importance of ensuring that UNRWA facilities and assets remain neutral and uncompromised. The Operations Support Officers program is a crucial tool in accomplishing that objective.

We recognize the recent increased financial support of several key donors. You know who you are. And let others join that effort. You know who you are as well.

We recognize the efforts of the UNRWA team that you have around you today and the thousands of field staff - who work in often frustrating and sometimes dangerous circumstances.

Let me emphasize that at this crucial juncture in the region today, we as a major donor see that the world where UNRWA provides essential refugee humanitarian services without closely integrating its activities with authorities and governments is coming to an end. In particular, we will be looking forward to increased indicators that UNRWA is integrating its activities under what we expect will become the empowered and capable leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

Finally, in support of these objectives, my government announces that we will contribute $20 million to UNRWA’s very undersubscribed emergency appeal. Cash will be available within days. The focus of our contribution will be on helping UNRWA meet emergency food needs. We urge others to join us. Thank you.