OIC Acknowledges IRC Report on UNRWA

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the report issued by the Independent Review Committee (IRC) on United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which concluded that the agency is committed to the humanitarian principle of neutrality, as well as the importance of its vital role in supporting relief and humanitarian efforts for millions of Palestinian refugees who are experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, especially in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the ongoing Israeli military aggression for more than six months. The OIC indicated that the report's emphasis on the agency's adoption of effective mechanisms and procedures to promote UN values and humanitarian principles constitutes a clear response to what Israel, the occupying power, has continued to incite against UNRWA in an attempt to end its role and liquidate the Palestinian refugee issue. The organization appreciated the positions of the countries that announced new financial contributions, calling on all countries tha t announced the cessation of funding for UNRWA to review their decisions and resume their contributions in a way that ensures their continued responsibility towards providing basic services to millions of Palestinian refugees. The organization reiterated that the presence of UNRWA and the continuation of its role represents a top priority in humanitarian and relief terms, and constitutes a witness to the collective international commitment towards the rights of Palestinian refugees and an element of stability in the region. OIC renewed its commitment to fully support the role of UNRWA, based on its firm and supportive position for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return and self-determination, and embodying the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. Source: Qatar News Agency