Iraq and UNRWA Sign Multi-Year Strategic Partnership Agreement

BAGHDAD,

The Government of the Republic of Iraq and UNRWA have signed a multi-year strategic partnership agreement, reinforcing support for Palestine Refugees at a critical time.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Baghdad by Shorsh Khalid Said, the Undersecretary for Multilateral and Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. Through this agreement, Iraq commits US$ 30 million over three years (2026-2028) to support UNRWA's delivery of essential services, including education and healthcare, to millions of Palestine Refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.

"Iraq firmly supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and remains committed to strengthening international efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestine Refugees," stated Undersecretary Said. "We are determined to support the continuation of UNRWA's work despite the significant challenges facing our region and the world."

Welcoming the agreement, Commissioner-General Lazzarini said, "I am deeply grateful to the Government of Iraq for making a significant, sustained commitment to Palestine Refugees through UNRWA. Multi-year, predictable funding is critical for the Agency to plan effectively and to maintain essential services for millions of Palestine Refugees across the region. Through this agreement, the Government of Iraq is demonstrating meaningful solidarity with Palestine Refugees and helping to uphold long-standing international commitments to their rights and wellbeing."

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UNRWAis the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, over 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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