UNRWA’s Financial Crisis and Its Impact on the Services Provided to Palestinian Refugees, 3 May 2001

The Palestinian refugee community suffers from the limited availability of UNRWA services, which comes at a time when the local economy is seriously deteriorating.
UNRWA considers the problem a financial crisis.
Mr.
Hansen generously accepted Face the Public's invitation to its meeting in the refugee camp of Jabalia.
attended by 94 persons Key guests
Mr.
Peter Hansen, High Commissioner of UNRWA.
Summary of issues raised by the public
The participants raised many questions about the political side of the refugee issue, the absence of a clear plan to overcome the difficult conditions of the refugees, the need to provide emergency aid for the refugees in the Gaza Strip, and the implementation of UN related resolutions.
Summary of answers given by the guest speakers
Mr.
Hansen agreed that the issue is political but said that UNRWA only deals with the humanitarian aspects.
He stated that the existing financial deficit was the worst since the establishment of the agency, and stressed UNRWA's commitment to providing facilities for the refugees.
He stressed UNRWA's efforts in capacity building among the refugees.

He also spoke about contributions made by the different countries and asked Arab countries to increase their share.