The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has expressed deep disappointment over Sweden's decision to cease its financial contributions to the agency starting in 2025. He described the move as "highly regrettable" and noted that it "comes at the worst possible time for Palestine refugees."

This announcement comes shortly after the United Nations General Assembly’s overwhelming vote to reaffirm its support for UNRWA’s mandate, highlighting the agency’s crucial role in providing vital services to Palestinian refugees amidst ongoing challenges.

The Commissioner-General underscored Sweden’s pivotal role as a longstanding partner, consistently providing both political and financial support to UNRWA for decades, thus helping to sustain its essential services for Palestinian refugees.

He stated that this decision represents a "setback for Palestine refugees and the international multilateral system," especially as UNRWA faces unprecedented political attacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining the status of Palestinian refugees.

The Commissioner-General warned that suspending funding would jeopardise decades of progress in human development, depriving hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children of education and worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents continue to endure severe hardships due to the ongoing offensive.

In his appeal, the Commissioner-General urged Sweden to reconsider its decision and maintain its leadership in supporting political solutions and human development for Palestine refugees through UNRWA’s programmes.

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