Abu Holi welcomes the position of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that refuses to undermine the mandate of UNRWA

Gaza - Ofoq News - Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Head of the Refugee Affairs Department, Dr. Ahmed Abu Houli, as contained in the “Baghdad Declaration” issued by the fifty-second session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, regarding the rejection of actions and measures aimed at undermining the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), or limiting its ability to implement its mandate.

Abu Holi stressed that what was stated in Article Nine of the Declaration reflects a clear position regarding the importance of preserving UNRWA’s mandate and its primary role in providing services to Palestinian refugees, and the necessity of continuing to provide it with the necessary political and financial support, enabling it to continue performing its responsibilities in its five areas of operations, in accordance with the mandate granted to it by the United Nations General Assembly.

He pointed out that the Baghdad Declaration’s confirmation that there is no alternative to UNRWA, until a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian refugee issue is reached in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions, reaffirms the close connection between the agency’s continued work and the necessity of reaching a just solution to the refugee issue, in a way that guarantees their legitimate rights, first and foremost the right of return in accordance with the relevant international resolutions, especially Resolution 194.

Abu Houli called on the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to raise their financial contributions and provide urgent additional funding to UNRWA, which will contribute to closing the financial deficit in its budget for the year 2026, and provide sufficient and sustainable funding for the budget for the year 2027, to ensure the continuity of its basic services for Palestinian refugees, and to prevent the financial crisis from affecting the education, health, relief and other vital services sectors.

He stressed the importance of translating the positions contained in the Baghdad Declaration into practical steps, by strengthening political and diplomatic action at the regional and international levels, intensifying efforts to secure the necessary funding for the agency, and confronting any attempts aimed at undermining its mandate or diminishing its responsibilities towards Palestinian refugees.

Abu Holi stressed that the protection of UNRWA and the continuation of its work constitute an essential part of protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees and preserving the responsibility of the international community towards their cause, until a just and lasting solution to their issue is reached in accordance with the relevant international legitimacy resolutions.