Commissioner-General of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) Pierre Krahenbuhl slammed on Tuesday the politicized nature of the U.S. decision to dramatically slash funding to the organization warning this could lead to rising instability.
The American decision to reduce funding for UNRWA this year by $300 million “has a political dimension that I think should be avoided” he warned according to AFP.
Krahenbuhl’s comments came as he issued an emergency appeal for more than $800 million in funds to provide additional assistance to “Palestinian refugees”.
“It is very clear the decision by the U.S. was not related to our performance” Krahenbuhl said stressing the “imperative to preserve and ensure that humanitarian funding is preserved from politicization”.
“The whole point of supporting communities in very difficult conflict environments is that one doesn’t have to agree with anyone’s leadership. One is concerned with the well-being … of communities” he said adding that UNRWA provides essential services to some 5.3 million Palestinian refugees across Jordan Lebanon Syria and Palestine.
“It is not the first time in our long and proud history that we face challenges of this nature but it is in financial terms the most serious financial crisis ever in the history of this agency” he added.
Cuts to these and other services for populations often already in dire need and lacking any possibilities to move or to improve their situations could be a recipe for disaster warned Krahenbuhl.
“There is no doubt that if no solution is found to the shortfall… then there will be increased instability” Krahenbuhl said adding “Cutting and reducing funding to UNRWA is not good for regional stability.”
Following the US move UNRWA last week launched a global fundraising campaign titled “Dignity is Priceless” to help fill the gaps.
Krahenbuhl said other donor countries were rushing to provide their donations early to ensure services could continue while the organization works to bring in more cash.
The United States which has by far been UNRWA’s largest donor announced this month it will be contributing just $60 million to the organization’s 2018 budget down from $360 million last year.
The American cut came following recent tweets by President Donald Trump in which he questioned the wisdom of aid to the Palestinians given their refusal to resume peace talks with the Israeli occupation.
