Damascus – Action Group
The UN Secretary-General warned that the agency is nearing a “breaking point” due to a worsening funding crisis, with a deficit estimated at around $100 million. This threatens the continuation of essential services provided to millions of Palestinian refugees, including those in Syria
Guterres made these remarks during a meeting of the UN General Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA, where he emphasized that the well-being of millions of Palestinian refugees is now contingent upon securing urgent funding to ensure the agency’s continued operation in its five fields of operation.
The Secretary-General explained that the agency has implemented a series of austerity measures to reduce expenses, including shortening service hours, freezing international positions, and cutting the salaries of local staff. However, these measures have not been sufficient to address the existing financial shortfall, which continues to impede its ability to meet its operational obligations.
The crisis is particularly critical for Palestinian refugees in Syria, many of whom rely on UNRWA services in education, healthcare, and social relief, given the ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges they face.
Guterres noted that the agency is a cornerstone of humanitarian services for more than 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, warning that the ongoing financial crisis could negatively impact the sustainability of these services, particularly given the increasing humanitarian needs in the agency’s areas of operation.
The Secretary-General explained that the financial pledges received by UNRWA for 2025 covered only a portion of its needs, with pledges totaling $878 million and actual disbursements reaching only $839 million, while the agency’s total funding requirements ⁶are estimated at approximately $3.3 billion.
Guterres called on UN member states to provide urgent financial support to the agency, emphasizing that the continued operation of UNRWA is essential to ensuring the continuation of humanitarian services for Palestinian refugees in all its areas of operation.