Concerns Aired about UNRWA’s Budget Deficit in Fifth Committee – Press Release (Excerpts)

SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION, 7TH MEETING (AM)
GA/AB/4295
22 OCTOBER 2018

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Turning to the finances of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Group was very concerned that the relief Agency was facing a deficit of $446 million in 2018, including $49 million dating back to 2017.  The Group noted the Board’s recommendations and emphasized that austerity measures are not the only path to help the Agency deliver on its mandates.

In laying out the Board’s recommendations, Ms. Parama Sen, Director of External Audit (India), and Chair of the Audit Operations Committee of the Board of Auditors, said the increased deficit in UNRWA stems from $400 million in suspended contributions from a major donor in 2017 and 2018.  The situation threatens the Agency’s ability to deliver its core mandate to Palestine refugees.  As a short‑term solution, the Agency has requested advance payment from its donors to finance core operations for 2018 and launched an internal campaign task force to mobilize resources.

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UNRWA continues to face financial difficulties to achieve its mandate of servicing Palestine refugees due to $400 million in suspended contributions from a major donor in 2017 and 2018.  As a short‑term solution, the Agency has requested advance payment from its donors to finance core operations for 2018 and launched internal campaign task force to mobilize resources.

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MOHAMED FOUAD (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China…said the Group takes note with serious concern the financial situation of UNRWA, which has a projected overall 2018 deficit of $446 million, including $49 million dating back to 2017.  The Group notes the Board of Auditors’ recommendations and emphasizes that austerity measures are not the only path for that Agency to deliver on its mandates.

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For information media. Not an official record.