NEW YORK: Pakistan has highlighted the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) enduring support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
In a statement at the UN General Assembly’s informal plenary meeting, Pakistan Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Acting Chairperson of the OIC Munir Akram reiterated the steadfast commitment to upholding the rights of Palestinian refugees including their right to return.
Expressing gratitude to the President for convening the meeting to discuss UNRWA, Ambassador Munir Akram appreciated Commissioner General Lazzarini for his important briefing.
He loudly appreciated UNRWA for its crucial role in providing services and relief to the distressed people of Gaza.
He commended UNRWA’s role as a lifeline for Palestinian refugees over the past seventy-five years, providing crucial humanitarian relief to millions, despite the ongoing brutal onslaught by Israeli troops.
The OIC is unanimous in its view that the UN Security Council has failed to discharge its primary duty under the Charter to halt the Israeli atrocities against the Palestinians.
My complete statement in UNGA that I delivered as acting Chair of @OICatUN https://t.co/zlWs35q1U4
— Munir Akram, PR of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanPR_UN) March 5, 2024
Pakistan Envoy Emphasizes Uninterrupted Funds for Palestinians
Emphasizing the urgent need for sustained funding for UNRWA, the Pakistani envoy urged donors to reconsider their decision to suspend funds.
He also urged for decisive action to hold Israel accountable for its human rights violations and war crimes in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Akram demanded an immediate ceasefire and the provision of emergency humanitarian aid to the war-hit people of Gaza, facilitated by UNRWA.