UNRWA

UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, is a United Nations relief and development agency established in 1949 by General Assembly resolution to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees in the Near East. It operates in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, serving registered refugees and their descendants who meet UNRWA's refugee definition.

Mandate and services: UNRWA's mandate is to provide education, health care, relief and social services, protection, and microfinance to Palestine refugees. Its education program operates schools and training programs; health services emphasize primary care and maternal–child health; relief and social services provide cash assistance, food aid, and social support to vulnerable families. The agency also offers microfinance loans and supports shelter and emergency response during crises.

Governance and funding: The agency's work is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states and other donors, rather than the UN's regular budget. It is headed by a Commissioner-General, appointed by the UN Secretary-General with involvement of member states, and supported by an Advisory Commission comprising donor and host-country representatives.

Relation to broader refugee policy: UNRWA's mandate has been renewed periodically by the UN General Assembly. The agency operates separately from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency for other refugees. Debates surrounding UNRWA often focus on funding levels, political neutrality, and the long-term question of refugee status and its generational scope.