Amman, Nov. 18 (Petra) – The Department of Palestinian Affairs on Tuesday held the coordinating meeting of host countries for Palestinian refugees, chaired by the department’s Director General, Rafiq Khirfan, with representatives from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and the Arab League.
Khirfan said the meeting follows the recommendation of the 69th session of the Conference of Supervisors of Palestinian Affairs in Host Arab Countries, held in Cairo in 2003, which called for continued coordination meetings among host countries.
He noted that the meeting aims to harmonize Arab positions and develop a unified vision on issues, particularly the financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the impact of its unprecedented fiscal crisis on its services and programs, before the UNRWA Advisory Commission session, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Amman.
Khirfan stressed that Jordan, under Hashemite leadership, will not relinquish the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, nor the rights of Palestinian refugees, describing these rights as a responsibility the Hashemites have carried through generations.
He affirmed that Jordan will not accept ending UNRWA’s mandate as the symbol and witness to the refugee cause until refugees obtain all their rights in accordance with international legitimacy.
Participants discussed key items on the Advisory Commission’s agenda, foremost the agency’s financial situation, underscoring the need to mobilize financial support to bridge the deficit.
They expressed their rejection of any cuts to services provided to refugees due to the severe humanitarian and social consequences such reductions would have on refugee communities. Participants also stressed the need for the UN General Assembly to renew UNRWA’s mandate without amendment or reduction, as this reaffirms international commitment to the refugee issue and the right of return under Resolution 194.
They emphasized the importance of sustained political and financial support to UNRWA, especially amid the unprecedented challenges it faces, including funding shortages and attempts to undermine its role through politicization or delegitimization.
//Petra// AO
