In recent news, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), has commended India’s monetary contribution which has been pivotal in maintaining its essential services amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
India’s Contribution to UNRWA
India’s government demonstrated solidarity by donating USD 2 million to the UNRWA. This generous act was aimed at supporting the core programmes and services of the agency, such as education and public health. A significant escalation was noted in India’s annual contributions to the UNRWA; a rise from USD 1.25 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2019. An additional pledge of USD 5 million for 2020 was made, elevating India’s chances of becoming a member of the agency’s advisory commission. In addition to these financial contributions, India is procuring medical supplies for Palestinians.
About United Nations Relief and Works Agency
Initiated by the General Assembly in 1949, the UNRWA is a dedicated United Nations agency. The organization is committed to assisting Palestinian refugees in their human development and relief across five key areas of operation. These comprises of education, healthcare, relief, and social services, camp infrastructure and improvements, protection, and microfinance. The agency’s mission focuses on aiding Palestine refugees residing in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip respectively. Predominantly funded by voluntary donations and financial support, Palestine refugees are categorized as individuals who held normal residence in Palestine during the period of 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and suffered loss of both home and livelihood due to the 1948 conflict.
India-Palestine Development Partnership
Throughout history, strong ties have flourished between India and Palestine, with 17 agreements being signed under the India-Palestine development partnership across various fields including agriculture, healthcare, information technology, youth affairs, consular affairs, women empowerment, and media. These agreements will provide assistance of around USD 72 million for several projects such as reconstructing Gaza post the 2014 war, establishing schools, creating an Excellence Center for Information and Communication Technologies at Al-Quds University, and developing a satellite center in Ramallah.
India’s Role in Palestine Issues
In March 2020, a delegation from the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) visited India, with the intent to engage India in resolving the Palestine question. India has repeatedly expressed its support for the Two-State solution concerning the Israel-Palestine issue.
India’s Stance on International Votes
In June 2019, India backed a decision introduced by Israel in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) challenging the consultative status granted to a Palestinian non-governmental organization. A year prior, India had voted in favor of Palestine pertaining to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution to investigate the indiscriminate use of force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians. In line with the Link West Policy, India de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018, treating both countries as mutually independent and exclusive. Despite supporting the probe, India abstained from voting against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.