The Joint Committee for Refugees in the Gaza Strip has issued a stern warning regarding the potential consequences of restructuring measures and staff terminations implemented by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). In a statement released on Saturday, the committee emphasized that any interference with essential services or the employment rights of workers would exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian refugees amidst the difficult humanitarian conditions currently prevailing in the sector.
Expressing deep concern over recent developments within UNRWA, the committee highlighted ongoing layoffs and reductions affecting both employees and operational programs. It specifically pointed to recent measures targeting the Microfinance and Development Directorate as evidence of this trend. The committee stressed that the financial crisis facing the agency must not transform into a crisis of services and rights, arguing that it is unjust for employees and Palestinian refugees to bear the repercussions of such institutional challenges.
Warning that continued restructuring without transparency or participation from employee and refugee representatives threatens UNRWA’s ability to fulfill its mandate, the committee called for an immediate halt to any procedures impacting basic services or job security. It demanded that the rights of terminated employees be guaranteed according to existing regulations and urged the agency to clearly announce its restructuring plans, including their criteria, stages, and impacts.
The committee further insisted on involving representatives of employees and refugees in decisions concerning the future of the agency and its services, while advocating for the retention of qualified human resources. It appealed to the United Nations and donor nations to assume their political and financial responsibilities by providing sustainable funding for UNRWA. The statement clarified that UNRWA is not merely a service provider but a UN agency whose mandate is directly linked to the cause of Palestinian refugees, which remains valid until June 30, 2029, pursuant to a General Assembly resolution.
Emphasizing that Gaza requires an expansion of education, health, relief, and protection services rather than reductions due to growing social and humanitarian needs, the committee rejected attempts to undermine UNRWA’s role or impose the costs of its financial crisis on refugees and staff. It affirmed that supporting UNRWA does not replace the right of return but serves as a necessary measure until a just and permanent solution is reached based on relevant UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 194.
