Holy See urges UN members to continue supporting UNRWA

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia

Source: Holy See Mission

On Friday, 15 November, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the Fourth Committee on Agenda Item 49: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia began by echoing the plea of Pope Francis for "an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. Let us pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace".

Reiterating the unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 and Pope Francis' urgent appeal for the immediate release of all hostages, he expressed profound concern at the catastrophic humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip. In this regard, the Archbishop recalled the immense loss of life and the forced displacement that the conflict has caused, not only in Palestine, but also in Lebanon.

In this challenging situation, the Archbishop voiced the urgency to respect customary international humanitarian law, facilitating the delivery of international aid and ensuring the protection of individuals who are not actively engaged in hostilities as the safeguarding of medical facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship. In this context, he reiterated the importance of the role of UNRWA to alleviate with its activities the suffering of over five million Palestinian refugees, urging at the same time the need for the Agency to remain politically neutral, impartial and effective.

The Archbishop concluded by affirming that undermining UNRWA's mandate not only deprives vulnerable populations of essential support, but also risks weakening the framework of international law and called for the establishment of a just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution.

The for text of the statement follows.

Statement by H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia
Permanent Observer of the Holy See
UNGA 79 - Fourth Committee
Agenda item 49: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
New York, 15 November 2024

Mr Chair,

The ongoing conflict in Israel, Lebanon and Palestine has resulted in a significant escalation in violence, with thousands of innocent lives lost and extensive humanitarian consequences. My Delegation echoes the plea of Pope Francis for "an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. Let us pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace."[1]

Mr Chair,

The Holy See reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 perpetrated by Hamas and other armed groups against the people in Israel. It also renews Pope Francis' urgent appeal for the immediate release of all hostages. The Holy See calls on all parties to act swiftly to restore their freedom.

At the same time, the Holy See expresses profound concern at the catastrophic humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict has caused an extensive loss of life, including the deaths of thousands of innocent Palestinians, many of them children. In addition, hundreds of thousands of families have been forcibly displaced, particularly from the northern Gaza Strip, resulting in a lack of shelter, food, and basic necessities.

The protracted conflict is exerting significant pressure on Lebanon, which was already experiencing political and economic distress. The Country is once again facing the consequences of war and the loss of life. The prevailing circumstances are causing considerable suffering to all Lebanese communities residing in the southern provinces of Lebanon, where there are numerous Christian villages. The Holy See is similarly concerned that in the northern part of Israel several communities are suffering and being displaced due to this protracted conflict.

In this challenging situation, it is crucial that the flow of international aid not only be unhindered but facilitated, so as to ensure that it reaches those in need. In this regard, customary international humanitarian law must be upheld with the utmost respect by all parties. This includes the protection of individuals who are not actively engaged in hostilities and the safeguarding of medical facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship that serve civilians, along with their tangible and intangible assets.

In this context of the current acute crisis, the role of UNRWA is of great importance. Notwithstanding the considerable challenges, the Agency is providing vital assistance in areas such as healthcare, food aid and education to over five million Palestinian refugees in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Therefore, the Holy See urges the international community to continue supporting UNRWA's activities. At the same time it calls on the Agency to remain politically neutral, impartial and effective, with its actions firmly grounded in the principles of human dignity and universal human rights.

It is essential that Member States continue to support UNRWA's mandate and safeguard its role in providing humanitarian assistance and protecting Palestinian refugees. Any efforts to undermine UNRWA's mandate not only deprive vulnerable populations of essential support, but also risk weakening the framework of international law and the UN's broader commitment to a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.

The Holy See firmly believes that the only solution to the suffering of the Palestinians and the Israelis is the establishment of a just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution.

Mr Chair,

Allow me to conclude with the words of Pope Francis: "All of us must work and commit ourselves to achieving a lasting peace, where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel can live side by side, breaking down the walls of enmity and hatred. We must all cherish Jerusalem so that it will become the city of fraternal encounter among Christians, Jews and Muslims, protected by a special internationally guaranteed status."[2]

Thank you, Mr Chair.

[1] Pope Francis, Angelus Prayer, 13 October 2024.
[2] Pope Francis, Address during the Tenth Anniversary of the Invocation for Peace in the Holy Land, 7 June 2024.