Pax Christi USA endorses letter to Congress urging restoration of UNRWA aid

On 3 March, Pax Christi USA joined a national coalition of 124 civil society organizations - including refugee, human rights, and humanitarian organizations - in signing a letter to members of Congress urging the US government to restore its funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in line with the forthcoming UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act 2025.

The US government, once UNRWA's leading donor, remains the only UN member state still withholding support from this critical UN humanitarian and human development agency.

The Israeli lawmaking body, the Knesset, passed laws banning contact with UNRWA and banning UNRWA from operating in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Israeli authorities have denied visas for international UNRWA staff since January 30, 2025 and enforced the law banning contact with UNRWA, impeding agency activities and deconfliction.

The UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA), which supports the work of UNRWA (the UN Agency) through advocacy, education, and fundraising in the United States, spearheaded the coalition.

The forthcoming, bicameral UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025, led by Sen Peter Welch (D-VT) and Reps. André Carson (D-IN), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), repeals the congressional pause on UNRWA funding and demonstrates the broad support for the Agency in Congress.

"The overwhelming support from the American people and our coalition partners sends a clear message: the US must restore funding for UNRWA. In this moment of urgent humanitarian need, our broad coalition demonstrates a shared commitment to human dignity and ensuring lifesaving aid reaches Palestine refugees," said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA.

For our American readers:

To maximize the bill's chances of success, please use this link to contact your member of Congress, and voice your concern for the humanitarian needs and rights of Palestine refugees, and supporting the restoration of US government funding to UNRWA through cosponsorship of forthcoming UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025.

Read the letter to Congress HERE