STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR MOHD FAIZAL RAZALI
REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
AT THE FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE GENERAL DEBATE ON
ITEM 46 – UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE
REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST
7 NOVEMBER 2022, NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
2. Malaysia values the important role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The unwavering commitment and exceptional work carried out by UNRWA has provided vital assistance and protection to 5.8 million Palestinian refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Mr. Chair,
3. Malaysia is deeply concerned over the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory highlighted in the report of the UNRWA Commissioner-General A/77/13*. In 2021, the number of confrontations between the Israeli security forces and Palestinian civilians had increased by 80 percent in West Bank, compared to 2020. The increase in violent attacks and the loss and damages to infrastructures have severely disrupted the Agency’s ability in providing basic services to Palestinians particularly in health and education.
4. Malaysia is equally concerned and reiterates its strong condemnation of Israel’s flagrant violations, including the imposition of restriction of movement of UNRWA personnel and goods in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The various charges imposed on UNRWA in the handling the shipments and other logistical requirements, poses serious impediments to humanitarian assistance and put a further strain on the financial situation of the Agency.
Mr. Chair,
5. Malaysia remains steadfast with the international community to stand in solidarity with our Palestinians brothers and sisters. This must be our collective responsibility to alleviate the sufferings especially of the most vulnerable segment of the Palestinian people.
6. Malaysia has been a firm supporter and regular contributor to the Palestinian cause within its means and financial ability. Over the years, Malaysia has consistently rendered assistance and contributions to the Government and the people of Palestine, both financially and in kind, including through UNRWA. In 2021, Malaysia pledged a long-term contribution of USD 1 million for 5 years in support of predictable and sustainable funding for UNRWA.
7. Malaysia is concerned with the continued financial crisis of UNWRA. We commend the efforts undertaken by UNRWA to improve its operational efficiency and in mobilising stakeholders to address the Agency’s financial shortfall. In this regard, Malaysia hopes that all countries would be able to assist UNRWA to enable it to carry out its important mandate.
Mr. Chair,
8. Malaysia continues to support the work and mandate of UNRWA and we remain convinced that the Agency plays a pivotal role in preserving the rights and dignity of the Palestine refugees. Therefore, my delegation wishes to reaffirm its support to the three-year mandate renewal of the Agency and calls upon other Member States to do the same. The renewal of the UNRWA’s mandate by the General Assembly is pertinent to enable it to continue fulfilling its important and noble role in providing vital services to the Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution is reached.
9. To conclude, Malaysia would like to reaffirm its long-standing position to the plight of the Palestinian people. Malaysia calls on the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
I thank you.