Fiji was one of ten countries — including Israel, the United States and Papua New Guinea — that voted against a UN General Assembly resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and calling for continued assistance to Palestinian refugees.
The vote took place on Wednesday in New York, where the General Assembly’s Fourth Committee adopted the resolution with overwhelming support: 149 countries in favour, 10 against and 13 abstentions.
The resolution renews UNRWA’s mandate until June 30, 2029 and underscores the urgent need to continue providing education, health and humanitarian services to millions of Palestinian refugees.
The Assembly expressed regret that refugees have not been able to return to their homes or receive compensation, noting that their situation remains “deeply concerning.”
It also reaffirmed the essential role of UNRWA’s operations until a just and lasting solution is achieved.
Ahead of the vote, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stressed the agency’s critical role amid ongoing instability in Gaza and rising displacement in the West Bank.
He said adequate funding was vital to safeguard refugees’ rights and livelihoods, and rejected claims that UNRWA had halted operations in Gaza, emphasising that it remains the largest provider of public services there.
