General Assembly General Assembly

Mr. Chairman,


Thank you for convening this important meeting today on Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).


2.    I would like to begin by expressing our appreciation and support for the work done by the UNWRA during the last seven decades. We commend the UNRWA for serving Palestinian refugees, now numbering over 5 million, with dedication and diligence.


3.    The refugees have been located in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. India acknowledges and commends the invaluable cooperation extended to UNRWA's work by the host countries.


Mr. Chairman,


4.    Regrettably, an amicable solution to the Palestine Question could not be found and consequently, refugee population's expectation to lead a normal life is also not fulfilled. Instead, the current fragile situation and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East region has compounded the problem of refugees. In this situation, role of UNRWA in providing critical assistance to the Palestinian refugees has assumed even greater significance. UNRWA is also facing unprecedented financial and operational challenges. But despite the challenges, we appreciate that UNRWA has been successfully meeting its mandate.


Mr. Chairman,


5.    From this year onwards, India has decided to enhance its annual contribution to UNRWA to US$ 1.25 million.


6.    I reiterate India's support for the just cause of Palestine and solidarity with the Palestinian people. India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

 
7.    India is also committed to contribute in Palestine's capacity building efforts. Last month, Minister of State for External Affairs Mr. M.J. Akbar visited Palestine for the first meeting of the India-Palestine Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is built to facilitate further cooperation in a range of sectors including Information Technology, Security, Youth Affairs and Sports, Education, Health, Agriculture, Tourism and Culture.


8.    During his visit, foundation stone was laid for a US$ 12 million Techno Park project in Ramallah. The project aims to contribute to Palestine's economy, create jobs for the Palestinian youth and facilitate expertise in the digital sector. Last month, the Government of India also helped set up 2 vocational training centers in Yatta and Hebron. The India­ Palestine Centre for Excellence in ICT and Innovation in Al Quds University, Abu Dees and its satellite Center in Ramallah are fully functional now and in July 2016, the first batch of students graduated from the Center.


Mr. Chairman,


9.    We hope that the outcomes of today's meeting would reassure Palestinian refugees about the continued commitment of the International community to their cause.


I thank you, Mr. Chairman.