Kuwait has called on the international community to strengthen protections for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), emphasizing that durable peace in the Middle East hinges on adherence to international law, safeguarding civilians, and the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The appeal was made on Thursday by Fahad Al-Ajmi, First Secretary at Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, during an open Security Council debate focused on the situation in the Middle East. Speaking on behalf of the core group backing the Statement of Shared Commitments on UNRWA, Al-Ajmi highlighted the agency’s critical role over more than 70 years in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.

He warned that UNRWA is facing an unprecedented campaign aimed at limiting its operations and disadvantaging its humanitarian mandate amid rising needs. Al-Ajmi condemned attacks targeting UNRWA staff, facilities, and operations, noting that the deaths of 391 UNRWA personnel represent the largest loss of life among UN humanitarian workers in the organization’s history.

The statement pointed to the destruction and closure of UNRWA schools, health centers, and other vital infrastructure, alongside restrictions impacting the agency’s ability to deliver aid and services. Particular concern was raised regarding efforts to obstruct UNRWA’s work in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, where facilities have reportedly been closed, demolished, or repurposed for military use. Such moves were characterized as violations of the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, undermining protections for humanitarian workers during armed conflict.

Al-Ajmi cautioned that undermining UNRWA’s role would jeopardize essential education, health, relief, and social support for millions of Palestinian refugees. He argued that weakening UNRWA would exacerbate civilian hardship and hamper prospects for stability and peace in the region.

Highlighting the indispensability of the UN system until a just resolution on Palestinian refugees is achieved, Al-Ajmi expressed Kuwait’s full support for UNRWA and its General Assembly mandate. He urged all parties to ensure the agency’s staff, premises, and operations are protected from interference.

Describing support for UNRWA as both a humanitarian obligation and an investment in regional stability and human dignity, Al-Ajmi encouraged the global community to use the forthcoming UNRWA pledging conference in New York to renew and mobilize financial backing for the agency.

He also underscored that any efforts to mediate a two-state solution and lasting peace would be unsuccessful without safeguarding humanitarian institutions that assist civilians and affected communities. According to the core group, UNRWA remains a fundamental element in international endeavors to promote peace, security, and human welfare across the Middle East.