Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Thank you Mr. President.

We thank Algeria for organizing this debate and Commissioner Lazzarini and Mr. Egeland for their contributions.

Mr. President,

UNRWA has been at the center of our discussions for many months now. With its unique mandate, UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinian refugees, the social fabric of its areas of operation and a backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. It has become a factor of regional stability and an expression of our joint commitment to finding a political solution to the conflict. It was created to protect and assist Palestine refugees until a just and lasting solution to their plight was found. The Agency remains essential. 

It is for these reasons we continue calling for the strengthening of the Agency, including through the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Colonna report.

It is also for these reasons Slovenia has spoken against the legislation since it was in preparatory phase. Slovenia condemned its adoption in October last year. Its implementation would have catastrophic consequences. Why?

One: this legislation undermines the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Gaza is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis marking our generation and UNRWA helps people in Gaza to survive. As the backbone of the humanitarian response, UNRWA is essential to scaling up the delivery of humanitarian aid, including now with the critical opportunity presented by the ceasefire.

Two: this legislation undermines the recovery of Gaza and the quality of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The people of Gaza have lost far too much. Once the humanitarian situation improves, the role of the Agency will remain essential to continue providing government-like services. UNRWA needs to continue helping to provide opportunities for Palestinians to build a better life.

The ceasefire is a stepping stone to lasting peace, and UNRWA is crucial in supporting that peace both in the short and long term. UNRWA is indispensable on the path to the two state-solution. Yet, let me be clear: it cannot and should not be permanent, as stipulated in its mandate defined by the General Assembly. Once a political solution is achieved, its services will eventually need to be transferred to the Palestinian Government.

Three: this legislation offers no alternative. There is no alternative to the Agency, not in spirit, not in practice. In relation to opposing claims, it is necessary to underline that Israel has not demonstrated that there could be an alternative, clearly showing no intention of doing so. We continue underlining Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian and international human rights law. The Secretary-General’s letter of 9 December is clear: in the event that UNRWA is compelled to cease its activities in the OPT, Israel would be left to ensure that the range of services and assistance which UNRWA has been providing are provided. Regrettably, we have not heard any such assurances from the Israeli government.

Four: this legislation would undermine the United Nations and the support of Member States to Palestinian refugees. We underline our concern over any attempt to dismantle a UN agency and the impact of this action on the work of the United Nations in the field as a whole. UNRWA is an agency which is mandated by the decision of the UN General Assembly. Supported by over 150 countries.

More than 150 countries who want to help Palestinian refugees and not attack any particular country. However, this will of the international community should not be undermined or disregarded by the occupying power. Yet, this legislation inevitably shrinks operational space for humanitarian action.

Five: this legislation can affect regional stability. Throughout the decades of its work, UNRWA has provided unmatched scale of services, experiences and access, enjoying the trust of the beneficiaries who access its tailored assistance. This is true for Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as it is the case for the other three areas of its operation. After a spiral of violence and escalations, we need to do everything to stabilize this part of the world, not further jeopardize it. Further entrenching the suffering of Palestinians will not bring us any closer to peace.

Mr. President,

Slovenia looks forward to the day when UNRWA’s services are no longer needed – a time when Palestinians live in their own state, and both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully and securely next to one another.

However, until that day arrives, the challenges remain urgent. And UNRWA’s work essential. We once again call on the Israeli government to refrain from implementing the legislation, as it risks undermining both the progress made and the future we still hope to build.

I thank you Mr. President.

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