VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi emphasized that Indonesia has always supported the activities of the UN Agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The Foreign Minister also expressed concern about the attitude of the international community which seems to regard the fate of Palestinian refugees as normal.

"Even though Palestinian refugees have the right to enjoy life like the life we ​​live," said Foreign Minister Retno at the Ministerial Meeting on UNRWA in New York, United States, Thursday (22/09/2022), quoted by RRI.co.id from the page. Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saturday (24/09/2022).

On that basis, the Foreign Minister invited the international community to work together to help UNRWA, especially since the agency is currently dealing with around five million Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA, or United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, started its activities in 1950. They help Palestinians displaced by the creation of Israel and UNRWA is currently experiencing financial difficulties.

In order to find a solution to UNRWA's difficulties, a ministerial level meeting was held. The meeting was co-chaired by the Swedish Foreign Minister, Anne Linde, and the Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi.

Indonesia has always provided support for the extension of UNRWA's mandate and financial contributions. In this regard, Indonesia supports the Secretary-General's plan to increase UNRWA's budget through mandatory contributions.

The Foreign Minister closed his statement by stressing that support for UNRWA is part of efforts to make a peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue. (RRI)