OPEN LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN MINISTER – URGENT DEMAND TO REINSTATE THE UNRWA FUNDING

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN MINISTER

URGENT DEMAND TO REINSTATE THE UNRWA FUNDING

Nearly 90 Muslim organisations from across the country undersigned an Open letter to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister demanding to reinstate the UNRWA funding. The Open Letter was prepared by the Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) with the support of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) and other prominent Muslim organisations.

The Open letter expressed deep concerns and disappointment over the Australian Government’s recent decision to suspend funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This decision significantly undermines vital humanitarian support in Gaza, a region already facing severe crisis and human catastrophe.

The Open Letter also quoted the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has appealed to the countries, including Australia, that suspended funding to the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) to reconsider their decisions, referring to the tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalised.

The letter also mentions, “The suspension of funding to UNRWA will have catastrophic effects on over 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, particularly the 2 million in the Gaza Strip who rely on UNRWA’s assistance for survival.”

The Open Letter and undersigned organisations urged and demanded the Australian Government to reconsider its decision and immediately reinstate UNRWA funding, fulfilling its moral and legal obligations to support those in dire need in Gaza and avoiding further escalation of the humanitarian crises in Gaza.