"The Indonesian government stated a new commitment in the form of increasing regular voluntary contributions by US$1.2 million per year starting in 2024," according to a written statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (July 14).
The ministry said the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the UN, Ambassador Armanatha Nasir, delivered the statement at the UNRWA "Pledging Conference" at the UN Headquarters in New York on July 12.
In addition to the promise to increase the annual contribution, Indonesia is committed to providing a grant of US$2 million to help meet needs in the "UNRWA Flash Appeal" from April to December 2024.
"Indonesia also expressed its commitment to seeking innovative funding for UNRWA, including involving the Indonesian community through exploring partnerships with zakat management institutions," the ministry stated.
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The "Pledging Conference" was held to collect additional financial contributions to support UNRWA's role in carrying out its mandate to serve 5.9 million Palestinian refugees spread across five regions: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
At the meeting opened by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and the importance of complying with international law.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, in a briefing delivered on the agenda, also elaborated on the operational challenges faced by his side and sought political support from the international community for the continuation of the UN agency's work.
Meanwhile, representatives of the 62 countries participating in the conference also expressed recognition and support for UNRWA's role for the Palestinian people and regional security, calling for a ceasefire and de-escalation of the conflict.
The countries participating in the conference also urged Israel to no longer obstruct UNRWA's work throughout the Gaza region.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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