Full formOrganisations
UNRWAstands forUnited Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Full Form of UNRWA
What is UNRWA?
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established in 1949 to provide relief, education, healthcare, and social services to Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Unlike other UN refugee agencies, UNRWA focuses exclusively on Palestinian refugees and operates through a network of schools, clinics, and distribution centres. In the Indian context, UNRWA is significant in foreign policy discussions as India has historically supported the Palestinian cause and contributes modestly to the agency’s budget. The agency is often mentioned in Indian civil services exams, especially in international relations and current affairs sections, when discussing the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, UN resolutions, or humanitarian aid mechanisms. UNRWA’s mandate is periodically renewed by the UN General Assembly, making it a recurring topic in diplomatic debates. Its operations are funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from member states, and funding cuts by major donors frequently generate global headlines, thereby appearing in Indian news analyses. For UPSC and other competitive exams, understanding UNRWA’s role, its criticism from certain quarters, and its importance in the broader Middle East peace process is considered essential.
UNRWA का फुल फॉर्म
संयुक्त राष्ट्र राहत और कार्य एजेंसी (फिलिस्तीनी शरणार्थियों के लिए निकट पूर्व में)
Example
India announced a contribution of $5 million to UNRWA for the 2023–2024 fiscal year to support its education and health programmes for Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of UNRWA?
The full form of UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
What does UNRWA do in the Middle East?
UNRWA provides education, primary healthcare, social services, and emergency relief to Palestine refugees across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Is India a donor to UNRWA?
Yes, India has been a regular donor to UNRWA for many years, contributing funds to support its education and health programmes for Palestinian refugees.