United Nations – Meeting between Mme Catherine Colonna and Mr Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (27 June 2023)

Mme Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting on 27 June 2023 with Mr Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

They discussed the worrying situation of Palestinian refugees in the region, whose food insecurity and malnutrition have been further aggravated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Minister reaffirmed France’s support for UNRWA, whose action in providing humanitarian aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees is essential, particularly in terms of health and education. Through its action, UNRWA contributes to the region’s stability, for which a just and agreed settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation of refugees is necessary.

France has increased its contribution in recent years. It is the sixth-largest contributor to UNRWA’s budget in 2023 and will continue this financial support over the coming years.