Born out of the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, the agency was created by the UN General Assembly to provide emergency assistance to approximately 750,000 Palestinians forcibly displaced from their homes. Over the decades, UNRWA has become one of the world's largest and most critical humanitarian organizations, serving over 5.7 million registered Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza.  

Since its inception, UNRWA has worked tirelessly to ensure access to essential services and aid for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. Over the years, its mandate expanded to include education, employment, and social services, reflecting Palestinian refugees' evolving and complex needs. The agency has become a beacon of hope for millions, embodying a commitment to dignity, rights, and identity amidst hardship.  

UNRWA's role and challenges
 

UNRWA's mission extends beyond providing basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. It addresses the broader aspirations of Palestinian refugees, equipping them with education, vocational training, and opportunities for economic empowerment. Operating over 700 schools and educating more than half a million students, the agency has played a transformative role in preparing generations of Palestinian youth to contribute meaningfully to their communities.  

Equally, its health services have been vital, delivered through a vast network of clinics and mobile health units. These programmes address the unique health challenges faced by Palestinian refugees and have included innovative approaches to mental health and combating infectious diseases, significantly enhancing the well-being of millions.  

Despite its critical work, UNRWA faces immense challenges. It operates under severe financial constraints while enduring persistent political pressure and targeted attacks from the Israeli occupation authorities. This resilience in the face of adversity underscores the agency’s unwavering dedication to the Palestinian refugee community.  

A case for the Nobel Peace Prize
 

In light of its decades-long dedication to humanitarian service and its unwavering advocacy for Palestinian refugees’ rights and dignity, UNRWA is a deserving candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. Such recognition would honour the agency’s noble mission, acknowledge the sacrifices of its staff — many of whom have shared the suffering and loss endured by the very people they serve — and reaffirm the importance of its work in a volatile region.  

UNRWA’s contributions go beyond service provision. By championing the principles of UN Resolution 194, which upholds the right of refugees to return to their homes, the agency has preserved the Palestinian refugee issue on the international agenda. Its efforts to empower refugees through education, ensure access to healthcare, and advocate for justice reflect the core values of peace, coexistence, and human dignity.  

Recognition of UNRWA with the Nobel Peace Prize would not only highlight the agency’s pivotal role in alleviating human suffering but also send a powerful message about the significance of multilateral humanitarian efforts in fostering stability and peace. The agency’s resilience and determination in the face of escalating challenges make it a symbol of hope and justice, especially amid the ongoing tragedy in Gaza.  

Historical precedence and global importance
 

In 2020, the World Food Programme (WFP) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for combating hunger and promoting peace in conflict zones. Similarly, UNRWA’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Palestinian refugees aligns with the principles celebrated by this prestigious award. Its dedication to fostering social stability among host communities and refugees demonstrates its unique role in enhancing peace and security in one of the world's most turbulent regions.  

UNRWA’s enduring legacy as a champion of Palestinian refugees’ rights and dignity underscores its eligibility for the Nobel Peace Prize. Honouring the agency would serve as a testament to the power of humanitarian work in promoting justice, peace, and hope for future generations. It is time to recognize UNRWA’s invaluable contributions to humanity and inspire the world to strive for a fairer and more peaceful future.

​*The writer is a former assistant to the foreign minister