Mr. President,Commissioner-General,Dear Colleagues,
At the outset I would like to pay tribute to Commissioner-General Karen Koning AbuZayd for her dedicated leadership. We trust her capacity to handle the organization's challenges for the future and she has our full support. The challenges are not only related to UNRWA's activities. It is equally important to stress the importance of burden-sharing and to mobilize resources among a broader base of donors.
UNRWA has over the past two years gone through an extensive reform process. Hence, we believe it is appropriate to give the new leadership of UNRWA time and space to implement these reforms.
Sustained commitment from the host and donor countries is at the core. The recent decision in the 4th committee to expand the Advisory Commission and the changed format and focus of host- and donor meetings will enhance such commitments. The last host- and donor meeting gathered more than 40 delegations, several UN agencies and non-governmental organizations. Sweden warmly welcomes this trend.
One immediate challenge for UNRWA is to contribute to the creation of employment opportunities and to strengthen the livelihoods of Palestinian refugees living in Gaza. Therefore, Sweden has recently decided to support the Wolfensohn team and the Quick Impact Programs. The Swedish contribution of almost 5 MUSD will be channeled through UNRWA to emphasize the important role played by the agency in this regard.
Sweden is the third largest donor to UNRWA and our core financing has increased steadily over the years. In addition, Sweden has responded positively to most emergency appeals. During 2005 our emergency disbursements have amounted to 12 MUSD.
Sweden's support to UNRWA remains steadfast. For 2006, subject to parliamentary approval, the Swedish core financing to UNRWA will increase from 25 to 28 MUSD.
Finally, I would like to use this opportunity to urge Member States to review their assistance to UNRWA:
those governments that have not yet contributed to UNRWA should reflect on their possibilities to start contributing;
governments that make small contributions in relation to their financial means should consider increasing them;
governments that have made generous contributions in the past should do so also in the future.
I thank you Mr. President.