Maldives Increases UNRWA Funding to USD 50,000

The Government of Maldives has announced an increase in its annual funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), pledging USD 50,000 (MVR 77,000) during the ‘UNRWA Pledge Conference’ at the UN headquarters. 

Maldives’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ali Naseer Mohamed, made this commitment, marking a substantial rise from the previous annual contribution of USD 5,000.

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The announcement follows the successful conclusion of a national telethon titled ‘Dhivehin with Palestine’, initiated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, which raised over MVR 18.4 million and USD 49,800. Ali Naseer Mohamed confirmed that these funds will be directed towards supporting Palestinian refugees through UNRWA.

Highlighting UNRWA’s pivotal role, Ali Naseer Mohammed emphasised its efforts in delivering essential services and emergency assistance to Palestinians. He urged the international community to bolster financial support to sustain these humanitarian efforts.

This decision by the Maldivian government comes amidst recent suspensions of aid to UNRWA by several countries, stemming from allegations linking UNRWA employees to attacks by Hamas last October. These allegations were later refuted, prompting some nations to resume their support.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has advocated for continuous aid to UNRWA, emphasising its critical humanitarian mission.