Sweden has announced a major policy shift, ending its funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) starting in 2025. The decision follows Israel’s recent legislative move to ban UNRWA activities in its territories, a measure that is expected to take effect within 90 days.
Why Sweden is Stopping UNRWA Funding
Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, explained that the Israeli ban would make UNRWA’s work “difficult or impossible” to carry out. Sweden plans to redirect its annual 800 million kronor (approximately $72.4 million) humanitarian aid allocation to other organizations, including:
UNICEF
World Food Program
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
This reallocation aims to ensure continued support for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the wider region while bypassing UNRWA’s operational constraints.
Implications for Palestine Refugees
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed concern about Sweden’s decision, emphasizing its potential to undermine critical education, healthcare, and social services for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA has been instrumental in providing these services across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
In Gaza specifically, UNRWA is not just a key service provider but also the largest employer, playing a vital role in sustaining the region’s fragile economy. The loss of Swedish funding could further exacerbate the agency’s challenges in delivering essential support to vulnerable populations.
Sweden’s Shift Reflects Growing Challenges for UNRWA
For decades, Sweden has been one of UNRWA’s most consistent supporters, investing heavily in development initiatives for Palestinian refugees. This decision marks a significant shift in its foreign aid strategy, reflecting the complex geopolitical realities in the region.
As Sweden prepares to transition its funding, questions remain about how this change will impact the already strained resources of UNRWA and the broader humanitarian situation for Palestine refugees.
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