UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East in 1956–1967: a Case of a Humanitarian Action

Abstract

Following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and the Arab states in 1948, a problem of Arab refugees from Palestine appeared. Presence of a large group of destitute people in such a strategically valuable region was posing a threat to the interests of the Unites States and the United Kingdom pressuring them to conduct measures of humanitarian relief. In 1950 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established to facilitate material and rehabilitative needs of the Palestine refugees. A period of Agency’s history between the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Six-Day War of 1967 was a time of relatively stable and peaceful development. Its works and services were developing in general accordance with trends established in the first half of 1950s. Basic food rations remained the same, while the Agency continued to eliminate more self-sustaining refugees from the ration roll. Building programs took place in the refugee camps, aimed at replacing huts and tents with houses for Palestinians to live in. Public health improved dramatically due to the Agency’s advancements in preventative medicine. By the end of 1950s the UNRWA change its approach to refugees’ rehabilitation and integration in the socio-economic systems of the Arab states bordering Palestine. From 1958 onwards education became a focal point in the Agency’s efforts to ensure refugees’ self-sustenance. Despite visible progress and pragmatic measures, the UNRWA was not able to solve the humanitarian problem. The number of refugees continued to grow in spite of the Agency’s efforts to roll out an effective educational program. One of the primary reasons behind its inability to fully address the issue was lack of finances. Over-reliance on UN member states for funds made it impossible for the Agency to sustain costly operations necessary for full relief and rehabilitation of displaced persons. It is possible that most of the UN member states did not view large donations as a venture worth perusing, forcing UNRWA work with very limited resources.