Palestinian Camps And Refugees In Lebanon: Priorities, Challenges And Opportunities Ahead - Ifi Research And Policy Memo #2

Research and Policy Memo #2 | October 2008 Palestinian Camps and Refugees in Lebanon: Priorities, Challenges and Opportunities AheadRichard Cook PrioritiesAs a humanitarian agency, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is not mandated to play a political role. However, it views a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the related refugee crisis as paramount. Until a political solution is found, UNRWA will first and foremost continue to work on improving the status of the Palestinian refugee community in Lebanon. UNRWA’s main priorities are to call for a change in the way Lebanese society—and by extension, the Lebanese government—has traditionally viewed the Palestinians, said Cook. UNRWA should also encourage giving Palestinians access to public services and advocate for better employment opportunities. UNRWA will also have to address its chronic funding problems if it wishes to significantly improve its services.