Doha: The United Nations denied any intention to change the mandate granted to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by the General Assembly, following the appointment of Ian Martin as Head of the Strategic Assessment of UNRWA.

According to Qatar News Agency, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric stated in a press release that UNRWA is not being singled out, despite operating in a unique environment. He highlighted the financial pressures on the organization and the security situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank as significant challenges faced by UNRWA.

Dujarric emphasized that the strategic assessment is not aimed at altering UNRWA’s mandate, which is set by the General Assembly. Instead, the focus is on determining how UNRWA can effectively serve Palestine refugees and the communities in a complex environment. He underscored the importance of UNRWA functioning optimally amidst these challenges to continue assisting those in need.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently appointed Ian Martin to lead the Strategic Assessment as part of his UN80 initiative. This initiative seeks to modernize the UN’s structures, priorities, and operations for the 21st century. Martin’s role involves reviewing UNRWA’s impact, mandate implementation, and the constraints it faces, while identifying potential actions for Member States and the United Nations.

Martin brings experience from previous strategic reviews, including his role as Lead of the Independent Strategic Review of the United Nations Mission in Somalia and his membership in the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations.