Challenges Facing Palestine Refugees in Changing Circumstances

At a breakfast seminar at Fafo Friday 12 May 2006 Ms. Karen Koning AbuZayd, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, spoke about the challenges facing Palestine refugees in changing circumstances.

The Hamas-led Palestinian Authority government is facing an international boycott and the likelihood that, as international support to PA salaries begins to dry up, the social and economic conditions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip will deteriorate. International donors indicate they will continue supporting Palestinians, but will shift aid flows from support to the PA to humanitarian assistance and the United Nations.

Camp refugees are among the most vulnerable in Palestinian society, and UNRWA is one of the most important providers of services to Palestinians.