The Arab Employees Union at UNRWA – W Bank Region warned that the agency’s escalating financial crisis is no longer merely a temporary funding shortfall, but is directly affecting employees and the quality of services provided to Palestinian refugees.
The Union noted that 2026 has witnessed a series of austerity measures, including a 20% reduction in working hours and salaries, the termination of contracts and services for hundreds of employees across various sectors, as well as the suspension of the currency exchange allowance for West Bank employees, further increasing their financial burdens.
The Union also pointed out that statements made by UNRWA’s senior management throughout the year confirmed the continuation of the agency’s financial deficit and raised the possibility of further staff reductions and a reassessment of the agency’s size and service delivery model, amid the absence of sufficient and sustainable funding.
The Union firmly rejected any attempt to make employees bear the consequences of the financial crisis or to use the budget deficit as a justification for undermining job security, rights, and trade union gains. It stressed that protecting employees’ rights is directly linked to safeguarding UNRWA and ensuring the continuation of its humanitarian role and commitment to Palestinian refugees.
The Union called for intensified trade union and international efforts to secure the necessary funding for the agency, ensuring the continuity of its vital services, preserving its human resources, and maintaining its ability to fulfil its UN mandate.
