The Maldives has officially announced a donation of $50,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to assist in mitigating the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people.

The announcement was made by Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, during the UNRWA Pledging Conference held at the UN Headquarters on Wednesday. While the Maldives previously contributed an annual sum of $5,000, the government significantly increased this figure to $50,000 starting in 2024 to reflect the worsening situation.

In his address, Dr. Ali Naseer emphasized that the donation represents more than just financial aid; it symbolizes the Maldives’ dedication to upholding international principles and human dignity. He further defended UNRWA against recent allegations, calling on the international community to ensure uninterrupted financial support for the agency to fulfill its essential mandate.

Established by a UN resolution in 1948, UNRWA remains the primary organization providing relief to Palestinian refugees. Despite its small size, the Maldives continues to advocate consistently for Palestinian independence and the protection of their fundamental rights on the global stage.