UNRWA USA Leads 124 Groups Urging Congress to Restore US Funding for UNRWA

WASHINGTON DC — Yesterday, UNRWA USA led a national coalition of 124 civil society organizations — including refugee, human rights, and humanitarian organizations — sent a letter to members of Congress urging the United States government to restore its funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in line with the forthcoming UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act 2025. The coalition urges: “It is time for the Administration to actively reengage with Congress with the goal of resuming US funding for UNRWA.” 

The United States government, once UNRWA’s leading donor, remains the only UN member state still withholding support from this critical UN humanitarian and human development agency. 

UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA), which supports the work of UNRWA (the UN Agency) through advocacy, education, and fundraising in the United States, spearheaded the coalition alongside partners Refugees International, Friends Committee on National Legislation,Peace Action,Charity & Security Network and other organizations.

The forthcoming, bicameral UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025, led by Senator Peter Welch and Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky, repeals the congressional pause on UNRWA funding and demonstrates the broad support for the Agency in Congress. 

Executive Director Mara Kronenfeld cited the incredible response of the American people through UNRWA USA as yet another important sign of US support for UNRWA.

“The overwhelming support from the American people and our coalition partners sends a clear message: the US must restore funding for UNRWA. In this moment of urgent humanitarian need, our broad coalition demonstrates a shared commitment to human dignity and ensuring lifesaving aid reaches Palestine refugees,” concluded Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA.

To maximize the bill's chances of success, UNRWA USA urges grassroots American advocates to act now by contacting their representatives, voicing their concern for the humanitarian needs and rights of Palestine refugees, and supporting the restoration of US government funding to UNRWA through cosponsorship of forthcoming UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025.

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