PARIS: Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, visited France for the first time as the agency’s chief.
During his two-day visit, Lazzarini met with high-level French government officials, as well as members of the National Assembly, the Senate, and civil society.
“We are very grateful for France’s robust financial and political support to (Palestinian) refugees. As a member of the Security Council and a strong contributor to multilateralism, humanitarian and development action, France is one of UNRWA’s major and long-standing partners since 1949,” Lazzarini said.
“The increased support of the French government to the agency’s services in education and health in 2023 ... across the region is even more relevant in Lebanon, where almost every Palestine refugee lives in poverty,” he added.
Lazzarini met with the French foreign affairs minister, ministry directors, the French president’s Middle East adviser, and lawmakers and senators to discuss the region and the role of UNRWA.
During a visit to the Institut du Monde Arabe, the commissioner-general discussed potential partnerships with the institute’s director, particularly in light of the current exhibition highlighting Palestinian arts and culture. He also spoke with a group of academics and journalists who are experts on the region’s geopolitics.
The meetings focused on exploring ways to strengthen UNRWA’s partnership with France and ensure the agency can continue providing essential services. All discussions focused on the rights of Palestine refugees to a dignified existence and basic amenities.
