July 1, 2025 – Brasília, Brazil – In a move that highlights its commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian efforts, Brazil has assumed the presidency of the Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The country will hold this position for one year, succeeding Spain.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949, UNRWA is a vital organization that provides education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance to approximately 6 million Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Brazil’s assumption of the presidency marks an important milestone in its engagement with global issues and underscores its dedication to promoting human rights and social justice.
The Advisory Commission plays a crucial role in advising and assisting the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, who is currently the Swiss Philippe Lazzarini. In this capacity, Brazil will contribute to the commission’s efforts to address the complex challenges faced by Palestinian refugees, including their right to return, self-determination, and access to essential services.
Brazil has been a member of the Advisory Commission since 2014 and recognizes the agency’s indispensable role in providing vital support to Palestinian refugees. The country’s presidency reflects its commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and promoting international cooperation on issues of global concern.
Key Priorities for Brazil’s Presidency
- Ensuring continued financial and political support for UNRWA’s activities, which are crucial for addressing the humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees.
- Promoting dialogue and negotiation between parties involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to find a lasting solution to the refugee crisis.
- Fostering international cooperation and solidarity with other countries and organizations engaged in efforts to support UNRWA’s work.
Brazil’s presidency of the Advisory Commission is an important moment for the country to exercise its leadership on the global stage. As a member of the United Nations, Brazil has a critical role to play in promoting international cooperation, respecting human rights, and addressing the complex challenges facing Palestinian refugees worldwide.
Contextualizing Brazil’s Position
The International Landscape
The appointment of Brazil as president of the Advisory Commission is part of a broader trend of increasing engagement by emerging economies in global governance. As countries like Brazil seek to assert their influence on the world stage, they must navigate complex international relationships and competing priorities. For Brazil, its presidency of the Advisory Commission represents an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian causes and promote its values of solidarity and cooperation.
As the world grapples with growing tensions in the Middle East, Brazil’s leadership on this critical issue underscores its role as a champion of human rights and international cooperation. With its presidency set to expire at the end of next year, Brazil will have the chance to leave a lasting legacy in the region and contribute meaningfully to the global effort to address the complex challenges facing Palestinian refugees.