Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR14

Introduced
3/1/24  
Introduced
3/1/24  

Caption

Urging The President Of The United States To Promptly Reinstate Funding For The United Nations Relief And Works Agency For Palestine Refugees In The Near East To Support Its Lifesaving And Critical Humanitarian Assistance Programs To Palestinian Refugees.

Impact

The implications of SR14 are significant as they call upon the U.S. administration to reconsider its previous suspension of funding to UNRWA, which occurred in January 2023 due to allegations against some of its staff. The resolution highlights the severe impact this funding cessation has had on the agency's ability to operate effectively, as regular monthly budgets were disrupted amidst rising needs in Gaza. This funding is essential for maintaining the salaries of UNRWA's employees who deliver educational, healthcare, and sanitation services to the refugees.

Summary

Senate Resolution 14 (SR14) from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii urges the President of the United States to promptly restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This resolution seeks to revive financial support that is critical for the agency's humanitarian assistance programs, which provide essential services such as food, health care, and emergency relief to Palestinian refugees. The backing for this resolution arises from the ongoing humanitarian crises faced by Palestinian individuals and families amid escalating conflicts, leading to widespread displacement and suffering since UNRWA's inception in 1949.

Contention

While the resolution aims to reinstate critical financial support for humanitarian operations, it may face political contention, particularly concerning the allegations against UNRWA employees. The U.S. government's reluctance to release funds may stem from concerns about accountability and the potential misuse of resources. This resolution, therefore, not only emphasizes a humanitarian cause but also poses questions regarding U.S. foreign policy and its approach to international aid, showcasing the balance that needs to be struck between supporting humanitarian efforts and addressing security concerns.

Companion Bills

HI HR25

Same As Urging The President Of The United States To Increase Ongoing Humanitarian Aid To Palestine Through The United Nations Children's Fund And World Food Programme.

HI SCR22

Same As Urging The President Of The United States To Promptly Reinstate Funding For The United Nations Relief And Works Agency For Palestine Refugees In The Near East To Support Its Lifesaving And Critical Humanitarian Assistance Programs To Palestinian Refugees.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR22

Urging The President Of The United States To Promptly Reinstate Funding For The United Nations Relief And Works Agency For Palestine Refugees In The Near East To Support Its Lifesaving And Critical Humanitarian Assistance Programs To Palestinian Refugees.

HI HCR36

Urging The President Of The United States To Increase Ongoing Humanitarian Aid To Palestine Through The United Nations Children's Fund And World Food Programme.

HI HR25

Urging The President Of The United States To Increase Ongoing Humanitarian Aid To Palestine Through The United Nations Children's Fund And World Food Programme.

HI HR1231

Recognizing the Nakba and Palestinian refugees' rights.

HI HR0213

NAKBA/PALESTINIAN REFUGEES

HI HR409

Recognizing the ongoing Nakba and Palestinian refugees' rights.

HI SR178

Denouncing Russia's Actions Causing A Humanitarian Crisis In Ukraine And Urging The United States Congress To Take Concrete Action To Support Ukrainian Refugees And To Increase The Refugee Limits For The United States And Increase Funding Related To Those Efforts.

HI SCR185

Denouncing Russia's Actions Causing A Humanitarian Crisis In Ukraine And Urging The United States Congress To Take Concrete Action To Support Ukrainian Refugees And To Increase The Refugee Limits For The United States And Increase Funding Related To Those Efforts.

HI HCR158

Denouncing Russia's Actions Causing A Humanitarian Crisis In Ukraine And Urging The United States Congress To Take Concrete Action To Support Ukrainian Refugees And To Increase The Refugee Limits For The United States And Increase Funding Related To Those Efforts.

HI HR158

Denouncing Russia's Actions Causing A Humanitarian Crisis In Ukraine And Urging The United States Congress To Take Concrete Action To Support Ukrainian Refugees And To Increase The Refugee Limits For The United States And Increase Funding Related To Those Efforts.

Similar Bills

HI HR25

Urging The President Of The United States To Increase Ongoing Humanitarian Aid To Palestine Through The United Nations Children's Fund And World Food Programme.

HI SCR22

Urging The President Of The United States To Promptly Reinstate Funding For The United Nations Relief And Works Agency For Palestine Refugees In The Near East To Support Its Lifesaving And Critical Humanitarian Assistance Programs To Palestinian Refugees.

HI HCR36

Urging The President Of The United States To Increase Ongoing Humanitarian Aid To Palestine Through The United Nations Children's Fund And World Food Programme.

MD SJ5

Supporting a Long-Term Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine

MD HJ2

Supporting a Long-Term Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine

DE HR26

Recognizing The Genocide And Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza And Calling On The Biden Adminstration And Federal Delegation From Delaware To Support A Permanent And Lasting Ceasefire.

HI HCR215

Urging The President Of The United States And The United States Congress To Call For An Immediate And Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza; Facilitate The De-escalation Of, And End To, Hostilities; And Provide To The Area Fuel, Food, Water, Medical Supplies, And Other Forms Of Humanitarian Relief.

HI HR195

Urging The President Of The United States And The United States Congress To Call For An Immediate And Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza; Facilitate The De-escalation Of, And End To, Hostilities; And Provide To The Area Fuel, Food, Water, Medical Supplies, And Other Forms Of Humanitarian Relief.