Via Video Conference
Mayor of Gaza Participates in Event on “UNRWA” at the University of Geneva

Municipality Media

The Mayor of Gaza, Dr. Yahya Al-Sarraj, participated in an event on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), organized by the University of Geneva in Switzerland via video conference. The event was attended by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese; Professor of Law at the University of Geneva and UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Nicolas Levrat; and filmmaker Nicola Wadimoff.

Also in attendance were the former Mayor of Geneva and member of the Swiss delegation to the Global Sumud Flotilla (Popular Alliance), Rémy Pagani; member of the Swiss delegation to the Global Sumud Flotilla, Steve Lemerciere; PhD candidate at the University of Geneva specializing in the Middle East, Laura RotaJingua; in addition to Eng. Mohammed Al-Shaqra from the Office of the Mayor, and Julia Goss from the Geneva City Council.

During the event, the Mayor addressed the current humanitarian conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the severe shortage of basic services and Gaza’s urgent need for international and humanitarian assistance, resources, and infrastructure. He stressed the Palestinian people’s right to live with dignity.

For their part, Francesca Albanese and Nicolas Levrat presented legal and human rights perspectives on UNRWA’s mandate and its role in addressing issues related to minorities and refugees. Laura RotaJingua also presented research-based insights on the Middle East context and the ongoing challenges facing Palestinian refugees.

In turn, Rémy Pagani and Steve Lemerciere highlighted the efforts of the Global Sumud Flotilla in advocating for solidarity with Gaza. The event was also framed as an expression of support for the twinning proposal submitted to the Geneva City Council, which aims to establish a sister-city relationship between Geneva and Gaza to enhance cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Julia Goss expressed openness to continuing dialogue and cooperation regarding the twinning initiative.

During the event, a documentary film titled “UNRWA: 75 Years of Temporary History” was screened, addressing the complex role of UNRWA as a “non-political” agency in supporting Palestinian refugees.

Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining awareness of humanitarian needs in Gaza, fostering discussion on international solidarity and potential cooperation through city-level twinning initiatives, and encouraging engagement and advocacy efforts to strengthen support for UNRWA and improve international cooperation.