established as a UN operational body based on the principle of specialty.8 This effectively absolved international will to implement Resolution 194 in light of the deficient political will of its member states. In other words, the (lack of) political will of the members of the UNCCP impeded its functions and the organization could not independently fulfil its mandate. This situation soon deteriorated exponentially in the wake of the UNCCP’s expanding and multiple tasks, which eventually overlapped with UNRWA’s functions. Combined with insufficient resources, the UNCCP was transformed into a nominal body that was functionally ineffective.9 For almost seventy years, this protection framework has failed due to UNCCP’s ceased operations, UNRWA’s limited mandate, and UNHCR’s failure to fulfil its obligations. As a result, the protection framework designed especially for Palestinian refugees does not meet the minimum international standards for protection. 4. Enabling UNRWA to fulfil its mandate is not charity, but an international responsibility a) b) c) 8 9 10 UNRWA is mandated to provide humanitarian aid, which is one of the three pillars of the comprehensive protection (legal, humanitarian and physical). However, the Agency’s mandate is limited as it is not permitted to intervene with states to ensure respect for refugees’ rights, to protect refugee and IDP properties in their country of origin, nor to provide durable solutions. UNRWA, its mandate, tasks and mode of financing that relies on voluntary contributions (as set by the UNGA), was originally designed to serve in the short-term. Its mandate fails to address a protracted refugee situation lasting over 70 years, and the multiplying number and increasing needs of the Palestinian refugee population. In spite of the systematic reduction of services, Palestinian The principle of speciality refers to the UN’s authority to establish organizations and agencies with a specific operational mandate that represents the common and collective will of its member states. BADIL, Terry Rempel, the UNCCP Brief, supra note 2.