Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995

In February 2018, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Doctor Ali Kadar conducted medical support at the AMDA clinic in the Rohingya refugee camp. Dr. Ali, formerly deputy commissioner of the UNRWA department of health, was born and raised as a Palestine refugee in UN refugee camps. Having experienced life in a refugee camp himself, supporting the Rohingya refugees was a special opportunity for him. The following is a report from Dr. Ali regarding his experience at the Rohingya refugee camp:

My first motive to join this mission comes from my personal understanding about the importance of the international humanitarian aid to a people in a dire situation. I myself was a Palestine refugee, born and raised in a camp established by the UN. Humanitarian aid from the international community has provided my family with medical care and food, and I was able to attend school. Without the support I couldn’t have survived the adversity of life in the refugee camp. When I was growing up, the infant mortality rate was as high as 200 per 1000 live births. Without such support, I don’t think I could have survived the adversity; I could easily have been one of the 200 infants. Moreover, I could not have continued my education in such conditions.
 

Now, I have over 30 years of experience as a medical practitioner at UNRWA, serving some 5 million Palestine refugees. The current situation of Rohingya refugees is utterly desperate, but I do believe that any type of aid, including my experience with UNRWA, would have a positive impact, which may extend hopes and opportunities for the future generations.  In spite of the fact that this is a small-scale contribution, it can and will be the foundation of great works.

At the same time, I am confident that I will learn the lessons that can be valued by UNRWA and other agencies around the world assisting in difficult humanitarian situations.

This mission will additionally strengthen the collaboration with other organizations working in the field of humanitarian aid. Of particular importance is the collaboration with AMDA which can be extended to the Middle East and other regions. Palestine refugees and UNRWA are also faced with continuing difficulties due to protracted crisis and financial challenges, however I consider this as a gesture of international solidarity. Beyond mere collaborations within the UN, we would be honored to support the health of other sisters and brothers in dire need. Yet modest, it is a contribution to global efforts to build and strengthen international humanitarian solidarity.

This is an important opportunity to advocate UNRWA’s activities among organizations that are working in the field of humanitarian aid. Although largely unknown outside the Middle East, UNRWA has been operating for more than six decades. It is an opportunity to understand better, have firsthand experience and shed light on the cause of the forgotten Rohingya and to support international efforts to preserve their dignity and protect their lives.