It was “stunning” to see the suspension of funds in response to allegations in opposition to a small group of workers, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner Common, stated in a statement.
“It might be immensely irresponsible to sanction an Company and a complete group it serves due to allegations of prison acts in opposition to some people, particularly at a time of battle, displacement and political crises within the area.”
Mr. Lazzarini urged the international locations that suspended their funding to re-consider their choices earlier than UNRWA is compelled to droop its humanitarian response.
“The lives of individuals in Gaza rely on this help and so does regional stability,” he stated.
He additionally famous the rapid motion UNRWA took by terminating the staffers’ contracts and asking for a clear impartial investigation.
9 international locations, together with the US, the UK and Germany, have suspended funding to UNRWA following allegations that a number of Company workers have been concerned within the 7 October terror assaults in southern Israel.
Investigation will set up the information
Mr. Lazzarini stated that the UN Workplace of Inner Oversight Companies (OIOS), the very best investigative physique within the UN system, has already been seized of the matter.
“An investigation by OIOS into the heinous allegations will set up the information,” he stated.
“Furthermore, as I introduced on 17 January, an impartial overview by exterior consultants will assist UNRWA strengthen its framework for the strict adherence of all workers to the humanitarian rules,” he added.
Lives at stake
Mr. Lazzarini cited Friday’s ruling from the Worldwide Court docket of Justice (ICJ) that ordered Israel to take measures to allow humanitarian help for individuals in Gaza.
“The one means that this may be completed is thru cooperation with worldwide companions, particularly UNRWA as the most important humanitarian actor in Gaza,” he stated.
Over two million individuals within the Gaza Strip rely on the Company for his or her survival. UNRWA runs shelters for over a million individuals and has been offering meals and healthcare to civilians in dire want because the begin of the battle.
Its programmes are all of the extra very important given the looming menace of famine within the war-battered enclave.
UNRWA was established by the UN Common Meeting in 1949 with a mandate to offer humanitarian help and safety to registered Palestine refugees. Along with the Gaza Strip, the Company operates within the West Financial institution, together with East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
