In a statement on Sunday, the UN chief stated that the Group is promptly responding to the extraordinarily critical allegations that a number of UNRWA personnel had been concerned within the 7 October terror assaults in southern Israel.
An investigation by the Workplace of Inner Oversight Companies (OIOS), the best investigative physique within the UN system, was instantly activated.
“Any UN worker concerned in acts of terror can be held accountable, together with by way of prison prosecution,” Mr. Guterres stated.
“The Secretariat is able to cooperate with a reliable authority capable of prosecute the people in step with the Secretariat’s regular procedures for such cooperation,” he added.
UNRWA Commissioner-Basic Philippe Lazzarini had beforehand introduced on 17 January a full, unbiased overview of the company.
Out of the 12 people implicated, 9 had been instantly recognized and terminated by the UNRWA head. One is confirmed useless, and the identities of the remaining two are being clarified.
Very important humanitarian efforts in danger
Over two million civilians within the Gaza Strip depend upon lifesaving assist supplied by UNRWA. The Company operates shelters for over a million folks and has been offering meals and healthcare for the reason that begin of the battle.
Nonetheless, its present funding is inadequate to satisfy all necessities to assist them in February.
Acknowledging the considerations of the nations that halted funds and expressing his personal horror on the accusations, Mr. Guterres strongly appealed to the governments that suspended contributions to, at the least, assure the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.
“The abhorrent alleged acts of those workers members should have penalties. However the tens of hundreds of women and men who work for UNRWA, many in a number of the most harmful conditions for humanitarian employees, shouldn’t be penalized,” he stated.
“The dire wants of the determined populations they serve should be met.”
