In a statement on Sunday, the UN chief mentioned 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 Inside Oversight Providers (OIOS), the best investigative physique within the UN system, was instantly activated.
“Any UN worker concerned in acts of terror shall be held accountable, together with by way of legal prosecution,” Mr. Guterres mentioned.
“The Secretariat is able to cooperate with a reliable authority capable of prosecute the people consistent with the Secretariat’s regular procedures for such cooperation,” he added.
UNRWA Commissioner-Normal Philippe Lazzarini had beforehand introduced on 17 January a full, impartial overview of the company.
Out of the 12 people implicated, 9 had been instantly recognized and terminated by the UNRWA head. One is confirmed lifeless, and the identities of the remaining two are being clarified.
Very important humanitarian efforts in danger
Over two million civilians within the Gaza Strip rely upon lifesaving assist offered by UNRWA. The Company operates shelters for over a million folks and has been offering meals and healthcare because the begin of the battle.
Nonetheless, its present funding is inadequate to satisfy all necessities to assist them in February.
Acknowledging the issues 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 very least, assure the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.
“The abhorrent alleged acts of those employees members should have penalties. However the tens of 1000’s of women and men who work for UNRWA, many in among the most harmful conditions for humanitarian employees, shouldn’t be penalized,” he mentioned.
“The dire wants of the determined populations they serve have to be met.”
