It was “surprising” to see the suspension of funds in response to allegations towards a small group of employees, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner Basic, mentioned in a statement.
“It might be immensely irresponsible to sanction an Company and a whole group it serves due to allegations of prison acts towards some people, particularly at a time of struggle, displacement and political crises within the area.”
Mr. Lazzarini urged the nations that suspended their funding to re-consider their choices earlier than UNRWA is pressured to droop its humanitarian response.
“The lives of individuals in Gaza depend upon this assist and so does regional stability,” he mentioned.
He additionally famous the speedy motion UNRWA took by terminating the staffers’ contracts and asking for a clear impartial investigation.
9 nations, together with america, the UK and Germany, have suspended funding to UNRWA following allegations that a number of Company employees have been concerned within the 7 October terror assaults in southern Israel.
Investigation will set up the info
Mr. Lazzarini mentioned that the UN Workplace of Inner Oversight Companies (OIOS), the 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 info,” he mentioned.
“Furthermore, as I introduced on 17 January, an impartial evaluation by exterior consultants will assist UNRWA strengthen its framework for the strict adherence of all employees to the humanitarian ideas,” he added.
Lives at stake
Mr. Lazzarini cited Friday’s ruling from the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice (ICJ) that ordered Israel to take measures to allow humanitarian help for folks in Gaza.
“The one approach that this may be achieved is thru cooperation with worldwide companions, particularly UNRWA as the biggest humanitarian actor in Gaza,” he mentioned.
Over two million folks within the Gaza Strip depend upon the Company for his or her survival. UNRWA runs shelters for over a million folks and has been offering meals and healthcare to civilians in dire want for the reason that begin of the battle.
Its programmes are all of the extra important given the looming risk of famine within the war-battered enclave.
UNRWA was established by the UN Basic 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.
