28 January 2024
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ is taking swift action following the extremely serious allegations against several Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Relief and Works Agency (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA) staff members. An investigation by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ¡¯s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) was immediately activated.
Of the 12 people implicated, nine were immediately identified and terminated by the Commissioner-General of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA, Philippe Lazzarini; one is confirmed dead, and the identity of the two others is being clarified.
Any Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. The Secretariat is ready to cooperate with a competent authority able to prosecute the individuals in line with the Secretariat¡¯s normal procedures for such cooperation.
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA had also previously announced a full, independent review of the organization on 17 January.
Meanwhile, 2 million civilians in Gaza depend on critical aid from Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA for daily survival but Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA¡¯s current funding will not allow it to meet all requirements to support them in February. While I understand their concerns ¨C I was myself horrified by these accusations – I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA¡¯s operations.
The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences. But the tens of thousands of men and women who work for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized. The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met.
Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA)
Subject: Armed conflict, Assistance, Gaza Strip, Refugees and displaced persons, Terrorism, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA
Publication Date: 28/01/2024
URL source: /sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-01-28/statement-the-secretary-general-unrwa