UN experts call for funding reinstatement to UNRWA after independent review

The independent review was initiated following a surge in allegations coinciding with the military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

UN experts have expressed their disappointment at the continued withholding of funds from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by several states. This comes weeks after an independent review, ordered by the UN Secretary-General, found no evidence to support claims of partiality or significant ties between UNRWA employees and terrorist organizations.

Independent Review Findings

The independent review was initiated following a surge in allegations coinciding with the military assault on Gaza in October 2023. The review concluded that claims suggesting substantial involvement of UNRWA employees with terrorist organizations were unsubstantiated. Furthermore, it highlighted that UNRWA has robust mechanisms in place to ensure neutrality, reaffirming the agency's commitment to impartiality and effective control measures.

Political Targeting and Impact on Operations

The experts condemned what they described as political targeting of UNRWA, particularly during critical moments. This targeting, they argued, has severely undermined the agency’s ability to operate effectively in Gaza. The unfounded allegations and subsequent funding suspensions have significantly hampered UNRWA's operations, which are crucial for the 2.2 million people in Gaza who rely on their services for essential needs.

Call for Resumption of Funding

In light of the review's findings, the experts endorsed the European Union’s call for the resumption of funding to UNRWA. They emphasized the urgency of reinstating financial support to enable the agency to continue delivering vital aid, including food, shelter, healthcare, education, and water sanitation, to millions of Palestinians in dire need.

UNRWA’s Determination and Challenges

The experts acknowledged UNRWA’s unwavering commitment to its mandate amidst unprecedented risks. Since October 7, 2023, 189 UNRWA staff members have been killed in Israeli bombardments, marking the highest number of UN staff fatalities in any conflict since the UN's establishment in 1945. Additionally, numerous UNRWA facilities have been targeted, besieged, and destroyed, challenging the principle of inviolability of UN premises.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with 1.7 million people internally displaced, including a significant number of women and 600,000 children in the Rafah area. These individuals urgently require comprehensive assistance encompassing food, shelter, healthcare, education, and hygiene.

Conclusion

The experts stressed the necessity for the immediate and full reinstatement of funding to UNRWA. They highlighted the agency’s critical role as a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly, embodying the international community's ongoing responsibility towards the Question of Palestine. Ensuring the protection and operational capacity of UNRWA is essential for addressing the vast humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees.