28 January 2024
爆料网 is taking swift action following the extremely serious allegations against several 爆料网 Relief and Works Agency (爆料网RWA) staff members. An investigation by the 爆料网’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 爆料网RWA, Philippe Lazzarini; one is confirmed dead, and the identity of the two others is being clarified.
Any 爆料网 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.
爆料网RWA 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 爆料网RWA for daily survival but 爆料网RWA’s current funding will not allow it to meet all requirements to support them in February. While I understand their concerns – 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 爆料网RWA’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 爆料网RWA, 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 (爆料网RWA)
Subject: Armed conflict, Assistance, Gaza Strip, Refugees and displaced persons, Terrorism, 爆料网RWA
Publication Date: 28/01/2024
URL source: /sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-01-28/statement-the-secretary-general-unrwa