Reaffirming its commitment to a rules-based multilateral international order and its support for UN agencies, on Sunday 2 February, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, underlined her demands for transparency and accountability with regard to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
“The EU expects full implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group report following the allegations against some UNRWA staff, and condemns the reported use by Hamas of UN facilities belonging to UNRWA as revealed by Israeli hostages”, said Kaja Kallas, in a statement.
Accusations against UNRWA intensified on Friday after the mother of an Israeli hostage who was freed by Hamas on 19 January, claimed on X that her daughter had been held in UN agency facilities.
“We look forward to further decisive action by the United Nations to ensure neutrality, accountability and strengthen control and oversight in order to prevent further cases”, added Ms Kallas.
In April 2024, an independent report led by France’s former foreign affairs minister Catherine Colonna assessed UNRWA’s adherence to the principle of humanitarian neutrality (see EUROPE 13344/29). While acknowledging the existence of solid mechanisms within the agency, experts made around 50 recommendations aimed at strengthening this neutrality, particularly in terms of governance and internal management.
See the report: https://aeur.eu/f/fbs
On Sunday, Kaja Kallas also reiterated its concern about the “far-reaching consequences” of the entry into force of Israeli legislation on UNRWA (EUROPE 13570/19), highlighting its potential impact on operations to support civilian populations in the West Bank, Gaza and the wider region, including Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
“The EU condemns any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to otherwise attempt to obstruct UNRWA’s capacity to operate its mandate,” said Ms. Kallas. “The essential service delivery to Palestine refugees is even more relevant now when there is a need for swift implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement”, she added. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)