The event follows the conclusion of an investigation by the UN Workplace of Oversight Companies (OIOS), launched earlier this 12 months after Israel alleged that a number of UNRWA personnel took half within the brutal assault on its territory wherein some 1,200 folks had been killed and one other 250 had been taken to Gaza as hostages.
Nonetheless, OIOS was not capable of independently authenticate info utilized by Israel to assist the allegations.
Acceptable measures and terminations
OIOS is the best investigative physique within the UN system and its reviews are confidential however might be made out there to Member States upon request.
Investigators made findings in relation to 19 UNRWA workers alleged to have been concerned within the assaults, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York.
“In a single case, no proof was obtained by OIOS to assist the allegations of the workers member’s involvement, whereas in 9 different circumstances, the proof obtained by OIOS was inadequate to assist the workers members’ involvement,” he mentioned.
Concerning these10 circumstances, he mentioned that acceptable measures shall be taken in the end, in conformity with UNRWA Laws and Guidelines.
“In respect of the remaining 9 circumstances, the proof obtained by OIOS indicated that the UNRWA workers members might have been concerned within the armed assaults of seven October 2023. The employment of those people shall be terminated within the pursuits of the Company,” he mentioned.
Info not authenticated
Requested concerning the extent of the workers members’ alleged involvement, Mr. Haq responded that he didn’t have particular details about the particular allegations.
He mentioned the OIOS investigation concerned visits to Israel for discussions with officers and to see and evaluate info held by authorities there.
The investigators additionally travelled to Amman, Jordan, to acquire and evaluate related info held by UNRWA, together with on its workers and operations.
Additionally they reviewed info and communications know-how knowledge, similar to e-mail data and knowledge on company automobiles, along with info from varied different sources, together with that launched to the media and different public sources, and communications with a number of Member States.
“Nonetheless, one factor I would prefer to level out is that since info utilized by Israeli officers to assist the allegations have remained in Israeli custody, OIOS was not capable of independently authenticate a lot of the info offered to it,” he famous.
Parallel probe
The accusations surfaced in January when Israel knowledgeable UNRWA of the alleged involvement of 12 workers members within the assaults. UNRWA immediately recognized and terminated 10, whereas two had been confirmed lifeless.
The UN later acquired info from Israel about seven extra circumstances – 5 in March and two in April.
Following the preliminary allegations, UN Secretary-General António Guterres instantly ordered OIOS to analyze.
He additionally appointed an unbiased evaluate panel to conduct a separate evaluation into UNRWA to find out whether or not the company was doing every little thing it may to make sure neutrality and to answer allegations of significant breaches after they come up.
The panel – headed by former French Overseas Minister Catherine Colonna – printed its report in April.
Talking on the time, she mentioned “the algorithm and the mechanisms and procedures in place [at UNRWA] are probably the most elaborate throughout the UN system, exactly as a result of it’s such a troublesome difficulty to work in such a posh and delicate surroundings.”
UN chief’s opinions
Mr. Haq was requested concerning the Secretary-Common’s views relating to the OIOS findings.
The UN chief “believes that it is vital that we undergo this very fastidiously, given the truth that any involvement in these assaults would represent a significant betrayal of belief,” he mentioned.
“Clearly, there have been actions that had been taken for the advantage of the company that had been very swift and really decisive by way of coping with the people who had been named at first, and now it is good to have all the info out there,” he added.
Referring to the Gaza struggle, Mr. Haq additionally underlined the significance of remembering that a “big quantity” of UNRWA workers have been taking huge dangers for months, preserving a whole lot of 1000’s of individuals alive, whether or not in shelters or by offering meals and providers.
“And we wish to guarantee that the status of our UNRWA workers, our devoted workers, together with about 200 individuals who have misplaced their lives since 7 October, is absolutely acknowledged and that UNRWA will get the assist that it wants,” he mentioned.
World Points Information with Newsmaac
