© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-Basic Antonio Guterres addresses delegates on the opening of the Third South Summit (G77+China) within the Munyonyo suburb, of Kampala, Uganda January 21, 2024. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa/File Picture
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By Michelle Nichols
NEW YORK (Reuters) -United Nations Secretary-Basic Antonio Guterres vowed on Sunday to carry to account “any U.N. worker concerned in acts of terror” after allegations that some refugee company staffers have been concerned within the Oct. 7 Hamas assaults on Israel.
However Guterres implored governments to proceed supporting the U.N. refugee company for Palestinians (UNRWA) after 9 nations paused funding.
“Any U.N. worker concerned in acts of terror might be held accountable, together with by means of legal prosecution,” the U.N. chief stated in a press release. “The Secretariat is able to cooperate with a reliable authority in a position to prosecute the people according to the Secretariat’s regular procedures for such cooperation.”
On the similar time, he stated, “The tens of 1000’s of women and men who work for UNRWA, many in a few of the most harmful conditions for humanitarian staff, shouldn’t be penalized. The dire wants of the determined populations they serve should be met.”
In his first direct feedback on the problem, the U.N. chief gave particulars concerning the UNRWA staffers implicated within the “abhorrent alleged acts.” Of the 12 implicated, he stated, 9 had been terminated, one was confirmed useless and the identities of the opposite two have been being clarified.
Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland on Saturday joined the USA, Australia and Canada in pausing funding to the help company, a important supply of help for folks in Gaza, after the allegations by Israel.
“Whereas I perceive their issues – I used to be myself horrified by these accusations – I strongly attraction to the governments which have suspended their contributions to, no less than, assure the continuity of UNRWA’s operations,” Guterres stated.
Adopting a sharper tone, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini stated, “It will be immensely irresponsible to sanction an Company and a complete neighborhood it serves due to allegations of legal acts towards some people, particularly at a time of conflict, displacement and political crises within the area. ”
In a press release he urged nations to rethink funding suspensions. “The lives of individuals in Gaza depend upon this help and so does regional stability,” Lazzarini stated.