NEW YORK April 22. 2024 (Saba) - The United Nations said on Monday that its Secretary-General, António Guterres accepts the recommendations contained in a report submitted by an independent committee on the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
In a statement, Guterres expressed his “gratitude to Ms. Catherine Colonna, who presented to him on Saturday her final report as head of the Independent Review Group for UNRWA, entitled “An independent review of mechanisms and procedures to ensure UNRWA’s commitment to the principle of humanitarian neutrality.”
The statement said “Guterres accepts the recommendations contained in Ms. Cluna’s report.”
He added: “He agrees with Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini that UNRWA, with the support of the Secretary-General, will develop an action plan to implement the recommendations contained in the final report.”
Guterres said: He "is counting on the cooperation of the donor community, host countries and employees to fully cooperate in implementing the recommendations." He called for effective support for UNRWA, as it is "the lifeline for Palestine refugees in the region."
For her part, Catherine Colonna, in charge of conducting the independent report on UNRWA’s work, said in press statements that it is recommended increasing the financial contributions allocated to UNRWA’s work.
Colonna stressed that the role of UNRWA is indispensable and is essential in providing aid in Gaza.
She added 'we recommended the necessity of ensuring neutrality in the work of UNRWA, stressing that UNRWA has made great efforts to reform its work system."
Colonna pointed out that less than one percent of UNRWA employees are foreign employees and the rest of the workers are from the local environment, and this is normal.
She also stressed that it is very important to develop strategies for the impartiality of UNRWA workers.
Colonna said the countries hosting UNRWA and "Israel" must provide clear evidence regarding the existence of any violations in the agency's work.
Colonna noted that there must be more inspections of UNRWA's work by the United Nations.
She also stressed that UNRWA's work must be protected and respected.
She noted that “implementing the recommendations contained in our report will help strengthen UNRWA’s work.”
H.H
resource : Saba
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