Exciting News: Catching Up with UNRWA, Welcoming New Members to the Haiti Aid Team, and Turmoil in Chad’s Capital!
The UN Secretary-General received an update on Wednesday from the Office of Internal Oversight (OIOS), which launched an investigation last month following allegations that a handful of UNRWA employees were complicit in Hamas’s October attacks that left almost 1,200 dead in Israel and 240 taken hostage.
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So far, investigators have reviewed initial information from a variety of sources, including that released through the media and other public outlets, and reached out to Member States concerned, for additional input, according to the update.
In the Jordanian capital, Amman, investigators visited UNRWA headquarters and reviewed initial information received by the agency from Israeli authorities. The investigators also reviewed information and communications technology data, including email records and information on agency vehicles.
Cooperation has been adequate
Cooperation with the investigation by Member States has thus far been adequate, the UN Spokesperson added.
“OIOS will [continue to] seek and to corroborate additional information and to compare the information obtained with materials held by Israeli authorities, which OIOS expects to receive shortly,” he said.
The UN’s primary internal investigative office, OIOS began its work on 29 January, the day the Secretary-General tasked the unit with this effort, Mr. Dujarric said.
Since Israel made these allegations, UNRWA has fired the accused staff and launched its own independent review, which is expected to be published in late April.
Pending the investigations, many major donors have suspended funding for UNRWA, which operates on voluntary donations, and agency chief Philippe Lazzarini said a lack of funds has already impacted lifesaving relief efforts, particularly for the two million Palestinians trapped in war-torn Gaza, which is on the verge of famine.
Benin joins Haiti’s multinational support force
Turning to the situation in gang-ravaged Haiti, the UN Spokesperson said Benin is the latest nation to officially confirm its intention to contribute personnel to the new Security Council-mandated multinational support mission in the crisis-stricken Caribbean country.
To date, $10.8 million in contributions have been deposited into the Multinational Security Support Trust Fund to operate the mission, he said.
“We are also encouraged by the pledges of some $78 million in recent days that will go directly to the fund, and we encourage Member States to continue contributing to ensure the successful deployment of the mission,” he said.
The mission will provide security assistance to the Government of Haiti in its efforts to protect civilians and address the multiple crises which have left armed gangs holding sway in large parts of the country.
In addition to Benin’s contribution of personnel, Mr. Dujarric said the UN has received, as of Wednesday, notifications to provide officers from the following governments: the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados and Chad.
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Gun battles rage in Chadian capital
And turning to Chad, concerns are growing amid reports of violence and gun battles in N’Djamena, the capital.
Abdou Abarry, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Central Africa, said in a statement that he is following with great concern the events taking place.
He called on all actors to show calm and restraint, particularly at a time when Chad is entering the final stages of its political transition.
With presidential elections planned for 6 May, Mr. Abarry reiterated that he and the entire UN system continues to be available to continue to support the efforts of the government and the people of Chad to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral process.
Opposition leader reported dead
Media reports on Thursday suggested that opposition leader Yaya Dillo had been killed in a shootout in N’Djamena.
He is cousin of Chad’s military ruler Mahamat Idriss Déby Into, whose father, Idriss Déby, he replaced in 2021 after spending three decades ruling the landlocked nation which borders North and Central Africa.
According to news reports, Mr. Dillo was blamed for a deadly attack on Chad’s main security agency, although he denied any involvement.
It was widely believed that he would be the main political opponent of the president in the upcoming vote, according to reports.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
Could you provide more details on the cooperation between UNRWA and the investigative office in light of the recent allegations?
Sure, JessicaMills1990. The cooperation between UNRWA and the investigative office has been progressing well. Initial information from various sources, including media reports and data from Member States, has been reviewed. Investigators have visited UNRWA headquarters in Amman and have analyzed information and communications technology data. Member States have been cooperative, and OIOS will continue to seek additional information and verify it. The investigation aims to compare the obtained information with materials held by Israeli authorities. UNRWA has already taken action by dismissing the accused employees and initiating an independent review process.
Is it confirmed that the accused staff have been fired by UNRWA as mentioned in the article?
Yes, it has been confirmed that the accused staff have been fired by UNRWA as mentioned in the article. The organization took swift action in response to the allegations.
It’s concerning to hear about the allegations against UNRWA employees, but it’s reassuring to see that the investigation is being conducted thoroughly and with cooperation from Member States. Hopefully, the truth will come to light and justice will be served.
The investigation findings are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the UNRWA. It’s reassuring to see cooperation from Member States and actions being taken against those implicated in the attacks.
Cooperation with the investigation by Member States has been adequate so far. OIOS will continue seeking and corroborating additional information and comparing it with materials held by Israeli authorities. UNRWA has taken action by firing the accused staff and initiating its own independent review process.
Cooperation with the investigation by Member States has been adequate so far, and it is crucial for uncovering the truth behind the allegations. Looking forward to seeing the outcome of OIOS’s thorough investigation.
It is crucial for the UN to thoroughly investigate allegations of complicity and take necessary actions to maintain integrity and trust. The cooperation shown by Member States so far is promising, and it’s important for transparency to be upheld throughout the process.
Cooperation with the investigation by Member States has thus far been adequate. OIOS will seek and corroborate additional information to compare with materials held by Israeli authorities. The UN’s primary internal investigative office has been diligently working since January 29th on this effort.
So far, investigators have reviewed initial information from a variety of sources, including that released through the media and other public outlets, and reached out to Member States concerned, for additional input, according to the update.In the Jordanian capital, Amman, investigators visited UNRWA headquarters and reviewed initial information received by the agency from Israeli authorities. The investigators also reviewed information and communications technology data, including email records and information on agency vehicles.Cooperation has been adequate. Cooperation with the investigation by Member States has thus far been adequate, the UN Spokesperson added. “OIOS will [continue to] seek and to corroborate additional information and to compare the information obtained with materials held by Israeli authorities, which OIOS expects to receive shortly,” she said. The UN’s primary internal investigative office, OIOS began its work on 29 January, the day the Secretary-General tasked the unit with this effort, Ms. Dujarric said. Since Israel made these allegations, UNRWA has fired the accused staff and launched its own independent
Cooperation with the investigation by Member States has thus far been adequate, the UN Spokesperson added. “OIOS will [continue to] seek and to corroborate additional information and to compare the information obtained with materials held by Israeli authorities, which OIOS expects to receive shortly,” she said.
It’s crucial that the investigation remains thorough and transparent. Trust in organizations like UNRWA is paramount for international relations and aid effectiveness.
The investigation into the alleged complicity of some UNRWA employees in the October Hamas attacks has been thorough so far. It’s reassuring to see that cooperation with Member States has been adequate. Let’s hope for swift and transparent progress in uncovering the truth behind these serious allegations.