Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UNRWA Pledging Conference 2024 yesterday
The devastating violence in Gaza has gone on for far too long. And I pay tribute to the work of UNRWA in unprecedentedly challenging circumstances and to the leadership of Commissioner General Lazzarini.
In one of his first acts as UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer set out the clear and urgent need for an immediate ceasefire that leads to a sustainable peace with security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
We are calling for the release of all the hostages, the upholding of international humanitarian law, and a rapid increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
President, Palestinians in Gaza are facing a humanitarian catastrophe and the very real risk of famine. For months they have suffered unbearable hardship without the food and protection from harm that they need.
Too many Palestinian civilians are being killed, and much of civilian infrastructure essential to life has been destroyed. The UK is committed to working with our international partners to alleviate this suffering and get more aid to the civilians who need it most.
We welcome the UN’s leadership role in coordinating and delivering the humanitarian response.
We recognise that UNRWA is absolutely central to these efforts. It is playing a critically important role in getting aid to those who need it in Gaza and providing essential services, including healthcare and education, to Palestinian refugees across the region.
So I want to take the opportunity again today to pay tribute to those brave and selfless UNRWA staff who face danger every day as they work to get aid to those in desperate need.
Today the UK stands with 117 Member States, led by Jordan, Slovenia and Kuwait, in making clear our shared commitment to UNWRA and to make clear our support for the vital role it plays in saving lives and promoting regional stability – a fundamental building block for lasting peace.
President, we were appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. The Secretary-General and the Commissioner General of UNRWA took these allegations seriously and acted decisively.
And we are confident that UNRWA is taking robust action in response Catherine Colonna’s independent review, to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality, transparency and accountability.
The UK recognises the importance of UNRWA’s mandate and the need for UNRWA to operate on a sustainable financial footing.
Following last week’s elections in the United Kingdom, the new Foreign Secretary is closely considering resuming UK funding to UNRWA.
MEANWHILE, the UK continues to supply arms to Israel.
Strange old world, eh? – Ed.