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Written question asked by Alan Brown (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 19 April 2024 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Friday, 19 April 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

UNRWA

Question

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, with reference to the Note to Correspondents on the Independent Review of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) of 20 March 2024, what assessment he has made of the (a) adequacy of the mechanisms and procedures UNRWA has in place to ensure compliance with the Humanitarian Principle of neutrality and (b) potential implications of that Note for his policies towards UNRWA; and if will resume funding to UNRWA.

Answer

We are appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned.

We are aware that the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and Catherine Colonna have now provided their interim reports to the UN Secretary-General

We want UNRWA to give detailed undertakings about changes in personnel, policy and precedents to ensure this can never happen again.

We are working with allies to try to bring this situation to a rapid conclusion - not least because UNRWA have a vital role to play in providing aid and services in Gaza. We continue to urge Israel and all parties with relevant information to cooperate fully with the independent investigations.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
22054
Session
2023-24
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Finance Political impartiality UNRWA
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk