Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
129. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline what was discussed at his meeting with UNRWA recently; whether extra money will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8069/24]
View answerOn 15 February 2024, I met with the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, in Dublin to discuss the organisation’s role in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from the current conflict in the Middle East.
During this meeting, I conveyed Ireland’s deep appreciation for the invaluable humanitarian work of the agency and acknowledged UNRWA’s stabilising role in the region. I offered my condolences for the 154 UNRWA employees killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023. The Commissioner-General and I discussed the very serious allegations against 12 UNRWA employees and I expressed my support for his decision to immediately terminate the contracts of those accused as well for the establishment of an Independent Body of Review by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. This body is led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and I look forward to its report.
Following the meeting, I announced €20 million in support for UNRWA for its work providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and across the Middle East region. This €20 million will both support UNRWA’s life-saving work in Gaza and help address UNRWA’s critical funding crisis, which jeopardises support for 5.9 million Palestinians across the region.
Ireland continues to support the role played by UNRWA in delivering services to the population of the Gaza Strip. I call on countries that have made decisions to suspend funding for UNRWA to reverse those decisions and urge the European Commission to release funding on time.
