The Australian Council for International Development, the peak body for humanitarian agencies welcomes the Australian Government voting with more than 150 countries to demand that Israel reverses its ban on UNRWA at the United Nations General Assembly today.
“ACFID welcomes the Australian Government’s support for UNRWA, demonstrated by its vote at the General Assembly today. UNRWA must be able to continue to conduct its life-saving work,” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian and Public Engagement Lead.
“This resolution signifies an overwhelming consensus from the international community that UNRWA and humanitarian workers must be supported and protected in Gaza and the West Bank”
“Dismantling UNRWA means dismantling the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and the West Bank.”
U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that Israel’s ban on UNRWA, if implemented, would violate international law, the founding U.N Charter and a 1946 U.N convention on the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to U.N operations.
ACFID also welcomes the passage of a separate resolution, calling for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire, the release of hostages and the protection of civilians. Australia voted to support the resolution. ACFID continues to call for the international community to do everything in its power to make this happen.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media on 0401 721 064 or media@acfid.asn.au