Bond statement on UNRWA

Following news that the UK and 12 other states have suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Bond, the UK network for over 350 NGOs and humanitarian agencies, has released the following statement with input from its member organisations:

Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, the UK network for NGOs said:

We welcome the steps taken by UNRWA to investigate the involvement of some members of staff in the tragic October 7th attacks. While the investigations are ongoing, we would urge the UK government to ensure humanitarian assistance can continue to be funded and delivered via UNRWA in Gaza and the region.

UNRWA is the main provider of humanitarian assistance to millions of displaced Palestinians already in desperate need and at risk of famine, as well as millions of people across the Middle East. No other local or international organisation has the same level of reach or can provide the same level of support, which means withdrawing funding risks collectively punishing large swaths of people by removing lifesaving basics such as food, vaccinations, and freshwater.

ENDS.

Notes to editors

• Read Bond’s reaction to the International Court of Justice outcome on 26 January 2024.

• Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 350 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.

• Many of Bond’s member organisations are actively working in, or have recently worked in some form in Gaza providing humanitarian assistance to civilians.

• For further information or interviews, please get in touch with Jess Salter at [email protected] or call 07493200979.