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Denmark's Statement at the 4C General Assembly on UNRWA

Who H.E. Ambassador Erik Laursen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Ambassador Erik Laursen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 15.11.2024

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Thank you, Chair, and thank you Mr. Lazzarini for yesterday’s sobering briefing.

 

Denmark expresses its full support to UNRWA and to Commissioner-General Lazzarini for his leadership at this critical moment for UNRWA and the millions of Palestine refugees that the Agency offers critical services to in Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and across the region in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

 

In the apocalyptic humanitarian situation in Gaza, UNRWA remains the backbone of the wider humanitarian response in Gaza. No organization can replace it.

 

We condemn any attempt to obstruct the Agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate and urge the Israeli Government to abide by its obligations under international law and respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA. Israel, as an occupying power, must immediately and without delay take active measures to facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip.

 

Implementation of the Knesset laws will hamper UNRWA’s operations worsening the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. They risk jeopardizing the prospects for a two-state solution and may entail a violation of Israel’s obligations under international law. The laws also constitute a very concerning negative precedent against the United Nations as a whole.

 

Denmark remains deeply concerned about the apparent disregard for the protection of civilians, including journalists, healthcare personnel and, humanitarian workers: Over the past year, at least 243 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza. This is unprecedented in the UN’s history. We denounce any attack on aid workers. They must be protected by all parties in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

 

Following serious allegations directed toward some UNRWA staff, we welcome the prompt follow-up action initiated by the Secretary-General and the UNRWA Commissioner-General, and we continue to follow its implementation.

 

To conclude, Denmark would like to reemphasize that the General Assembly is the body that can define UNRWA’s mandate or determine its fate. And, as long as there is no sustainable political solution to the conflict, the mandate of UNRWA will remain vital.