Sigrid Kaag, the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, stated to reporters outside the Security Council Chamber in New York that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) cannot be replaced or substituted due to its immense capacity, knowledge, and importance. She also mentioned that any decision regarding UNRWA would have to be made by the General Assembly.

The speaker acknowledged the significant contribution the agency has made in areas such as education and healthcare, even prior to the current conflict. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was created by the General Assembly in December 1949.

The operations of UNRWA are at risk due to the suspension of funding by various donor countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. This decision was made following severe accusations that some staff members were connected to the terror attacks in Israel on October 7th.

An investigation has been launched by the Organization, and the Secretary-General has restated that any staff member found to be implicated will face consequences, potentially including legal prosecution.

First appearance

Ms. Kaag addressed the press after giving her initial private briefing to the Security Council in her new position as coordinator in accordance with Council resolution 2720 (2023).

Her duty is to aid, organize, track, and confirm the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. She is also responsible for creating a UN system to speed up the delivery of aid to the area through countries that are not involved in the conflict.

Ms. Kaag emphasized that the key to fulfilling her duties is “the capacity to attain and address the needs” of the people in Gaza.

In my opinion, that is the sole indicator.

Difficulties in real-life situations

Ms. Kaag stressed that the lack of a humanitarian ceasefire is hindering aid operations and resulting in delays.

“At the moment, it is impossible to have monitors stationed all over Gaza due to the ongoing conflict and lack of a ceasefire. This hinders the ability to work with agencies and effectively verify and monitor the situation.”

She emphasized the significance of enhancing the influx of commercial products into Gaza, along with providing humanitarian aid.

She stated that it is crucial for commercial goods to be permitted to enter. Without a wide range of options, there will be no chance for recovery or reconstruction in the future.

Seasoned humanitarian

Ms. Kaag of the Netherlands has held a wide range of senior positions in the UN system. She was appointed by the Secretary-General on 26 December 2023 and began her assignment on 8 January.

From 2015 to 2017, she served as the Special Coordinator for Lebanon. Prior to that, from 2013 to 2015, she was the leader of the Joint UN-Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Mission in Syria.

She has also worked at the United Nations Development Programme as Assistant Secretary-General from 2010 to 2013 and served as the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at UNICEF from 2007 to 2010.

Before that, Ms. Kaag had various high-level roles at the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

She is proficient in Arabic and five additional languages.

She has also served in numerous high-level positions within the Dutch government, such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Source: news.un.org