The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
Senator the Hon. Penny Wong
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF AUSTRALIA
Dear Prime Minister & Foreign Minister,
We, the undersigned Australian Muslim organisations and Palestinian supporters, write to you to express our deep concerns and disappointment over the Australian Government's recent decision to suspend funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This decision significantly undermines vital humanitarian support in Gaza, a region already facing severe crisis and human catastrophe.
Recent statements by the World Health Organisation highlighted the growing risk of famine and disease outbreaks in Gaza, emphasising the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid. Additionally, the World Food Programme has warned of catastrophic hunger and the potential for famine if conflicts persist.
The Australian Government's suspension of UNRWA funding is a grave concern. It exacerbates the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and can be perceived as collective punishment, contradicting the principles of humanitarian aid and justice. This is particularly alarming in light of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent ruling mandating immediate assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
We are also seriously concerned that the suspension was a reaction to allegations made by Israel against a few UNRWA employees without a thorough and independent investigation. UNRWA has shown its commitment to transparency and humanitarian causes by promptly addressing these allegations. In its statement on 27 January, UNRWA said “It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the Agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation. The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the highest investigative authority in the UN system, has already been seized of this very serious matter. ”
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to the countries, including Australia, that suspended funding to the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) to reconsider their decisions, referring to the tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalised.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has noted that defunding UNRWA at this critical time blatantly disregards the ICJ's recent decision and directives and could have serious legal implications. It neglects the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The suspension of funding to UNRWA will have catastrophic effects on over 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, particularly the 2 million in the Gaza Strip who rely on UNRWA's assistance for survival.
We strongly urge and demand the Australian Government to reconsider its decision and immediately reinstate UNRWA funding, fulfilling its moral and legal obligations to support those in dire need in Gaza and avoid further escalation of the Humanitarian crises in Gaza.
We look forward to your response and action in relation to this urgent matter.
Thank you
CC:
The Hon Tony Burke MP, Member for Watson
The Hon Jason Clare MP, Member for Blaxland
The Hon Ed Husic MP, Member for Chifley
The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Member for McMahon
The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Member for Scullin
The Hon Linda Burney MP, Member for Barton
The Hon Matt Keogh MP, Member for Burt
The Hon Tim Watts MP, Member for Gellibrand
The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, Member for Gorton
The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Member for Rankin
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Member for Greenway
The Hon Clare O'Neil MP, Member for Hotham
The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Member for Cowan
The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Member for Fenner
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP, Member for Isaacs
The Hon Milton Dick MPMember for Oxley
The Hon Ged Kearney MP, Member for Cooper
The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Member for Maribyrnong
Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, Member for Calwell
Ms Anne Stanley MP, Member for Werriwa
Mr Julian Hill MP, Member for Bruce
Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Member for Parramatta
Ms Joanne Ryan MP, Member for Lalor
Dr Mike Freelander MP, Member for Macarthur
Ms Cassandra Fernando MP, Member for Holt
Mr Peter Khalil MP, Member for Wills
Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Member for Swan
Dr Daniel Mulino MP, Member for Fraser
Mr Steve Georganas MP, Member for Adelaide
Mr Matt Burnell MP, Member for Spence
Mr Graham Perrett MP, Member for Moreton
Ms Sally Sitou MP, Member for Reid
Mr Jerome Laxale MP, Member for Bennelong