The Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness) held a press conference on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Press Syndicate in Beirut, under the title: "Suspension of UNRWA Union Employees Under the Pretext of Neutrality: A Violation of Union Rights and a Breach of Justice Standards." The event was attended by representatives of civil society organizations, educational institutions, and popular and local committees.
During the press conference, (Witness) released a human rights report on the arbitrary measures taken by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) against five of its union employees. The report was based on an extensive investigation conducted by the organization’s researchers, which included interviews and communications with relevant parties to collect information and verify facts. The report confirmed that these actions violate international laws, principles of justice, and human rights, and further undermine refugees' trust in the agency.
(Witness) called on UNRWA Commissioner-General Mr. Philippe Lazzarini to immediately revoke these arbitrary decisions, emphasizing that continuing these measures will weaken union activity within the agency and erode the trust of both employees and Palestinian refugees in UNRWA. The organization also urged UNRWA to respect the rights of its workers and ensure they are not subjected to punitive actions for their union activities.
(Witness) stressed that this research effort is part of its broader human rights work in monitoring Palestinian refugee issues and protecting their rights. It underscored the importance of ensuring a safe and stable working environment for unionized employees to enhance UNRWA’s neutrality and effectiveness in delivering its humanitarian services.
In its statement, (Witness) reaffirmed its strong support for UNRWA in the face of Israel’s systematic campaign to undermine the agency’s operations, calling on states to increase funding to enable UNRWA to continue providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.
Additionally, the organization urged UNRWA to uphold job security and protect union activity, which serves as a safeguard for improving the agency’s performance, transparency, and efficiency in serving Palestinian refugees.
Beirut, January 29, 2025