More than 45,000 signatures in favor of federal funding for UNRWA
Published: Monday, Apr 29th 2024, 13:20
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Two petitions signed by around 45,000 people are calling on the Federal Council and Parliament to secure funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. With a campaign entitled "Humanitarian Switzerland, where are you?", the non-governmental organization Amnesty International Switzerland submitted the petitions in Bern on Monday.
The petitions call on Switzerland to "reflect on its humanitarian tradition and clearly stand on the side of international law", as stated in Monday's press release.
Switzerland is continuing to withhold its financial contribution of CHF 20 million per year to the Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This is due to allegations of terrorism against several employees of the relief organization in the context of the attacks by the radical Islamic Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Meanwhile, the civilian population in the Gaza Strip is threatened by war and hunger, according to Amnesty Switzerland. This is despite the fact that the Israeli government has not yet provided any evidence for the serious allegations against UNRWA employees. Following Israel's accusations, several states suspended funding for UNRWA. "This draconian decision has a catastrophic impact on the lives and survival of millions of people," said Amnesty Switzerland.
Decision on further payments shortly
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council (FAC-N) is expected to decide on the funding of the aid organization at the beginning of the week. As part of its review of the budget for 2024, the Federal Parliament decided to suspend Swiss aid. The Federal Council announced last week that it would make a decision "at a later date".
Amnesty continues to call on Switzerland to do all it can to ensure that the recently adopted United Nations Security Council resolution - which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and humanitarian aid to Gaza - is implemented.
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