Amid war in Gaza, vital that Switzerland upholds its humanitarian values by funding UNRWA aid operations

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“Switzerland is the guardian of international humanitarian law and the repository of the Geneva Conventions, with a long honorable record in assisting victims of war around the world, without distinction.

“On Monday, the country’s lower house of parliament, the National Council, has an opportunity to underscore Switzerland’s storied commitment to humanitarianism amid the unprecedented crisis in the Gaza Strip.

“I urge members of the National Council to do the right thing by rejecting attempts to cut funding for UNRWA, just as their counterparts in the upper house, the Council of States, have done.

“Gaza is locked in the most severe humanitarian crisis in its history and UNRWA is a lifeline for the population.

“UNRWA is sheltering almost 1.4 million people in its buildings in Gaza, they have nowhere else to go. These people had sought safety under the flag of the UN – the flag that symbolizes our shared humanitarian values. For a UN Agency that has already lost a record 136 staff in this conflict, it would be a major blow to have the country that leads on humanitarian values abruptly withdraw its support.

“Hunger, thirst, and disease are tightening their grip inexorably, while relentless bombardments claim ever more civilian victims, and aid deliveries fall far short of the spiraling needs.

“Without UNRWA, the humanitarian operation in Gaza will collapse, with consequences that can extend beyond Gaza, into the region and possibly further.

“The result of Monday’s National Council vote will send an important signal to other donor countries about the continued relevance of humanitarian values, and the leadership of Switzerland, my country, in promoting them globally.”