UNRWA USA response to the resignation of the UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krähenbühl

Statement by UNRWA USA

This week’s official UN statement reported that UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krähenbühl resigned effective Wednesday, November 6, 2019 (see UNRWA’s statement here).

UN chief António Guterres named Mr. Christian Saunders Officer-in-Charge of UNRWA for the interim period.

With over three decades of international affairs experience, Mr. Saunders’ work has mostly focused on delivering results and oversight of major reforms leading to improved organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Prior to his appointment to UNRWA, Mr. Saunders served as the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Central Support-Services in the United Nations Department of Management and as the Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management in the United Nations Department of Operational Support.

The UN Secretary-General’s office announced that the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) completed a part of the ongoing inquiry into UNRWA management-related matters. As a separate organization, neither UNRWA USA nor any of its staff are involved in any UN investigations. 

Once again we’d like to remind our supporters that UNRWA USA as a nonprofit corporation is distinct from UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. UNRWA USA is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. UNRWA USA is governed by its own Board of Directors which exercises discretion and control over donated funds in support of the Agency's work for Palestine refugees. Further, UNRWA USA staff are staff of UNRWA USA only.   

As always, nothing will deter UNRWA USA from continuing its mission of promoting a life of dignity and human development for over 5 million Palestine refugees.

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For inquiries, please contact Laila Mokhiber at laila@unrwausa.org