8 December 2002
In light of the recent attacks, the United Nations Staff Union and its Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service once again call for a full investigation surrounding the events that led to the killings of three staff member of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
On 6 December, Osama Hassan Tahrawi and Ahlam Riziq Kandil were killed during the military assault on the Bureij refugee camp in the Gaza strip. On 22 November, Iain Hook, a British national who was managing the Jenin camp rehabilitation project for UNRWA, was shot and killed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
The United Nations Staff Union protests the escalating harassment and violence directed against both international and Palestinian humanitarian staff working for UNRWA. The Staff Union demands an immediate and full investigation of these incidents and once again calls on the Secretary-General, on behalf of all members of the United Nations family, to demand justice. The Staff Union also calls on all parties to respect and protect all United Nations and other aid workers operating in the area in accordance with international law.
The Staff Union, on behalf of all its members, extends its heartfelt sympathy to the families and colleagues of the victims.
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