Al Mezan Center for Human Rights regrets the news that the United Nation's Secretary General Kofi Annan will not renew Mr.
Peter Hansen's mission as the head of UNRWA.
The Center finds this decision disturbing and notes that it comes after intensified Israeli pressure on the UN to suspend Mr.
Hansen's service.
We have found Mr.
Hansen to be highly professional in his duties, especially regarding Israeli treatment of Palestinian refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
Al Mezan reminds readers of the numerous false allegations by Israel against UNRWA, notably the allegations that the agency's personnel have assisted in Palestinian resistance efforts.
In September 2004, Israel claimed it had evidence that an UNRWA ambulance driver transported a hand-made rocket in an UNRWA ambulance.
Investigations proved he was carrying a stretcher, an essential item found in every ambulance.
Nevertheless, Israel continued its campaign against UNRWA and Peter Hansen despite his having proved Israel wrong in this case.
The IOF frequently fired at Mr.
Hansen’s convoy when he attempted to visit areas under Israeli military control no matter how temporary despite prior coordination with the appropriate IOF military personnel.
Al Mezan commends Mr.
Hansen’s continued efforts to assure adequate living conditions for Palestinian refugees in and outside of the OPT.
His proven professionalism in reporting the facts regarding the conditions in the OPT no doubt cost him his position, however.
This latest action by Israel to control the management of UNRWA is unacceptable and reprehensible.
It heralds a time in which only a pro-Israel Commissioner General will be acceptable to the Israelis, or one who keeps silent while Israel violates international law.
We consider this a serious precedent in favor of any occupying power by the United Nations.
Al Mezan therefore expresses its deep disappointment once again in the UNSG's decision and calls upon him to reconsider it.
Additionally, the Center renews its call upon UNRWA and the UN both to maintain neutrality and professionalism in performing their separate missions.
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