UNRWA Scrutiny: Experts Weigh In - History Indicates United Nations' Inability to Conduct Internal Investigations, Highlighting Concerns

The United Nations' investigation into 12 UN Relief and Works Agency staff members allegedly involved in the Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, including over 30 Americans, faced initial difficulties due to reported incompetence, anti-Israel bias, and corruption.

An Israeli soldier patrols near Kibbutz Beeri in southern Israel Oct. 12, 2023, close to the area where 270 revelers were killed by terrorists during the Supernova music festival Oct. 7

Last month, UNRWA acknowledged that 12 of its workers were implicated in the Hamas incursion, as detailed in an Israeli report. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general, stated that upon receiving information from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, UNRWA promptly terminated the individuals involved.

There are significant concerns regarding the United Nations' capability to conduct an impartial investigation internally. This issue brings to mind the famous Latin question, "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" which translates to "Who will guard the guards themselves?"

According to Dujarric, the investigation will be carried out by the U.N.'s Office of Internal Oversight Services, similar to an inspector general in a U.S. government department. If criminal activity is discovered, it may be referred to the relevant national law enforcement authorities.

Regarding the independent review, Dujarric highlighted that it is indeed independent, as indicated in the earlier announcement. It will not involve U.N. staff members and will be led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who will collaborate with three independent Nordic research institutes. The final report will be made public upon submission to the secretary-general.

Peter Gallo, a former investigator with the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) and an international lawyer, stated to Newss Digital that his former employer lacks independence, likening it to his left kidney.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at the Reuters Next Newsmaker event in New York City Nov. 8, 2023

Gallo, who has testified before the U.S. Congress regarding allegations of corruption, criminality, and mismanagement within the UN, recounted an incident where the UN's OIOS allegedly ignored a significant case of medical fraud associated with Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas.

Describing the investigation into medical insurance in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, near the Israeli border, Gallo highlighted approximately 75 suspicious medical insurance claims. The company responsible for administering the insurance flagged these claims as dubious, noting requests for potent antibiotics without accompanying diagnostic tests.

According to Gallo, perpetrating a fraudulent medical claim requires the involvement of a doctor or pharmacist. When UN investigators visited Lebanon, the Lebanese physician asserted that diagnostic tests were unnecessary.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East holds a press conference in Jerusalem Oct. 27, 2023

Gallo expressed frustration that the OIOS did not involve a medical expert in the investigation and subsequently closed the cases, dismissing claims of fraud. He criticized the UN for relying on testimony from individuals he described as "co-conspirators."

Gallo also pointed out that one of the pharmacists implicated in the case held the position of mayor in a Lebanese city and had affiliations with Hezbollah, a terrorist organization designated by the United States.

Gallo questioned whether drugs and money were being funneled to Hezbollah, expressing his concerns to the under secretary of OIOS. However, he claimed that OIOS showed no interest in investigating the apparent connection to Hezbollah.

A bloodied hand print stains a wall in a Nir Oz house after Hamas terrorists attacked this kibbutz days earlier near the border of Gaza

Another instance cited by Gallo involved a terrorism-related scandal that was reportedly whitewashed by the UN, a case previously covered by Newss Digital in 2015.

Edward Flaherty, an American attorney representing whistleblowers within the UN system based in Geneva, Switzerland, echoed Gallo's sentiments. In his extensive experience, Flaherty asserted that internal investigation services within international organizations, including OIOS, lack effectiveness. He criticized their dependence on executive authority, which inhibits their independence and prevents thorough investigations into senior officials' misconduct unless explicitly authorized by the executive branch.

Flaherty likened these internal investigation services to Lavrentiy Beria, the chief of Stalin's secret police, suggesting that they operate on the principle of "Show me the man, and I’ll find you a crime." He argued that the only way to improve investigations within the UN and other international organizations is to remove immunity and allow national law enforcement agencies to conduct inquiries into serious misconduct or investigate the conduct of the investigators themselves.

International flags outside United Nations headquarters in New York Sept. 20, 2021.  (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

When asked about the criticisms raised by Gallo and others concerning the external investigation into UNRWA, Dujarric urged people to withhold judgment until the independent review is concluded. He emphasized that the final report will be publicly released, allowing individuals to express their opinions at that time.

Regarding the criticism of the UN investigations, a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department informed Newss Digital that the United States has contacted the Israeli government to request more information about the allegations. They stated that they have briefed members of Congress and their staff on the matter. The spokesperson welcomed the UN's decision to conduct an investigation and an "comprehensive and independent" review of UNRWA. Additionally, they highlighted Secretary-General Guterres' commitment to taking decisive action if the allegations are confirmed.

United Nations headquarters and an Israeli woman kidnapped by Hamas terrorists

The spokesperson stressed the importance of holding anyone involved in the October 7 attacks accountable and stated that they will maintain close communication with the United Nations and the Israeli government regarding this issue.

Anne Bayefsky, who serves as the director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and is the president of Human Rights Voices, raised doubts about the credibility of the U.N. investigations.

In her statement to Newss Digital, Bayefsky criticized the U.N.'s approach to problem-solving, describing it as relying on "smoke and mirrors." She pointed out that there will be two separate investigations into UNRWA, one conducted by the U.N. itself and the other formed "in consultation with the UNRWA commissioner-general," who is responsible for addressing significant corruption issues within the organization.

Bayefsky expressed skepticism about the so-called "independent" review, noting that its focus on examining "mechanisms" and "procedures" related to "neutrality" suggests an attempt to avoid addressing the core issues. She argued that this language reflects the U.N.'s tendency to sidestep systemic antisemitism present within the UNRWA-operated education system and its longstanding record of perpetuating racist intolerance and violence instead of working to eradicate it.

Perhaps that's why the secretary-general's newly enhanced investigation into UNRWA involves a team of Scandinavian consultants rather than Israel, which bears the brunt of UNRWA's problematic track record.

According to Newss Digital's report on Saturday, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant stated that the number of UNRWA employees involved in the massacre has now reached "dozens." Gallant characterized UNRWA as "Hamas with a facelift."