Australia must support UN Secretary General in face of Israeli attacks

Oct 17, 2024

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) condemns the Australian Government’s failure to sign a recent letter supported by 104 other UN member states, which expresses solidarity with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in light of Israel’s shocking decision to bar him from entering the country.

The Israeli government’s aggressive actions against Guterres and its relentless and longstanding campaign to undermine the United Nations are alarming, fundamentally eroding international law and humanitarian principles.

It is imperative for Australia to take a principled stand in support of the UN and its agencies, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which Israel proposes to expel from the occupied Palestinian territory, posing a major threat to the rights, lives and wellbeing of Palestinian refugees.

Australia’s stance on this issue is particularly hypocritical given that, just this week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced a new Humanitarian Policy that emphasises “reinforcing the international humanitarian system and taking principled and practical steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law.” 

For the Australian Government to simultaneously refuse support for the UN Secretary-General amid Israel’s unjust attacks is a glaring contradiction that cannot be ignored.

APAN urges the Australian Government to:

  1. Reconsider its position and join the international community by signing the letter supporting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
  2. Affirm its support for UNRWA and the essential services it provides to Palestinian refugees.
  3. Condemn the proposed legislation aimed at dismantling UNRWA and advocate for the protection of humanitarian agencies operating in the region.