The head of the United Nations agency that aids Palestinian refugees has stepped aside until the end of an investigation into misconduct allegations, the agency said on Wednesday.
Commissioner General Pierre Krähenbühl stepped aside until a review of “management-related matters” at the agency was completed, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said in a statementExternal link.
It gave no details of the substance of the allegations.
Media reports have mentioned a damaging internal report that included allegations he created a post for his mistress that was funded by the Swiss government.
UNRWA provides education, health, housing and relief services to more than five million registered refugees in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, as well as in neighbouring countries Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
The UN Secretary General appointed Christian Saunders as officer-in-charge for the interim period. Saunders previously served as the agency’s acting deputy commissioner general.
“Over the last few months, UNRWA has initiated an internal review of its governance, management and accountability functions, so as to ensure it practices the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and efficiency,” the UNRWA statement said.
Suspended payments
Krähenbühl, a Swiss national, was notified in March that an investigation was underway by the UN secretariat in New York based on “allegations received against UNRWA personnel relating to unsatisfactory conduct”.
UNRWA has faced budgetary difficulties since last year, when the United States, its biggest donor, halted its aid of $360 million (CHF357 million) per year. Washington says some UNRWA activities are anti-Israeli.
Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium have separately suspended payments to UNRWA over the management issues that are now under investigation. The agency’s spokeswoman says it still needs $89 million to keep operating until the end of this year.
The Swiss government is due to publish a report before the end of the year on the future ties with UNRWA.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
Aussie adoptee gains Swiss citizenship at 54 thanks to old envelope
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Centre Party president rules out run for Swiss government post
This content was published on
Outgoing Centre Party president Gerhard Pfister will not join the race to replace defence minister Viola Amherd in the Swiss government, the politician announced on Saturday.
This content was published on
Ernst Ostertag is a pioneer for the legal equality of homosexual people in Switzerland. In an interview with "SonntagsBlick" on the occasion of his 95th birthday, the Zurich native explains what bothers him about the Woke movement.
Several hundred people join anti-WEF protests in Switzerland
This content was published on
Several hundred opponents of the World Economic Forum gathered in Graubünden and in the capital Bern on Saturday to take aim in particular at the WEF's high-profile guests.
Swiss skiers nab top spots in iconic Lauberhorn race
This content was published on
Swiss skier Marco Odermatt has won the Lauberhorn downhill ski race in Wengen, Switzerland, for the third time, just ahead of compatriot Franjo von Allmen.
Switzerland’s neighbours are ‘not role models’ in fiscal policy, says finance minister
This content was published on
Swiss finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter defended the country's compliance with the debt brake at a meeting of her party, the Radical-Liberals, on Saturday.
Pope Francis praises Swiss Guards’ patience with pilgrims
This content was published on
During a private audience on Saturday, Pope Francis praised the Swiss Guards for their "great patience" with pilgrims who visit the Vatican.
Swiss designer Kevin Germanier to design outfits for Eurovision presenters
This content was published on
Designer Kevin Germanier will dress the team of presenters at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place in May in Basel.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter makes official visit to Austria
This content was published on
Karin Keller-Sutter, who took over the rotating Swiss presidency this year, has made her first official visit abroad as president to Austria.
This content was published on
The boss of Swiss Post, Roberto Cirillo, is stepping down at the end of March after six years in the job, the company announced on Friday.
This content was published on
The name and logo of the former Credit Suisse headquarters at Paradeplatz 8 in Zurich's financial centre were officially replaced by those of UBS on Friday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Minister: ‘UN aid agency is part of the problem in the Middle East’
This content was published on
United Nations aid work for Palestinian refugees is a stumbling block to peace in the Middle East, hindering integration.
This content was published on
A damaging internal report has cast a very dark shadow over the ethical behavior of top officials of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Outgoing UN human rights delegate blasts Swiss foreign minister
This content was published on
A day before he finishes up his mandate at the United Nations, veteran Swiss diplomat Jean Ziegler has expressed harsh criticism of the policies of Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.