News Letter - United Staff for Gaza : Shared by Robert Cohen

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"Impartiality does not – and must not – mean neutrality," Kofi Annan

Summary
A week of major developments has underscored the UN’s internal and external struggles over Gaza. UN staff circulated an open letter to the new Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide, while the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry formally concluded that Israel is committing genocide. Staff mobilized in Geneva to honor fallen colleagues, while New York events were suppressed. The Security Council failed again to act due to a U.S. veto, even as the General Assembly granted new recognition to Palestinian leadership. United Staff for Gaza reaffirmed its commitment to conscience and the Charter, rejecting claims that staff solidarity constitutes “political activity.” With Kofi Annan’s words on impartiality versus neutrality as a guide, the group presses forward amid intensifying violence and an upcoming peace conference.

Main Points

• 16 September: United Staff for Gaza circulated an open letter to the incoming Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide; the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry simultaneously released a report concluding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

• 16 September: Over 1,000 colleagues joined an online townhall with Francesca Albanese (UN Special Rapporteur) and Andrew Gilmour (Chair of United Staff for Gaza, former ASG for Human Rights).

• 18 September: Hundreds of UN staff gathered in Geneva to honor slain colleagues and protest violations of international law; similar events were blocked at UNHQ New York under pressure from Member States. On the same day, the Security Council failed to adopt a ceasefire resolution due to another U.S. veto.

• 19 September: The General Assembly adopted a resolution (145 votes in favor) granting the Palestinian Authority President the right to address the Assembly remotely, despite U.S. visa restrictions.

• Continuing Crisis: Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, with the UN Spokesperson warning that “the last remaining lifelines for civilians in Gaza City are collapsing.”

• Staff Impartiality: United Staff for Gaza stressed that impartiality means adherence to the Charter, not silence. Kofi Annan’s reminder — “Impartiality does not – and must not – mean neutrality” — is cited against accusations of “political activity.”

• Future Steps: The High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution resumes on 22 September. United Staff for Gaza continues collecting endorsements for its open letter.