Rafah: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Christian Saunders, the Special Coordinator for Improving the UN Response to Exploitation and Abuse, as Acting Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Saunders will assume his new role effective Wednesday, April 1, and will serve until June 30, 2026. Following this period, he will continue as Acting Commissioner-General of UNRWA from July 1, 2026, until further notice. This appointment comes as Philippe Lazzarini's term concludes today, Tuesday, March 31.
According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres expressed his deep gratitude to Lazzarini for his tireless commitment and dedication to UNRWA and Palestine refugees. He emphasized the vital work carried out by UNRWA staff in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian assistance, often under extremely challenging circumstances.
The UN Secretary-General also stressed the critical importance of member states and other partners remaining committed to supporting UNRWA and the services it provides in a volatile region.