The deputy head of the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency has “unequivocally” apologized to staff in Arab states for not consulting them before renewing a cooperation agreement with Israel this month — a move that sparked fierce backlash internally, including demands for the resignation of all involved.
A petition to the United Nations Population Fund’s executive committee, signed by more than 150 staff and seen by Devex, said the move “has placed our reputation, credibility, and neutrality at risk.”
“On 11 June, 2025, almost three years after the relentless attack on Gaza by the Government of Israel which has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 people, including more than 16,000 children, the destruction and damage of 94% of the hospitals, and repeated attacks on UN personnel and infrastructure, UNFPA leadership signed a MOU [memorandum of understanding] with Israel in a public ceremony attended by the Israel Ambassador,” the petition noted, adding that “the Israeli government widely disseminated footage of the signing across its official channels.”
About the authors
Vince Chadwickvchadw
Vince Chadwick is a contributing reporter at Devex. A law graduate from Melbourne, Australia, he was social affairs reporter for The Age newspaper, before covering breaking news, the arts, and public policy across Europe, including as a reporter and editor at POLITICO Europe. He was long-listed for International Journalist of the Year at the 2023 One World Media Awards.
Colum Lynch
Colum Lynch is an award-winning reporter and Senior Global Reporter for Devex. He covers the intersection of development, diplomacy, and humanitarian relief at the United Nations and beyond. Prior to Devex, Colum reported on foreign policy and national security for Foreign Policy Magazine and the Washington Post. Colum was awarded the 2011 National Magazine Award for digital reporting for his blog Turtle Bay. He has also won an award for groundbreaking reporting on the U.N.’s failure to protect civilians in Darfur.
