Opposition Accuses Swedish Government of Undermining Aid to UNRWA
The Swedish opposition criticizes the government's handling of aid funding for UNRWA following revelations of ministerial interference.
Key Points
- • Opposition parties criticize the government's decision to withhold funding to UNRWA.
- • Green Party demands the resignation of Minister Benjamin Dousa.
- • Left Party plans to file a complaint against Dousa for ministerial overreach.
- • Minister Dousa defends the government's aid strategy, claiming Sweden remains a leading contributor.
The Swedish opposition has raised significant concerns regarding the government's recent actions related to aid funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This follows revelations from SVT's investigative program '30 Minutes', which implicated the government in withholding funds intended for humanitarian assistance amid ongoing crises in Gaza.
The controversy erupted when a leaked message from Diana Janse, state secretary to Benjamin Dousa, the Minister for International Development, indicated that she advised the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) against allocating 30 million kronor (approximately 2.8 million USD) to UNRWA. Janse reportedly said that any such proposals 'would not contribute to anything here.' This created uproar within the opposition, particularly from the Green Party, which has called for Dousa's resignation, labeling his conduct as detrimental to humanitarian efforts.
Morgan Johansson, vice-chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed on June 7th, that this situation is 'extremely troubling,' highlighting the necessity for a thorough investigation into the government's influence over Sida. Johansson noted that Sida's director general, Jakob Granit, will be called to testify before the committee regarding this matter. Meanwhile, the Left Party is set to lodge a complaint against Dousa for alleged interference in Sida's independent operations.
In response to the criticisms, Dousa defended the government's position, asserting that Sweden remains among the top contributors of aid globally and has reportedly doubled its aid funding. He accused the opposition, particularly the Green Party, of politicizing the issue rather than focusing on substantive humanitarian needs, dismissing their allegations as misguided.
Former aid minister Isabella Lövin, of the Green Party, criticized the ruling government’s actions, describing it as a 'moral collapse' that undermines efforts to support vulnerable populations in Gaza. The political drama showcases deepening rifts within Swedish politics, particularly concerning foreign aid policy and humanitarian obligations during global crises.