A senior UN official says his criticism of Israeli policies in Gaza cost him his job
Agencies2 min read
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A senior official at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said on Wednesday that his criticism of Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip cost him his job, while the agency's Director General warned his staff against engaging in campaigns of a rights nature.
Ben Davis, Director of the Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said he was informed in July that his contract would not be renewed after 26 years with the agency, on the grounds of violating neutrality rules.
He added, "I was accused of organizing these silent protests against the conditions of starvation and famine in Gaza," referring to weekly silent protests organized by employees of the Rome-based organization.
Davis was also criticized over a report he contributed to on food availability in Gaza and humanitarian law, published in May.
He said, "We were asked to withdraw it," and added, "We were not allowed to refer to humanitarian law."
FAO Director General Chou Dongyu appeared to warn staff on Tuesday against engaging in rights-based activities or campaigns within the agency.
His remarks came during a public intervention at the start of a filmed session on forests.
He continued, "Human rights are very important, of course, but we have a human rights agency in Geneva. Those who are concerned should go there."
He added, "If a senior official here engages in political work, I will dismiss him... You must follow the FAO constitution... You are violating staff regulations... But I am a very nice person, I haven't dismissed many people."
He added, "I will dismiss more people if they violate the law."
FAO did not respond to a request for comment.
When asked if he believed he was the subject of the Director General's remarks, Davis said, "Certainly," explaining, "He has publicly reprimanded me before, considering me too politically involved."
Davis also expressed "concern" over the Director General's remarks about dismissing more people.
He pointed out that hundreds of people participated in silent protests at the height of those movements, while currently the number of participants is limited to between 30 and 40 people per week.
