In a stunning turn of events, a United Nations-affiliated body led by Cindy McCain, the widow of former U.S. Senator John McCain, is facing criticism and staff revolt over accusations of anti-Israeli bias.
The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) employs more than 11,000 staff members, and is responsible for oversight and implementation of multiple projects aiding migrants, refugees, and conflict victims around the world. Since its creation in 1951, the IOM has been one of the most influential intergovernmental organizations that the UN promotes, with McCain installed as its acting director in 2019.
However, allegations of anti-Israeli manipulation and bias arouse within the agency, with the main criticism targeting McCain and her staff for being “blinded to the facts of the conflict in the Middle East.”
Attackers accuse the IOM management of turning a blind eye to Palestinian territories and their needs while pouring funds into Israel’s infrastructure projects, exacerbating the conflict between the two sides.
Proponents of McCain and her strategy argue that the operating style of the IOM has always been neutral, and point out that her reign has brought about the assistance of children and families across the region with unprecedented speed. McCain and her team have been responsible for expansion to 24 countries and setting up 17 regional offices that have made a major contribution towards restoring stability and providing aid to affected communities in the Middle East.
The uproar against the IOM has pushed the organization to redouble its efforts in promoting equal rights to both countries and provide assurance to the international community, while safeguarding its neutral stance when dealing with the issue.
Described as “a delicate balancing act,” the situation is ongoing, and both sides are determined to fight their corner with passion. Whether the IOM succeeds or not – only time will tell.