Peter Hansen (UN)

Peter Hansen (born June 2, 1941 in Aalborg), a Danish national, was Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from 1996-2005.

After completing graduate and postgraduate studies in political science at Arhus University in 1966, he joined the staff of the University as an Assistant Professor in International Relations.In 1978, he joined the United Nations as Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning and Coordination. Between 1985 and 1992, he served as Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations. In March 1994, he took over the post of Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

During his UN tenure, he has served as Chairman of the Organization's Appointment and Promotion Board and various committees and as the Secretary-General's representative to the World Food Programme. He also served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee established to follow up the Washington Conference in support of the Middle East peace process.

Hansen was appointed Commissioner-General of UNRWA by UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on January 20, 1996 and took office on March 1, 1996. His term ended on March 31, 2005 and he retired from United Nations service. Hansen was relieved of duty [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4191313.stm BBC NEWS | Middle East | Unrwa head to go against his will ] ] after making a statement that he employed people who were known members of the Hamas [ [http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2004/10/03/unwra041003.html Canada looking at UN agency over Palestinian connection ] ] .

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