JERUSALEM – An independent review report released Monday highlighted the need for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to strengthen its vetting procedures for staff members to ensure neutrality and rebuild trust with donors. While no evidence was provided by Israel to link UNRWA workers to militant groups, the report emphasized the importance of critical reforms within the agency.
Established in 1949, UNRWA has been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid and essential services, particularly in health and education, to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. The agency, which serves over 5 million people, has faced challenges in recent months following allegations of staff members’ involvement in attacks led by Hamas.
The findings of the report come at a crucial time for UNRWA, as major donors, including the United States, suspended funding amounting to about $450 million. In response to these allegations, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini took immediate action by terminating the staff members in question. However, Israel has called for the agency to be dissolved, citing concerns about its perceived role in perpetuating the Palestinian refugee issue.
Despite the lack of evidence provided by Israel to support these claims, UN Secretary General António Guterres commissioned an independent review group to assess UNRWA’s efforts to maintain neutrality and respond to allegations of serious breaches. The group, led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, examined various aspects of the agency’s operations, including staff training, investigation procedures, and measures to prevent facilities from being misused for political or military purposes.
One of the key recommendations outlined in the report is the need for improved staff vetting procedures, with UNRWA agreeing to share employee lists with host countries and Israel for screening purposes. While the agency screens all affiliates biannually against the U.N. sanctions list, the report highlighted the limitations of this approach due to the narrow scope of the sanctions roster.
In addition to addressing staff vetting, the report also emphasized the importance of ensuring educational materials in UNRWA-run schools do not contain content that denies Israel’s right to exist or glorifies violence. Despite challenges posed by funding constraints and geopolitical pressures, UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees in the region.
As the agency navigates these challenges and works to implement the recommendations of the independent review, the future of UNRWA remains uncertain. However, the support of key donors and international stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring the continued provision of humanitarian aid and services to those in need.