{"id":293728,"date":"2024-02-26T15:52:31","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T20:52:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&#038;p=293728"},"modified":"2024-02-27T14:34:15","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T19:34:15","slug":"unrwa-claims-versus-facts-press-release-26feb2024","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/unrwa-claims-versus-facts-press-release-26feb2024\/","title":{"rendered":"UNRWA: Claims versus Facts &#8211; Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"page-header\" role=\"document\" aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\">February 2024<\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-display panel-3col-33-stacked clearfix\">\n<div class=\"panel-panel panel-col-top\">\n<div class=\"inside\">\n<div class=\"panel-pane pane-node-content\">\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"ds-1col node node-basic-page view-mode-full clearfix\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<div>\n<p><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;1673b68a-57cc-4d7f-96d7-26eb6feea8ae|237&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;eop&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;eop&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}\">UNRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0has long\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">faced<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0misinformation<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">disinformation,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">including\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">about<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0its staff<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">and operations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Th<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">is<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0has<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">intensified\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">since the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">war in Gaza<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0began on 7 October<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">This document\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">outlines\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">UNRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2019s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0position<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2014<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">based on<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">objective<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">, ascertainable\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">facts, data<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">firsthand<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0information<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2014<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">on<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0some of the most frequent<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0claims<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and allegations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0made<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0against the Agency<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0in the media and social media by\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">various<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0individuals, organizations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">, public and private entities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong>Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">On 17 January, UNRWA Commissioner-General announced\u00a0<\/span>his intention to commission an independent review to identify and assess the adequacy and implementation of the Agency\u2019s mechanisms and procedures to ensure neutrality. On 5 February, the Secretary-General appointed a Review Group, headed by Catherine Colonna, former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, to \u201cassess whether the Agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they are made.\u201d For more information on the terms of reference of the review,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/statement-secretary-general-%E2%80%93-unrwa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">click here<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">On 26 January, in response to\u00a0<\/span>allegations received orally from Israeli officials regarding the alleged involvement of 12 UNRWA staff in the 7 October attack against Israel, and upon ascertaining that the individuals were indeed UNRWA staff members, the UNRWA Commissioner-General decided to immediately terminate the appointments of these staff \u201cin the interest of the Agency,\u201d in accordance with applicable staff regulations, in order to protect its ability to deliver humanitarian assistance. This decision was communicated through a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/serious-allegations-against-unrwa-staff-gaza-strip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">statement<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">A<\/span>t the request of the UN Secretary-General, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the highest investigative body in the United Nations, launched an investigation into these specific allegations. The UN Secretary-General requested in interim report within four weeks of OIOS starting work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">On 27 January, the UNRWA Commissioner<\/span>-General issued another\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/unrwa%E2%80%99s-lifesaving-aid-may-end-due-funding-suspension\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">statement<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in response to several donor\u00a0<\/span>countries suspending, pausing, or temporarily freezing funding to UNRWA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Claims Vs. Facts\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">C<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">laim<\/span>:<\/strong>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Citing alleged intelligence estimates,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">several media have relayed claims<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">a<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">round 10<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">%<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">all<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in Gaza<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, or about 1,200 people, have links to Hamas or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Palestinian Islamic Jihad<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA has not received any information<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, let alone any\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">evidence, from<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the Israeli Authorities\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">any\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">other Member State\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">about the above claim<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u202fUNRWA became\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">aware of<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0this claim first from international media and later from a press briefing by an Israeli\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">government\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">official.\u202f\u00a0<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Like any other UN organization, UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">carries out<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0detailed reference checks on any staff the Agency recruits.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">In addition, UNRWA shares the names,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">employee\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">numbers, and functions of all staff\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">members\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">every year in all five areas of operations with the host authorities (Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and the Palestinian Authority) and, for the West Bank,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0including<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0East Jerusalem, and Gaza, with Israel as the occupying power.\u202f<\/span>\u202f<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">This\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">means that at all times<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">, host states and Israel are fully informed and aware of the details of all staff members working for UNRWA.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Other UN Member States also<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0receive<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0these lists upon request.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">The names of the<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a012<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0individuals against whom allegations were made were all shared multiple times with Israel<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and other Member States<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Prior to January 2024, UNRWA did not receive any\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">indication<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0from the relevant authorities of any involvement of its staff in armed\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">militant\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">groups<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0In addition, the Agency screens\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">staff on a biannual basis against the UN Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">C<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">laim<\/span>:<\/strong>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Israeli officials have\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">stated that \u201cUNRWA\u2019s problem is not just \u2018a few bad apples\u2019 involved in the October 7 massacre,\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">and that the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u201cinstitution as a whole is a haven for Hamas\u2019 radical ideology.\u201d<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0more than\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">30,000 staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0across the region<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, including 13,000 in Gaza,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the majority of<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0them Palestinian.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA takes<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0seriously\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">responsibility to ensure that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">its<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0operations and staff adhere to UN values and core humanitarian principles<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA has always taken\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">very seriously\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">any allegation\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">regarding<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">staff misconduct<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0\u2013<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">including\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">allegations of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">neutrality\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">breaches<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0The Agency takes\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">swift<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0action<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0when<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ever<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0any staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0member<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">is<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0found to have\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acted<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in contravention of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">its<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0regulatory framework<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0range of disciplinary\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">sanctions applied<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0include<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, often in combination<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">fines<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">. suspension from duty,<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\" data-ccp-parastyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;1673b68a-57cc-4d7f-96d7-26eb6feea8ae|235&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;paragraph&quot;,201340122,&quot;2&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;paragraph&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777842,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777843,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777844,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469769226,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,268442635,&quot;24&quot;,335559740,&quot;240&quot;,201341983,&quot;0&quot;,134233118,&quot;true&quot;,134233117,&quot;true&quot;,469778324,&quot;Normal&quot;]}\">\u00a0demotion<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0up to termination of employment.\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><u><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">S<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ince 2022<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">66<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0investigations<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">out of 3<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,000\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">staff<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">across<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0UNRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0not just in Gaza<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0looked\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">at a range of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">alleged related<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0to neutrality breaches<\/span><\/span><\/u><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">, including<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">alleged\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">support for Hamas and other groups<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0Some of these investigations are still ongoing.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Sixty-<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">six<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0cases out of 3<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,000 staff<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0\u2013 not all of which have been substanti<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">ated<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u2013 is just\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">0.22<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">%. There<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0is absolutely no ground for a blanket description of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201cthe institution as a whole\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">being<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0\u201ctotally infiltrated.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Rather,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0the small<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0percentage<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">underscores\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">the<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">absolutely<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0overwhelming<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0majority of UNRWA\u2019s highly dedicated staff adhere to the principles to which they commit when they join the Agency.<\/span>\u202f<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">In any event, as\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">indicated<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0previously, the matter is now under assessment by the Review Group appointed by the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">UN\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Secretary-General, whose findings are expected to be released by April 2024.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">In addition, staff\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">members\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">receive regular reminders and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">take\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">mandatory\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">training<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">s<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">to ensure they understand and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">abide by\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">the UN standards of conduct for International Civil Servants<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">. These<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0includ<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">e<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0that any political activity must be consistent with, and not reflect adversely upon, the independence and impartiality required by serving the United Nations, and that support for violence and hatred in any form runs counter to UN values and is unacceptable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The Claim<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Several media have relayed claims that\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Israel has documented deepening ties between UNRWA and Hamas<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, the de facto authorities in the Gaza Strip,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0since 2007.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0As elsewhere\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">a<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">round the world,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the UN works in complex environments, including in areas under the control of a de facto government or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">armed groups<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">The United Nations engages with all parties to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">facilit<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ate<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">delivery of services and humanitarian\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0\u2013<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">that&#8217;s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0a standard.\u00a0<\/span>\u202f<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">In the Gaza\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Strip<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">UNRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">engage<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ment<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0with<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0the de facto authorities<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">takes place solely at an<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">operational<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0level\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">with the exclus<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ive purpose of delivering<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0humanitarian aid and ensu<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ring<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0the safety of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">our<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Since UNRWA is\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">operating<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0in a conflict environment in Gaza, it<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0activities need to be coordinated and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201c<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">deconflicted<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0with all relevant\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">parties\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">enable\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">the implementation of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">humanitarian mandate.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">The Agency is<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">thus\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">constantly in contact with the Israeli\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">a<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">uthorities and with the de facto authorities<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0simultaneously<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0to inform<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0them<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0about our movements and operations.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0Aid from UNRWA keeps\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">getting diverted by Hamas<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">UNRWA is not aware of<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and has received no specific allegations\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">regarding<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0any systemic diversion of aid in Gaza by Hamas or other armed groups. Should it be revealed to be the case, UNRWA will strongly condemn any diversion of humanitarian supplies and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">immediately<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0inform its donors to determine\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">appropriate next<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0steps.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Across the world\u2019s conflict zones, the UN works in complex environments, including in areas under the control of de facto governments or non-State armed actors, to deliver humanitarian aid<\/span>, and has extensive experience in delivering aid in accordance with humanitarian principles, including neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence, and mitigating the risk of diversion of aid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA\u2019s d<\/span>istribution of aid is implemented through a robust system of oversight and checks:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span>uses a direct implementation modality (no intermediaries) which means that the Agency has full control of the supply chain from receiving the goods at the crossing points of Gaza to bringing them to UNRWA warehouses and distribution points, where aid is delivered directly to registered beneficiaries, checked against a pre-established list, and according to needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">All movements of aid (including fuel) from point of departure to point of arrival inside Gaza are coordinated<\/span>\u00a0with and notified to the parties, including the Israeli authorities, to \u201cdeconflict\u201d, or ensure the safe passage of the aid convoy\u2019s movements and ensure safety of humanitarian workers. The convoys are also escorted and monitored by UN security personnel. UNRWA is currently working with other UN Agencies to establish common warehousing for materials brought into Gaza, which will improve overall monitoring and security of the goods.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA takes measures to ensure that it has no financial ties with any individual or organization on the UN Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List. During periods of escalation, we have emergency screening procedures to ensure the provision of aid in an effective manner<\/span>, such as rapid screening of new vendors. Subcontractors and implementing partners are also vetted.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span>operates in five fields:\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">&#8211; including\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It shares\u00a0<\/span>full lists of staff members, including functions, names, and IDs, with all the host authorities and, for the West Bank and Gaza, with Israel, every year.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The Claim<\/span><\/strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>Hamas<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0has stored<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0weapons in<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0UNRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0schools<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and dug tunnels under UNRWA buildings, but the Agency has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0done little<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0to stop this<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">S<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ince the mid-2000s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, during conflicts in Gaza,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0there<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0have been<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0instances when armed actors from both sides\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">have violated<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">neutrality\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">of UNRWA sites, which are protected\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">by international law. They<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0have, for example,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">enter<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ed\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">buildings or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">used them for mil<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">i<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">tary purposes<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0system<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">atically<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0condemned<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0such violations of UN premises<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">See an example<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/press-releases\/unrwa-condemns-placement-rockets-second-time-one-its-schools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">here<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">\u00a0from 2014 of UNRWA<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0condemn<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ing\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the placement of rockets inside its schools<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Every time that<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA has discovered<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0that the neutrality of its facilities ha<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0been compromised by third parties, including being used by armed groups in Gaza to cache munitions<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, it\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">has protested to de facto authorities in Gaza, condemning the fact that these weapon components had been stored at a UN facility, in breach of their inviolability under UN Privileges and Immunities. UNRWA also\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">immediately<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0informs the Palestinian Authority and Israel as well as its main donors<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Moreover, in its annual reports to the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UN\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">General Assembly, the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Commissioner-General has also consistently reported and described any such instances. These reports are shared with all Member States<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0of the United Nations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">When suspected tunnels are discovered under UNRWA facilities, the Agency follows a similar protocol to the one used when it has discovered that its installations were being used to cache munitions. This includes sealing cavities by injecting cement whenever discovered,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">immediately<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0informing the Palestinian Authority and Israel as well as its main\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">donors and<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0reporting to the UN General Assembly. When cavities under buildings or our grounds have been\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">identified<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the Agency has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0also put out public statements\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u2013<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0you can find an example from 2022\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/unrwa-strongly-condemns-neutrality-breach-against-agency-gaza\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">here<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">E<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">nsuring that its facilities are not\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">utilized<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0for any purpose\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">other\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">than the provision of services by UNRWA to Palestine refugees<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0is critical for UNRWA\u2019s operations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The Agency<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0dedicates significant resources to<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0regula<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">rly<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assess<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0its facilities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, including<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0to ensure neutrality. This means not only that there is no misuse of its facilities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, but also<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0ensuring that installations are clearly marked as UN facilities, that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">signs\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">about them being weapons-free areas are present at entrances, and that the internal and external walls are free of any messaging that is political or in any way places the neutrality of the installation into question.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">This is done<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0via\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">quarterly assessments<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0by specially trained staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">all\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">of<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u2019s almost 1,000 facilities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0across its five fields of operation<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u2014including<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0East Jerusalem, and Gaza.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">These assessments review adherence to neutrality and the level to which UNRWA installations\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">are able to<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0provide safe, inclusive,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">accessible,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and dignified services to Palestine refugees. During each of the second and third quarters of 2023 for example, UNRWA assessed 99<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">%<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0of active Agency installations.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0The assessment of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">all\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Gaza installations was completed in September 2023.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0There is also a system of follow-up in place to ensure that issues\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">identified<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0are addressed in a consistent manner.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">A<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ctive conflict<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and insecurity can significantly\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">impact<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the ability of the Agency to conduct these assessments<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">also<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0train<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0all staff<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">on\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0humanitarian principles, including neutrality, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">provides dedicated training to managers of UNRWA installations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">C<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">laim<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA schools<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in the oPt<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, which use textbooks approved by the Palestinian Authority,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">have us<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ed<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0materials that glorify terrorists and promote hatred of Israel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><\/span>:<\/strong>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA does not have<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">own,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0or produce<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0its own\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">textbooks<\/span><\/strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0It<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0provides quality education in line with UN values and UNESCO standards, especially those applicable<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0to<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0refugee<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0contexts,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0thus using<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the host government\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">textbooks<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">reviews all<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">textbook<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">s\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">used in its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">schools<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">identify<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0sections that may not be in line with UN\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">values and UNESCO standards for teaching<\/span><\/strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">has zero<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0tolerance\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">for\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">hate speech and incitement to discrimination, or violence.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Independent analysts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and international education experts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0have<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0vouched\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">for<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0quality and content of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">education that UNRWA provides in its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">schools.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Using\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">host\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">country curriculums in refugee situations<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0is standard for the UN around the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">It is\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">considered a best practice\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">that helps\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">ensure that<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">students can matriculate into host country educational systems at any level and more broadly\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">participate<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0in the social and economic life of the host country. This is particularly relevant for UNRWA as our school system ends after grade 9<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">except<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0in<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0Lebanon<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and students transition to local schools for upper secondary, then university.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">UNRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">enriches the curriculum it uses by adding a unique\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">program<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">me<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0on Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">has also\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">established<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">chool parliaments<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0run by students<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0in every\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">institution.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA teachers are trained\u00a0<\/span>to address any problematic content in the classroom, using guidance documents developed by UNRWA headquarters. The teachers are required to and accountable for following this approach. When it comes to Palestinian Authority textbooks, UNRWA refers systematically to UN positions on issues such as the occupation, borders, the wall, and others. UNRWA is not in a position to\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0nor it is mandated to<\/span>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0reconcile the Israeli and Palestinian\u00a0<\/span>narratives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Thousands of self-learning materials<\/span>\u00a0produced in-house to support distance learning have also been reviewed through a robust three-tier review process and uploaded on UNRWA\u2019s Digital Learning Platform. Teachers are regularly reminded that only material uploaded on the platform can be used. Meanwhile UNRWA is progressing with digitalization of its education. It includes a gradual transition to digital teaching learning material which will be uploaded on the platform and become the sole source of materials to be used by students and teachers in the classroom, at home and remotely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition, an<\/span>\u00a0Education Expert Advisory Group, composed of globally recognized experts representing renowned institutions such as UNESCO and the World Bank among others, advises UNRWA on its digital transition as well as curriculum related matters more broadly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Internationally recognized outside evaluations \u2013 including a<\/span>\u00a0<a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/documents1.worldbank.org\/curated\/en\/159281614191477048\/pdf\/The-Global-Cost-of-Inclusive-Refugee-Education.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">2021 World Bank-UNHCR study<\/span>\u00a0<\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2013 empirically\u00a0<\/span>demonstrated that UNRWA\u2019s educational outcomes are among the best in the region and at the lowest cost per student. UNRWA\u2019s students in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jordan \u201cscored an average of a quarter of a standard deviation higher in international assessments than public school children, implying an advantage of almost a year of learning.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Regarding the textbooks produced by the Palestinian Authority, UNRWA\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0own stance on these materials closely aligns with the\u00a0<a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gei.de\/en\/research\/projects\/report-on-palestinian-textbooks-paltex\/faq-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Georg Eckert Institute\u2019s findings<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in the study commissioned by the European Commission and published in 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0A 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report allegedly said that UNRWA has not always implemented measures to address problematic content in school textbooks.\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0The 2019 report reaffirmed UNRWA\u2019s unwavering commitment to UN values, and, where there was need for better implementation, this was done \u2013 you can find our statement about this\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/american-government-accountability-office-report-affirms-unrwa%E2%80%99s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">here<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA undertakes regular and meticulous review of all textbooks and learning materials used in the schools to ensure their compatibility with UN values and UNESCO standards, promoting educational excellence and reinforcing tolerance and human rights. \u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Claim: Members of a Telegram group of 3,000 UNRWA teachers allegedly supported violence, including in the 7 October attacks against Israel, and there have been similar cases in the past involving UNRWA staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Facts: The most recent claims, made by the organization UN Watch in January 2024 refer to exchanges found on an open Telegram chat that was not set-up, nor authorized, nor managed by UNRWA. The use of the UN and UNRWA logo on this Telegram group has not been authorized.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">Due to the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">n<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">ature of Telegram, it is impossible to verify the allegation that all members of this group are UNRWA employees<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">The group\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">seems to be<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0formed around job seeking, so it is unlikely that its members are all UNRWA staff (already employed by the Agency)<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Previous<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0claims by UN Watch and other organizations about the behavior of individuals have often misidentified as UNRWA staff the people allegedly involved. For example, in various claims made since 2022, concerning a total of 129 people, more than half turned out not to be UNRWA personnel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Of the 30 people named as UNRWA staff in a report about this Telegram group, only 18 could be\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">properly reviewed<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0as the other 12 provided only first names or nicknames. From the 18, it has been confirmed that three do not work for the Agency and six have so far been inconclusive, requiring further review. The remaining nine may be active personnel. These cases have been referred to the UNRWA investigation department,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">in accordance with<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the Agency\u2019s procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA, like all UN Agencies, has a system in place to investigate allegations and disciplinary action is taken in all substantiated cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Claim:\u00a0<\/strong>Rather than being part of the solution, UNRWA perpetuates the refugee problem, including by reminding Palestine refugees of their history and telling them their home is in Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">When the UN General Assembly created UNRWA by passing a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/what-mandate-unrwa-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">resolution<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0in 1949, it did not mandate the Agency to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict nor the Palestine refugee\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">issue or<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0find durable solutions for refugees.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">Rather, UNRWA was set up as temporary organization\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">to carry out \u201cdirect relief and works\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">programmes<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201d for Palestine refugees. In 1952, the UN General Assembly explicitly tasked UNRWA to serve any person whose &#8220;normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">UNRWA has a humanitarian and development mandate, repeatedly renewed by the UN General Assembly, to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">provide assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and protection to Palestine refugees pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. This is done by delivering essential public services, primarily basic education, health care, relief and social services, microcredit, and emergency\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">, including in situations of armed conflict.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The fact that UNRWA is still in place 75 years later is not a choice by the Agency but the result of a collective failure by Member States to resolve a political problem.<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Protracted refugee situations are the result of the failure to find political solutions to underlying political crises \u2013 sometimes leading refugees to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">retain<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0their status across generations. Meanwhile, the international community has continued to support UNRWA and recognizes the role it plays in addressing human development issues and the long-term impacts of conflict.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Palestine refugees do not get special treatment compared to other refugees. Under international law, refugees and their descendants may\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">retain<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0their status until a durable solution is found to the situation that made the population into refugees in the first place.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0In this sense, Palestine\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">r<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">efugees are no different from other people in protracted refugee situations.<\/span>\u00a0<a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/global-issues\/refugees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">As\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">stated<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">\u00a0by the United Nations<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">, this principle applies to all refugees and both UNRWA and UNHCR have recognized descendants as refugees on this basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Furthermore, the UN General Assembly in 1949 adopted a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/content\/resolution-194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">resolution<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0stating that<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0\u201crefugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">neighbours<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">This is not an UNRWA position, this is a UN and a Member State position.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">In addition, Palestine refugees, like all other refugees globally, have a right to learn about their history, including their\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">displacement<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">UNRWA does not intend to \u2013 nor does it have a mandate to \u2013 reconcile Israeli and Palestinian narratives<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">What UNRWA teaches in its schools is in line with UN positions on the conflict.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><strong>The Claim:\u00a0<\/strong>Other UN agencies deliver humanitarian\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in crisis zones across the globe. They would be better placed to do UNRWA\u2019s job.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA directly manages critical public-like services (schools, health centers, social protection) in its 5 areas of operations, relaying on a staff corps of 30,000 people, most of them Palestine refugees, thus serving their own communities.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNRWA\u2019s established infrastructure and its cost-effectiveness \u2013 especially as\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the majority of<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0its staff are part of the UNRWA Area Staff (national) category, with salaries pegged to public sector comparators) \u2013 have\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">no equivalent elsewhere in the UN<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">. This means that UNRWA Area Staff are paid on average between 40% and 70% less than other UN locally recruited staff,<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as the comparators used for their salary scales are the host governments in the countries and areas of operations where UNRWA works.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">In addition, UNRWA responds to emergency situations, such as in Gaza today, using its staff, community acceptance and knowledge, and their longstanding experience gained over several conflicts and crises. With over 2 million people in dire need of life-saving humanitarian\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in Gaza, no other Agency\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">is able to<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0respond at the scale needed at present. UNRWA has 13,000 staff and over 300 installations in Gaza, far surpassing the capacity of all other humanitarian actors. The UN Secretary-General has called UNRWA the backbone of the humanitarian response there. Other UN Agencies and international NGOs have recognized the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in Gaza, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">publicly announced<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0their support for the Agency.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, even if another agency supplies vaccines, it is UNRWA medical staff that get those vaccines into the arms of children at UNRWA clinics. So, UNRWA is an essential link in the chain. UNRWA\u2019s main activity is education.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/sites\/default\/files\/content\/resources\/unrwa_in_action_2023_eng.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">With 709 schools and some\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">543,000 students<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0across its five areas of operations, there is no easy substitute, not even at government level, for UNRWA\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">work<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">It was hoped that UNRWA local staff) would be folded into Palestinian public institutions once a political solution was reached. This is why also their salary scales are aligned to those entities in the public services where they work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Other UN agencies have around 220 staff combined between\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">international<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and national, and th<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">ey do not have the same public service roles.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0UNHCR is mandated to resettle refugees and solve refugee issues. It could take over UNRWA\u2019s job.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 and UNHCR in 1950, providing them each with distinct mandates to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">assist<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0and protect refugees.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">These decisions are enshrined in the UN General Assem<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">bly<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/what-mandate-unrwa-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">resolution<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0that created UNRWA in 1949 and has been renewed ever since,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/legacy-pdf\/3b66c39e1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">UNHCR Statute<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">, which was also adopted by the UN General Assembly, and the\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/about-unhcr\/who-we-are\/1951-refugee-convention\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">1951 Refugee Convention<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">,<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0which is an international treaty.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">Neither UNRWA nor UNHCR can unilaterally change their mandates<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA and UNHCR have very distinct functions. UNRWA is a direct service provider. At the core of these services are education and health. UNRWA provides public-like services.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">UNHCR does not have a mandate over Palestine refugees within the UNRWA areas of operations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">However, in certain circumstances, UNHCR has a mandate\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">regarding<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0Palestine refugees when they are outside the areas where UNRWA operates.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">Unlike UNHCR, UNRWA does not have a mandate to resettle Palestine refugees and has no authority to seek lasting durable solutions for refugees. UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly to provide services to Palestine refugees in five fields of operation:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Gaza. And it is mandated to do so\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. Palestine refugees within UNRWA\u2019s fields of operations are specifically excluded from the mandate of UNHCR, which has a resettlement mandate. However, according to UNHCR,\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/global-trends-report-2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">only a fraction of refugees around the world who need resettlement<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">actually get<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0it each year. \u202f<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">It is worth noting that the protracted situation in which Palestine refugees live is not unique. Resettlement requires the consent not only of refugees but also of the receiving state.\u202f<\/span><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/global-trends-report-2022%22%20\/t%20%22_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">UNHCR<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">estimated that 78 per cent of all\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">16 million refugees<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0under its mandate were in protracted refugee situations in 2022. Of the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">29.4 million refugees<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0under UNHCR protection that year, only about 1.15 per cent (339,300) were repatriated\u202fto their country of origin. Less than half a per cent (114,300) were resettled in a third country or naturalized as citizens in their country of asylum (50,800). The vast majority remained refugees, pending a solution to their plight.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0Donor money would be better spent supporting governments in the region to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assist<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0Palestine refugees, rather than doing so via UNRWA.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0UNRWA\u2019s mandate was first set out by the UN General Assembly in\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/what-mandate-unrwa-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">1949<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">. UN Member States decide where and how UNRWA should\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">operate<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">During regular reviews of its mandate, UN Member States have continued to task UNRWA to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">provide<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0support to Palestine refugees throughout its five fields of operation: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It is tasked with doing so pending a just and lasting solution to the plight of Palestine refugees.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition, UNRWA runs essential public services for Palestine refugees, such as schools and clinics. It does this with some 30,000 personnel, most of whom are Palestinian, and whose pay scale is aligned to that of the local civil services where they work. The reason for this is that\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">it is hoped that they will transition into Palestinian public institutions once a political solution is reached.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">While some Palestine refugees have citizenship in their host countries, many do not, and lack legal status thus depending on UNRWA for access to basic services and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Claim:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">UNRWA does not take reports against it seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0UNRWA has zero tolerance for hate speech, discrimination, or incitement to violence as well as any action that could be viewed as taking sides in conflict. Adherence to UN values and upholding humanitarian principles, including neutrality,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">represents<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0a fundamental pillar of UNRWA&#8217;s value system and is critical for the Agency to be able to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">operate<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0on the ground. The Agency systematically reviews all allegations of misconduct, including breaching UN values and humanitarian principles and launches investigations into any credible allegation, applying disciplinary measures where misconduct has been\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">established<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0up to and including separation.\u202f<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Please refer to the \u2018Background\u2019 section above for details of the very swift steps taken by UNRWA concerning the allegations that 12 of its staff members were involved in the 7 October attacks on Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">ENDs-<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>February 2024 UNRWA\u00a0has long\u00a0faced\u00a0misinformation\u00a0and\u00a0disinformation,\u00a0including\u00a0about\u00a0its staff\u00a0and operations.\u00a0This\u00a0has\u00a0intensified\u00a0since the\u00a0war in Gaza\u00a0began on 7 October. This document\u00a0outlines\u00a0UNRWA\u2019s\u00a0positions\u2014based on\u00a0objective, ascertainable\u00a0facts, data,\u00a0and\u00a0firsthand\u00a0information\u2014\u00a0on\u00a0some of the most frequent\u00a0claims\u00a0and allegations\u00a0made\u00a0against the Agency\u00a0in the media and social media by\u00a0various\u00a0individuals, organizations, public and private entities. Background On 17 January, UNRWA Commissioner-General announced\u00a0his intention to commission an independent review to identify and assess the adequacy and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/unrwa-claims-versus-facts-press-release-26feb2024\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[1817],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,1945,2005,1741,5200,1745,2117,6891],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542],"class_list":["post-293728","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-press-release","document-source-united-nations-relief-and-works-agency-for-palestine-refugees-in-the-near-east-unrwa","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-humanitarian-relief","document-subject-refugees-and-displaced-persons","document-subject-terrorism","document-subject-unrwa","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/293728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/293728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":293731,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/293728\/revisions\/293731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=293728"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=293728"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=293728"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=293728"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=293728"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=293728"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=293728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}