UNITED NATIONS (AP) — An independent review of the neutrality of the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees found that Israel never expressed concern about anyone on the staff lists it has received annually since 2011. The review was carried out after Israel alleged that a dozen employees of the agency known as UNRWA had participated in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks.
In a wide-ranging 48-page report released Monday, the independent panel said UNRWA has “robust” procedures to uphold the U.N. principle of neutrality, but it cited serious gaps in implementation, including staff publicly expressing political views, textbooks used in schools the agency runs with “problematic content” and staff unions disrupting operations. It makes 50 recommendations to improve UNRWA’s neutrality.
From 2017 to 2022, the report said, the annual number of allegations of neutrality being breached at UNRWA ranged from seven to 55. But between January 2022 and February 2024, U.N. investigators received 151 allegations, most related to social media posts “made public by external sources,” it said.
Heartbreaking pictures show 24
China urges the U.S. to correct its wrongdoing against Chinese students
Foundation stone laid for Sino
CPC Leadership Hears Work Reports
Scottie Scheffler did NOT consider withdrawing from RBC Heritage to be with heavily
Messi wins 2022 Best FIFA Men's Player Award
UN human rights chief urges influential states to prevent escalation between Iran and Israel
WWF calls for global treaty to protect high seas
Beyoncé wows her fans while offering a rare glimpse at her stunning natural hair
More countries to participate in 4th China International Consumer Products Expo
Rainy season spells misery for hundreds at Myanmar camp for displaced — Radio Free Asia
UNGA president advocates for sustainability in daily life