UNRWA has a robust neutrality framework, review finds
STORY: The Colonna review noted that UNRWA has "a more developed approach" to neutrality than other similar U.N. or aid groups.
It said these included some staff publicly expressing political views, textbooks with problematic content being used in some UNRWA schools, and politicized staff unions making threats against UNRWA management and disrupting operations.
In Gaza, UNRWA's neutrality challenges included the size of the operation, with most personnel being locally recruited and also recipients of UNRWA services, the review said.
The report recommended establishing "a continuous vetting process, especially in the event of staff promotion."
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has accepted the recommendations, his spokesperson said, calling on all countries to actively support UNRWA as it is "a lifeline for Palestine refugees in the region."
The report also said Israel had yet to provide supporting evidence for its claim - based on a staff list it was given in March - that a significant number of UNRWA staff were members of terrorist organizations.
