The Danish Institute for Human Rights Participates in Independent Review of UNRWA
Credit: UN Photo
In recent weeks, UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, has been the target of a series of allegations questioning the neutrality of the agency's personnel and operations.
In light of these allegations, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and UNRWA has requested the Danish Institute for Human Rights to conduct an independent review of the agency, in collaboration with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute from Sweden and the Chr. Michelsen Institute from Norway. The Danish Institute for Human Rights has agreed to participate in the review, which will be conducted in the coming months.
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
- Founded in 1949 with a mission to provide direct relief and development programs to Palestinian refugees
- Today, UNRWA is responsible for food programs, education, and the healthcare system in Gaza and the West Bank, among other things
- UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary donations from UN member states
- UNRWA's mandate is typically renewed every three years by the UN General Assembly
The independent review will clarify which mechanisms and procedures UNRWA has in place to ensure neutrality, whether these mechanisms and procedures are implemented in practice, and if they are adequate and appropriate for the context in which UNRWA operates.
The investigation will provide recommendations on how existing mechanisms and procedures can be improved or suggest alternative procedures and mechanisms if necessary.
The findings and recommendations of the investigation will be delivered in a report to the United Nations Secretary-General on April 12.
- Neutrality, along with impartiality, independence, and humanity, constitutes the four humanitarian principles
- The humanitarian principles form the basis of the assistance provided in humanitarian crises to save lives and alleviate human suffering
- The principle of neutrality means that humanitarian organizations like UNRWA do not take sides in armed conflicts or political disputes.