UNRWA overstated progress on institutional changes, preserved terrorism issues, watchdog says
The investigation, titled the "Report Card on UNRWA Reform," analyzed the agency's implementation of 50 recommendations issued by an independent review group led by a former French foreign minister,
Geneva-based UN Watch released a critical report on Monday, alleging that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has exaggerated its progress on institutional reforms, failing to tackle core issues of terrorism and incitement. The report, titled "Report Card on UNRWA Reform," scrutinized the agency's implementation of 50 recommendations outlined by an independent review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
Originally commissioned by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in early 2024, the review aimed to restore donor confidence following revelations that UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 massacre. UNRWA now claims to have completed 41 of the 50 recommendations; however, UN Watch contends that this number is deceptive, as only 13 recommendations have been fulfilled as intended.
UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer criticized UNRWA's self-assessment, stating that issuing policies does not equate to enforcing them. The report highlights that UNRWA has adopted a "Minimum Viable Product" methodology, treating administrative steps as completed reforms even when full implementation remains lacking. Despite assurances to overhaul hiring practices, UNRWA continues to lack a reliable system for screening local staff for ties to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, relying instead on the UN Security Council sanctions list, which does not designate these groups as terrorist organizations.
The watchdog also pointed out that staff unions have resisted implementing new rules, citing their history of radicalism and defense of terror-linked colleagues. Furthermore, UNRWA's educational curriculum remains deeply entrenched in antisemitism, glorification of suicide bombers, and promotion of violent jihad, as documented by independent monitoring.
The report emphasizes that these issues are structural, citing the agency's mandate tied to perpetuating refugee status across generations and reliance on locally recruited staff linked to local political factions. UN Watch urges international donors to disregard UNRWA's self-reported progress metrics and demand independent verification before resuming full funding.
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