Evening Edition: UN Watchdog Says UNRWA Should Be Dismantled
Jan 7, 2025
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In a compelling conversation, Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch and a global advocate for UN reform, argues that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) should be dismantled. He highlights allegations of UNRWA's ties to Hamas and questions its effectiveness in aiding Palestinian refugees. Neuer emphasizes that the agency fosters dependency rather than finding sustainable solutions. He also discusses recent reports on the treatment of hostages taken by Hamas, calling for urgent changes in humanitarian aid approaches.
The UN Watchdog asserts that UNRWA perpetuates Palestinian refugee status for political motives, undermining genuine assistance and resettlement efforts.
UNRWA's educational practices have alarmingly contributed to terrorism, with reports indicating that the majority of October 7th attackers were alumni of its schools.
Deep dives
UNRWA's Misguided Purpose
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is accused of perpetuating the refugee status of Palestinians instead of helping them resettle. Unlike other UN agencies aimed at resettling refugees, UNRWA has maintained the Palestinian refugee status for generations, with over five billion dollars in aid from the U.S. and other nations without facilitating any meaningful resettlement. Critics argue that this dependency serves a political agenda aimed at eliminating Israel rather than genuinely assisting Palestinian people. UNRWA’s narrative promotes a sense of entitlement to return to territory within Israel, fostering a mindset of resistance as part of its educational mandate.
The Role of Terrorism in UNRWA's Educational System
A significant concern highlighted is the educational backdrop of UNRWA, which allegedly has produced a high number of individuals linked to terrorism. Reports suggest that around 90% of the terrorists involved in the October 7th attacks were educated in UNRWA-managed schools. This raises alarms about the agency's educational practices, as interviews with UNRWA's legal advisor revealed the troubling nature of its curriculum promoting anti-Israel sentiments. By perpetuating conflict through its education system, UNRWA is seen by some as enabling an ideological breeding ground for terrorism.
Global Accountability and Responses to UNRWA
Calls for accountability and significant policy changes regarding UNRWA have intensified, with various nations reconsidering their funding. The U.S. Congress has begun to freeze aid to UNRWA, pushing for a reevaluation of the agency's role in the ongoing conflict. Other countries like Sweden and Switzerland have announced or supported cuts to funding, emphasizing a shift towards accountability rather than perpetual support. Critics emphasize that meaningful reform is needed, asserting that without systemic changes, UNRWA's role in the conflict will remain problematic.
A United Nations watchdog group says the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, should be shutdown because it promotes and commits acts against humanity. The Geneva based 'UN Watch' accuses UNRWA of putting high ranking Hamas leaders in positions of management and promoting the destruction of Israel. The latest call to end UNRWA comes when the Israeli Health Ministry has issued a report on their findings on the treatment of hostages taken by Hamas following the October 7th terror attack.
FOX’s Eben Brown speaks with Hillel Neuer, the Executive Director of UN Watch, has testified before the United Nations and has been traveling the world to promote replacing UNRWA with another relief effort.
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