"UNRWA Under Scrutiny: Challenges and Controversies"

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed an independent panel to conduct an assessment of UNRWA, the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees, following accusations of staff involvement in attacks against Israel. The panel, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, will work with research organizations to examine UNRWA's neutrality and response to allegations, with an interim report expected in late March and a final report in late April. This review is in response to a request from the UNRWA Commissioner-General and will run parallel to an investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services. The panel will identify procedures, make recommendations, and assess the agency's mechanisms and procedures in the context of its operational, political, and security environment.