• Canaconda@lemmy.ca
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      3 days ago

      I’ve copied the relevant parts from that link below since I did not read anything validating those allegations.

      The Claim: Textbooks used in UNRWA schools glorify terrorists and promote hatred of Israel.

      The Facts: UNRWA uses host government textbooks, in line with UN best practice for providing quality education in refugee settings. UNRWA reviews all textbooks used in its schools to identify sections that may not be in line with UN values and UNESCO standards for teaching. UNRWA has no tolerance for hate speech and inciting discrimination, or violence. Independent analysts and international education experts have vouched for the quality and content of the education that UNRWA provides in its schools.

      Using host country curriculums in refugee situations is standard for the UN around the world. It is a best practice that helps students pursue their education in host country education systems. The vast majority of UNRWA’s school system ends after grade 9, and most students transition to local schools for upper secondary, then university.

      UNRWA is one of the very few entities in the region that runs a programme on human rights, conflict resolution and tolerance.

      UNRWA teachers are trained to address any controversial content in the classroom, using guidance documents developed by UNRWA. The teachers are required to follow this approach and held accountable. When it comes to the Palestinian Authority textbooks, UNRWA refers systematically to UN positions on issues such as the occupation, borders, the separation barrier, and Jerusalem. UNRWA is not in a position to – nor is it mandated to – reconcile the Israeli and Palestinian narratives.

      In addition, an Education Expert Advisory Group, composed of globally recognised experts representing renowned institutions like UNESCO and the World Bank, advises UNRWA on a regular basis on its education programme. Regarding the textbooks produced by the Palestinian Authority, UNRWA’s own stance on these materials closely aligns with the findings from the Georg Eckert Institute’s study commissioned by the European Commission. .

      Other internationally recognised outside evaluations – including a 2021 World Bank-UNHCR study – demonstrated that UNRWA’s educational outcomes are among the best in the region and at the lowest cost per student.

      The Claim: A 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report allegedly said that UNRWA has not always implemented measures to address problematic content in school textbooks.

      The Facts: The 2019 report reaffirmed UNRWA’s unwavering commitment to UN values, and, where there was a need for better implementation, this was done – you can find our statement about this here.

      UNRWA undertakes regular reviews of all textbooks and learning material used in its schools for compatibility with UN values and UNESCO standards and reinforcing tolerance and human rights.

      The Claim: Rather than being part of the solution, UNRWA perpetuates the refugee problem, including by reminding Palestine Refugees of their history and telling them their home is in Israel.

      The Facts: When the UN General Assembly created UNRWA by passing resolution 302 in 1949, it did not mandate the Agency to resolve the Israeli Palestinian conflict nor the Palestine Refugee issue or find durable solutions for refugees.

      Rather, UNRWA was set up as temporary organisation to carry out “direct relief and works programmes” for Palestine Refugees.

      UNRWA has a humanitarian and development mandate, renewed every three years by the UN General Assembly, to provide assistance and protection to Palestine Refugees pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA delivers public services, especially basic education and healthcare.

      UNRWA is still in place 75 years later due to the failure by the international community to resolve a political problem.

      Palestine Refugees are like all other refugees. Under international law, refugees and their descendants may retain their status until a durable solution is found to the situation that made them refugees in the first place. As stated by the United Nations, this principle applies to all refugees and both UNRWA and UNHCR have recognised descendants as refugees on this basis.

      UN General Assembly resolution 194 precedes and differs from resolution 302, which established UNRWA. The Agency does not have the mandate for durable solutions, including to return or resettle Palestine Refugees.