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UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act
2/1/2024, 8:30 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1102
The bill aims to address concerns about the use of US taxpayer funds by UNRWA, which has been accused of supporting terrorism and perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The legislation requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the financial transparency and accountability of UNRWA, including how US funds are being used and whether they are being used in accordance with US law.
Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to certify that UNRWA is taking steps to ensure that its employees and facilities are not being used to support terrorism. It also calls for the US to withhold funding to UNRWA if it is found to be supporting terrorism or violating US law. Overall, the UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act seeks to hold UNRWA accountable for its actions and ensure that US taxpayer funds are being used in a responsible and transparent manner.
Congressional Summary of HR 1102
UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act
This bill makes changes to U.S. foreign policy in matters concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
For purposes of this policy, the bill defines Palestinian refugee as a person who (1) resided from June 1946 to May 1948 in Mandatory Palestine (a region controlled by Britain until 1948), (2) was personally displaced as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, and (3) has not accepted citizenship or other permanent adjustment in status in another country. Furthermore, under U.S. policy, derivative refugee status may only extend to the spouse or minor child of such a Palestinian refugee.
The bill withholds U.S. funding for the UNRWA unless the Department of State makes certifications concerning the UNRWA's staff, partners, and funding. Specifically, the State Department must certify that neither UNRWA staff and partners nor its funding and facilities are affiliated with terrorism or disseminating certain rhetoric, such as calling for the destruction of Israel or describing Israelis as occupiers or settlers. Additionally, the State Department must certify that the UNRWA is (1) subject to comprehensive independent financial audits, and (2) not affiliated with any financial institutions complicit in money laundering or terror financing.
The State Department must also implement a plan to encourage other countries to align their UNRWA-related activities with U.S. policy objectives, including the phaseout of the UNRWA by resettling Palestinian refugees outside of Israel.
