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UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act
3/14/2024, 7:54 AM
Summary of Bill S 431
The bill aims to address concerns about the use of US taxpayer funds by UNRWA, which has been accused of supporting terrorism and promoting anti-Israel propaganda. It requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the financial transparency and accountability of UNRWA, as well as any steps taken to ensure that US funds are not being used for illicit purposes.
Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to report on the number of Palestinian refugees receiving assistance from UNRWA, as well as the number of individuals who are descendants of Palestinian refugees. This information is intended to provide greater transparency and accountability for the agency's operations. Overall, the UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act seeks to ensure that US taxpayer funds are being used responsibly and effectively by UNRWA, and to address concerns about the agency's activities. It is currently being considered by Congress and has the potential to impact US policy towards UNRWA and Palestinian refugees in the future.
Congressional Summary of S 431
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.
