Neutrality is a UN commitment as one of the four “humanitarian principles” formally adopted by the General Assembly, and endorsed by UNRWA. The humanitarian principles ultimately derive from the UN Charter and are the standards against which the UN and other agencies carrying out humanitarian work are assessed by all stakeholders.
Neutrality is understood to mean that irrespective of their personal beliefs and opinions “[h] umanitarian actors must not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.” For the international humanitarian community, neutrality is a key requirement to carry out its work. It is a crucial element for the independent operation of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies. Neutrality helps create what is often referred to as “humanitarian space”, which is essential for the effective delivery of services during peace and conflict.
The Agency’s mandate is to assist and protect Palestine refugees. Neutrality is essential for implementing that mandate. Neutrality is a core obligation and value of UN staff. It is essential for maintaining trust in the Agency and an important condition to attract and secure donor funding.
The Agency’s adherence to UN values and neutrality also means that there are restrictions on the provision of assistance to any person named on relevant UN Sanctions lists, persons who have financed terrorist acts contrary to the Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, or persons who are militants or involved in militant organizations.
As a neutral, impartial UN agency providing humanitarian assistance, UNRWA has a legal framework for operations that safeguards UN neutrality vis-à-vis staff, third parties, including partners, use of UNRWA installations and the provision of assistance to beneficiaries. In February 2017, the Agency issued the Neutrality Framework, which is a repository of standards, practices and procedures with regard to neutrality.
The UNRWA Neutrality Framework proscribes a broad range of conduct, including – but going beyond – conduct falling within donor conditions relating to neutrality.
For example, staff member involvement in a militant group or terrorist activities would be a serious breach of UNRWA’s Staff Regulations and Rules and result in dismissal from service.
UNRWA processes and mechanisms supporting UN neutrality
There are many Agency processes and mechanisms for implementation and enforcement of its rules, regulations and policies relating to UN neutrality vis-àvis staff, partners, suppliers, donors and Palestine refugees. The Agency’s Chief of Staff is the focal point for neutrality and plays a fundamental role in strengthening processes for ensuring neutrality.
