Bill Overview
Title: UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act
Description: 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 engaged in the dissemination of 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 subject to comprehensive independent financial audits and is unaffiliated with any financial institutions that the United States considers to be complicit in money laundering or terror financing. The State Department must also implement a plan to encourage other countries to align their activities and efforts regarding the UNRWA with U.S. policy objectives, including the phaseout of the UNRWA by resettling Palestinian refugees outside of Israel.
Sponsors: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Target Audience
Population: Palestinian refugees from the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict and their derivatives
Estimated Size: 5000
- The primary group impacted are Palestinian refugees defined under the bill as those displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict and residing in Mandatory Palestine between 1946 and 1948.
- The bill also impacts descendants of these refugees who may have obtained derivatively refugee status.
- UNRWA, its staff, and its partners are directly affected by the conditions on U.S. funding and operational requirements.
- Countries hosting Palestinian refugees might experience changes in refugee populations and international relations concerning UNRWA operations.
- Other countries contributing funds or resources to UNRWA may adjust their policies in response to the U.S. stance.
Reasoning
- The primary group impacted includes those directly affected by changing UNRWA funding and diplomatic policies, such as Palestinian refugees and UNRWA-affiliated personnel.
- Another group includes U.S. citizens and entities working in foreign policy and Middle Eastern relations who might see professional impacts or ethical concerns.
- Considering budget constraints, the interviews will focus on a variety of stakeholders' perspectives, including individuals unaffected for factual balance.
- The U.S. citizen population directly working with UNRWA and related advocacy likely comprises professionals who will articulate the broader geopolitical implications.
Simulated Interviews
Middle East Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about the potential destabilizing effects of reducing UNRWA support.
- There needs to be more focus on diplomatic solutions rather than funding cuts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Finance Professional (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the U.S. should focus on domestic issues before international aid.
- It's important to ensure our foreign aid isn't misused.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Navy Officer (Los Angeles)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need transparency and accountability from organizations receiving U.S. funds.
- Phasing out UNRWA needs accompanied by sustainable policies for affected people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
International Aid Worker (Chicago)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Restricting funds will disrupt crucial aid services.
- A more constructive approach could prevent potential harm to refugees.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Houston)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't have a strong opinion; focus should be practical use of funds.
- I hope it's used wisely for actual needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
University Professor (San Francisco)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important to adhere to humanitarian principles when reallocating aid.
- Reductions in aid funding must not compromise civilian welfare.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (Philadelphia)
Age: 21 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The U.S. should ensure its policies support global stability.
- Transparency is crucial, but so is maintaining aid to vulnerable populations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired Educator (Miami)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any aid action should ensure children can continue their education.
- It is essential to evaluate long-term impacts of aid restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Freelance Journalist (Austin)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could influence multiple facets of international relations.
- Aid policies need to be both principled and pragmatic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Research Scientist (Seattle)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need better metrics for choosing aid beneficiaries.
- Targeted actions within UNRWA can make funds go further.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $18000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $28000000)
Year 3: $16000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $26000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- This policy shifts U.S. foreign aid dynamics significantly, influencing not just Palestinian refugees but also broader Middle East relations.
- The policy's success depends heavily on the international community following U.S. lead on UNRWA's phaseout.
- There could be geopolitical effects if service disruptions destabilize refugee-hosting regions.
- Long-term financial costs or savings may evolve differently based on global response and new refugee support frameworks.