It is understood that this document constitutes mutual commitments by Global Affairs Canada and UNRWA, and is therefore not intended to be legally binding.
UNRWA delivers education, primary health care, relief and social services, infrastructure and camp improvement, and emergency and other assistance to Palestine refugees in its areas of operation. Canada expects all its partners to be accountable for the assistance they provide to beneficiaries with Canadian funding.
In recent years, UNRWA has implemented reform initiatives to improve management capacity, increase program quality and efficiency, and increase financial sustainability and accountability. Global Affairs Canada is particularly interested in:. Neutrality is critically important to United Nations humanitarian agencies to gain and maintain the confidence of all and to operate independently, safely and effectively, especially in politically-charged or conflict situations.
In addition to these efforts, Global Affairs Canada expects UNRWA to respond, as appropriate, to address credible allegations of neutrality violations, if they arise. Canada expects its development and humanitarian assistance funding to deliver results for the intended beneficiaries and expects UNRWA to report on these outcomes. Global Affairs Canada recognizes that UNRWA operates in a highly volatile and fragile environment, where political actions and violent conflict often place limitations on the delivery of its services.
Likewise, UNRWA recognizes that Canada has specific anti-terrorism legislation requirements and that Global Affairs Canada seeks to fulfill its national obligations on anti-terrorism through specific provisions in financial instruments. In the interest of meeting the goals and achieving the results outlined under this Framework for Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada and UNRWA remain committed to continuous information sharing, cooperation, and collaboration at all levels. Engagement in the Advisory Commission will present the opportunity for Canada to advance and steer ongoing reforms related to governance, effectiveness, and financial administration.
