Policy Briefs

PB1 – Does UNWRA need an executive board?

Policy Brief 1 highlights the governance structure of UNWRA in comparison with other UN subsidiary organs. It explains the function and advantages of an executive board, concluding with a proposal for future action.

PB2 – Ten Reasons for the UK Government to Support UNRWA

Policy Brief 2 highlights key political, moral and practical reasons why the UK government should support UNWRA. The paper highlights UNWRA as a key regional humanitarian organisation, as well as a potential source of soft power and global leadership.

PB3 – The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion Relating to UNRWA in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Policy Brief 3 explains the context and conclusions of the ICJ 2025 Advisory Opinion on UNWRA. The paper highlights key points in the Advisory Opinion, including Israel’s ongoing violations against Palestine, rebuttal of terrorism allegations against UNWRA, and the binding commitments the state of Israel has to respect UNWRA staff.

PB4 – The Information War on UNRWA

Policy Brief 4 describes the development of an ongoing campaign of misinformation and unsubstantiated allegations levelled against UNRWA. It focuses on the purpose and origins of this campaign escalated by the Israeli government and its significant impact on UNWRA’s reputation and finances.

PB5 – UNRWA: The Urgent Need for an Executive Board

Policy Brief 5 examines the need for reforms in UNWRA’s governance structure in light of the unprecedented disinformation campaign levelled against the organisation. It explores incentives for reform, processes through which reforms may be implemented and emphasises the urgency necessary for effective change.

PB6: The Operational and Financial Crisis Facing UNRWA

Policy Brief 6 highlights UNWRA’s role as a protector of Palestinian refugee rights, and practical recommendations on how this role can be strengthened. The brief focuses on the consolidation of UNWRA’s archives and refugee registration system, acknowledgment of the Nakba and the need to produce a historical account of events, reaffirmation of the legal framework applicable to Palestine refugees and the issuing of a Note on UNRWA’s Mandate.

PB7 – Strengthening UNRWA’s Protection Role

Policy Brief 7 highlights UNWRA’s role as a protector of Palestinian refugee rights, and practical recommendations on how this role can be strengthened. The brief focuses on the consolidation of UNWRA’s archives and refugee registration system, acknowledgment of the Nakba and the need to produce a historical account of events, reaffirmation of the legal framework applicable to Palestine refugees and the issuing of a Note on UNRWA’s Mandate.

PB8 – The Benefits of Sustaining UNRWA and the Costs of Not Doing So

Policy Brief 8 describes the current crisis of structure and financing facing UNWRA. It highlights the benefits of sustaining UNWRA’s vital work, providing basic rights and essential services and contributing to regional stability and the likely costs of failing to do so.

PB9 -10 Reasons why UN member states should support UNRWA

UNRWA is facing a financial and political crisis due to the withdrawal of funding by key UN donor states, primarily the US. The Strategic Assessment of UNRWA concluded that UNRWA will collapse unless urgent action is taken to strengthen its governance structure and to sustain its financing. This Policy Brief highlights ten reasons why it is in the interest of UN member states to support UNRWA.

PB10 – UNRWA’s Contribution to Early Recovery in Gaza

UNRWA is one of the United Nations’ largest operational humanitarian and development agencies in the Middle East region. This Policy Brief aims to answer the questions: how does UNRWA currently contribute to humanitarian assistance, education, health, water and sanitation in Gaza, as well as how it contributes to governance, socio-economic development and stabilization in the context of plans for Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction.