Thread by @UNWatch

.@TheCJN: “Canada is failing to uphold its values when it comes to racist and antisemitic teachers at UN-run schools for Palestinian children, which Ottawa helps fund. That’s the view of Hillel Neuer, the Montreal-born executive director of UN Watch.”
:thecjn.ca/un-watch-uncov…

In reply to the UN Watch report, the Canadian foreign ministry told The CJN:

“Canada is concerned by the allegations that certain employees of UNRWA posted comments on social media that appear to violate UN values, including the principle of neutrality.

“Canada and like-minded donor governments are engaging closely with UNRWA as it follows up on these allegations.

“Humanitarian principles, including neutrality, represent a core commitment and value of UN staff, as well as a key element of UNRWA’s regulatory framework.

“Neutrality is central to UNRWA’s operations and a condition for many donors, including Canada, to provide funding.”

CJN: The Canadian government’s reply noted UNRWA’s response to the allegations, saying the agency “is actively assessing each allegation of inappropriate use of social media.”

Neuer said Ottawa appears to be treating the issue as though the problem lies with social media posts.

“The problem isn’t the Facebook post; you can delete that,” he said. “If you have a racist teacher, then that person is removed. That’s what happens in Canada.”

The Canadian government response to the UN Watch report continued: “Canada and other donor governments expect UNRWA to uphold UN values and humanitarian principles, including neutrality, in all its activities. Canadian funding reinforces UNRWA’s ongoing efforts in this regard...

including work by UNRWA staff to identify, monitor, and follow up on violations of these principles.”

Neuer said he’s disappointed with Ottawa’s response. Canada is failing its duty, he added.

“Canada is a leader is the world in the fight against racism. It’s a leader in support for democracy and human rights at the UN...

...but they don’t seem to support that kind of an education for Palestinian students, (one) free of racism and antisemitism.”

He asked: “Are these people (named in the report) still teaching and if so, why? That’s my question for the Canadian government.

If these people are still teachers, then the system is failing. That’s the bottom line.”

Last December, Canada announced $90 million in new funding to UNRWA over three years. The Liberals reinstated funding in 2016 after Stephen Harper’s Conservatives froze it because of the agency’s ties to terrorist groups.