CJPME (Canadian for Justice and Peace in the Middle East) continues to distort the truth in its reporting of events in the Middle East and Canadian foreign policy. In their most recent campaign on UNRWA funding, they claim that “Last week, the Harper government quietly announced that after decades of support, Canada was ceasing aid to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).”
In fact, what took place was a reallocation of Canadian aid within UNRWA, not the “complete cessation” CJPME would have parliamentarians believe. In a change of policy, the Canadian government decided to reallocate its annual $11m general contribution to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) to direct food aid to the Palestinians. Of course, the food aid program remains an integral part of UNRWA.
The apparent rationale behind the decision flows from concerns by the government about the lack of transparency and accountability regarding UNRWA’s expenditure of Canadian funds within its general operation budget. By limiting Canada’s contribution to a narrow and defined budget within UNRWA, CIDA officials are better able to ensure that Canadian funds are not misused while maintaining its commitment to assist Palestinians.
CJPME’s allegations that “Canada’s decision deals a severe blow both financially and psychologically to the Palestinian refugees, and to Canadian principles of justice and humanitarian concern” is patently false, and a shameful mischaracterization.
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