Written question asked by Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Palestine: Education

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East’s (UNRWA) implementation of Recommendation 35 of the Colonna Review, which calls for the removal of hate speech, incitement to violence, and antisemitic references from educational materials in UNRWA schools; and what evidence they have that UK-funded support has contributed to progress on that reform.

Answer: The UK continues to support implementation of the Colonna Report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to ensure they meet the highest standards on neutrality and integrity. 21 recommendations from the report have been completed, recommendation 35 is in progress. As per UNRWA's internal regulations, all references to hate speech, incitement to violence, and/or antisemitism are strictly banned from host-country textbooks, where locally produced supplements and materials are developed by UNRWA for use in its schools. The textbook review process in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria has been finalised, with findings shared with host countries and further dialogue taking place to address outstanding issues in line with UN and UNESCO standards.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL12025
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Education Development aid Incitement Reform Palestine Schools Antisemitism UNRWA Hate crime
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk