Palestine Welcomes UNESCO's Resolution Supporting UNRWA's Continuation Of Operations

JAKARTA - The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the ratification of a resolution by the UNESCO Executive Council during its eighth extraordinary session on Monday, highlighting the important role of the United Nations Agency for Assistance and Work for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), as well as supporting the continuation of its operations and mandates, particularly in the field of education, which is the main focus of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In a statement issued on Monday evening the ministry stressed that the decision had important significance for UNRWA mandates and UNESCO's work in the fields of culture, education and science, values that Israel constantly wants to undermine, as a occupation force, particularly in relation to Palestinian refugee rights.

The ministry says Palestine has one of the lowest illiteracy rates worldwide, as a result of UNRWA's efforts to promote education and offer educational opportunities for Palestinian children, youth, and refugees.

Therefore, the ministry expresses its deepest gratitude to the countries that support the decision, either by sponsoring or voting in favor, as well as to the Kingdom of Jordan, all Arab countries and friendly countries at UNESCO who participated in this extraordinary session.

"Unfortunately, the position of some countries has hampered the achievement of a full consensus. However, 50 of the 58 countries' support for the decision marked a significant victory in supporting the rights of Palestinian refugees and strengthening UNRWA's role in this regard."

The UNESCO Executive Board with a majority vote adopts a resolution that supports the sustainability of UNRWA educational activities in occupied Palestinian territories during an extraordinary eighth session on Monday, underscoring UNESCO's commitment to ensuring access to education for Palestinian refugees.

Fifty of the 58 member states voted in favor of the resolution, two abstain countries, two countries were not present when the vote took place and four countries opposed it.

The UNESCO Executive Council's extraordinary hearing was held at the request of twelve member countries, namely Chile, Cuba, Djibouti, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Spain and Turkey.

The ministry urged countries opposing the decision, especially the United States, to reconsider their stance and align themselves with the majority of laws and morals supporting UNRWA and UNESCO's work.

In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that UNRWA cannot be replaced, and its operations cannot be reduced or stopped.

"No other organization has the capacity, expertise, and institutional structure to replace UNRWA or redeem its knowledge and experience collected," the ministry said.

The ministry also urged all international countries and actors to support and maintain the mandate of UNRWA, until the rights of Palestinian refugees are met and a fair settlement for their problems is achieved, in line with international law and United Nations resolution, particularly Resolution 194, which affirms the right of refugees to return to their homes from which they were forcibly expelled.