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UN chief relieved over starting of school year for Palestine children

Xinhua, August 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is greatly relieved that 500,000 students in United Nations schools across the Middle East will start their school year on time, said a statement of the secretary-general's spokesperson issued Wednesday.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will be able to open its school year, safeguarding the education of 500,000 students in United Nations schools across the Middle East, said the statement.

"He (the secretary-general) stresses that education is a right, and that rights delayed are rights denied. Thanks to the generosity of UN Member States and tireless fund-raising efforts, that right can now be realized," it said.

According to UNRWA, students will return to school according to plan in Palestine on Aug. 24, in Jordan on Sept, 1, in Lebanon on Sept. 7 and in Syria on Sept. 13.

The secretary-general has personally been involved in raising the issue of UNRWA funding at the highest political levels, since UNRWA suffered unprecedented financial shortfall for 2015.

On Aug. 4, UN chief called on all donors to contribute 100 million U.S. dollars to UNRWA so that Palestine children can begin their 2015-2016 school year without delay.

Ban reaffirmed his commitment to working with Member States to place UNRWA on a solid financial footing to avoid a situation where the agency is forced to the brink of a decision that would have had tragic human consequences, said the statement.

"For them education is a passport to dignity, offering an escape from the poverty trap to a life of prosperity and security. He emphasizes that we must stand by them and the agency that serves them," it added.

"The governments of host countries, in particular, the State of Palestine; the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Lebanon, have spared no effort during this challenging period. The secretary-general expresses his sincere gratitude for their support," it said.

UNRWA provides humanitarian assistance, human development, protection, and advocacy for some 5 million registered Palestinian refugees living in the West Bank, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Approximately 98 percent of UNRWA's funding comes from voluntary contributions made by UN member-states and generous donations from private organizations and individuals, according to the agency's website. Endit