UNRWA Leader Speaks Out at United Nations, Stresses Importance of Palestinian Refugee Education
New York — In a heartfelt speech to the United Nations General Assembly, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the crucial role his agency plays in educating generations of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, is often the only source of education for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children, especially in areas without public education systems.
Lazzarini emphasized that UNRWA’s schools promote human rights, gender equality, and UN values like tolerance and cultural respect. “Without UNRWA, an entire generation of refugee children would be denied their right to education,” he warned, adding that this could lead to severe consequences like marginalization and vulnerability to abuse.
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He also spoke out against recent attempts by Israeli lawmakers to ban UNRWA, claiming such moves would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has already forced children to miss two years of schooling. Israel’s recent law restricts UNRWA from operating within Israeli territory, sparking criticism from international allies who fear the move will further destabilize the region.
Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s spokesperson, also responded strongly, stating that past attempts to dismantle UNRWA “failed miserably.” She criticized Israel’s recent actions, noting, “It’s outrageous that a UN member state is actively working to dismantle a UN agency that is the largest humanitarian responder in Gaza.”
Lazzarini concluded by urging global leaders to continue supporting UNRWA, saying, “The future of Palestine Refugees is our shared responsibility.