GAZA, October 17, 2006 (WAFA) - United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) marked on Tuesday the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in the Palestinian territory.

Yesterday, 483,517 refugee pupils stood up against poverty in all five UNRWA fields: Gaza, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. This gives a remarkable total of 4.4% of all those who stood between the 15th and 16th October to eradicate poverty all over the world.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was marked by the UN-organized 'Stand Up Against Poverty' which received huge commitment and support from Palestine refugee children.

The children across all five fields relished the activity. In Gaza, where the Commissioner General Karen AbuZayd was present, Tasneim aged 12 years from Beach Camp Co-Ed School, gave a speech where she poignantly said:

"We as Palestinian children know exactly what poverty is: we can see our people living it day by day all over the country. This is the reason why we are sending our message to the whole world. We as the children of this land urge you to secure for us a better life, and a better education away from poverty. Poverty stands as a huge stone in the way of our dreams and abilities to step forward in lif".

She closed her speech by thanking all those around the world who stood in unison with the children of the OPT.

For 24 hours around the five fields, the calls of 'No to Poverty!' were heard in 663 UNRWA schools across the region. The Commissioner General reminded the children in Gaza that their stand, as well as calling to attention the promises of world leaders, was also an acknowledgment of the promise they can make to themselves 'to work hard at school, to live peaceful lives, and to stay away from violence of all kinds'. Though the suffering of millions around the world was the focus of the day, there was also jubilation and excitement from the children who stood up against poverty - as they became active participants in making their rights to freedom and justice happen.

H.M. (23:46 P) (21:46 GMT)